Public health undergraduate internship

Public Health Undergraduate Internships

Public Health Undergraduate Program

The internship is completed in a public health setting which can include health departments, OSU Extension Service, nonprofit organizations such as schools, local shelters, clinics, hospitals, and international internships.

The internship is a 12 credit experience for the Public Health major (Health Management and Policy, HMP, Health Promotion and Health Behavior, HPHB and the General option).

It can be split into two terms, 6 credits each term. For double option students, it is 18 credits. For more information on the internship process go to the Before the Internship section.

Please review the Undergraduate Internship Requirements for the complete hours description and range.

How to get an internship

Are you an undergraduate public health student at OSU eager to kickstart your career with a hands-on internship? This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the internship process.

Discover how you can complete your required 252 to 360 hours in one or two terms, and even switch sites between terms for a diverse experience. Learn how to set up an internship at your current workplace with different duties, and explore our curated list of suggested sites. We also offer invaluable resources for crafting standout resumes and cover letters.

Whether you choose an online or on-campus option, we’ve got you covered. Watch now and take the first step towards a successful public health career!

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Courses

H439 Public Health General Option Internship

H439 provides an opportunity for public health students to gain a field experience under the guidance of the preceptor at a public health-related organization and apply health equity lens. Allows students to choose an internship in local, domestic and global settings in order to their needs and specific interests.

H459 Health Management and Policy Option Internship

H459 emphasizes directed field experience with a focus on health management and policy projects and activities that are completed with a public health related organization including health departments, hospitals, schools, shelters, and other community organizations. Provides individually arranged experience to meet student needs and specific health management and policy interests.

  • Please see the H459 syllabus for the specific details.
  • The prerequisites are H419 and H436.
  • Please note that H436 can be a co-requisite if needed.

H469 Health Promotion and Health Behavior Option Internship

H469 emphasizes directed field experience with a focus on health promotion and health behavior projects and activities that are completed with a public health related organization including health departments, hospitals, schools, shelters, and other community organizations. Provides individually arranged experience to meet student needs and specific health promotion and health behavior interests.

Deadlines

Deadlines for internship registration approval

The Learning Agreement (located in step 3 on the Before the Internship section on this website) must be emailed to the internship coordinator by the following dates.

Spring Term 2025

If you want to intern in:

Spring term 2025

The Learning Agreement is due:

February 26, 2025
11:59 p.m. PST

Summer term 2025

If you want to intern in:

Summer term 2025

The Learning Agreement is due:

May 21, 2025
11:59 p.m. PDT

(Summer Session 1 only, a final extension will be provided until June 7)

Fall Term 2025

If you want to intern in:

Fall term 2025

The Learning Agreement is due:

August 13, 2025
11:59 p.m. PDT

Winter Term 2026

If you want to intern in:

Winter term 2026

The Learning Agreement is due:

November 19, 2025
11:59 p.m. PST

Scholarships

There is a new College of Health scholarship for required Experiential Learning opportunities including internships! Learn more at Experiential Learning Scholarship.

Undergraduate certificate in aging studies

Students earning a baccalaureate degree in any major at OSU may earn a Certificate in Aging Studies.

Certificates increase students' employability in the many professional areas related to aging. Certification in aging studies is a nationally recognized way of identifying professionals' academic study in aging.

The Certificate in Aging Studies requires 27 hours of study and includes a required core through which students study aging as an interactive process of physical, social, and psychological forces.

Visit requirements and declare the gerontology certificate.

Internship and job listserv

Join the Public Health internships and Jobs email list.

Secure your internship

Video: Ten Steps to Securing an Internship

Internship postings

Internship Site Listing

 It is encouraged to also research additional sites based on your interests, your network, and use LinkedIn.

Information or questions

For more information or questions about the Public Health Undergraduate Internship Program contact Public Health Internship Coordinator Karen Elliott, CHES, MS, PhD or schedule a meeting during her office hours.

Request a Reference or Letter of Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Have a question? Be sure to look through the FAQS first.

Internship experiences

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students in class

What you can do with a BS in Public Health

Check out these common post-graduation career paths to see what you can do during your time at Oregon State to become a competitive applicant and thrive no matter your path.

Career paths