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Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in Health Systems

MSPH Practicum

In addition to completing the requisite coursework, students must gain practical experience in the application of the principles and methods learned through a practicum. Ideally, students will complete their practicums abroad. The Department has many field sites across the world where students are often placed. Faculty and staff also help students find opportunities with other global health organizations. 

Practicum Manager

Lisa Folda, MHS '05, is the Practicum and Alumni Partnerships Manager for the Department of International Health. She works closely with faculty, alumni, and employers to establish practicum programs and mentorship experiences for the Department's MSPH students. She facilitates career development and placement strategies to help prepare our students to become successful public health practitioners. Ms. Folda, a Bloomberg School alumna, has a background in both student advising and public health practice. She is dedicated to making meaningful connections that benefit both students in their learning and practicum sites in their important work. 

Practicum Examples

Typical practicum experiences include working in health programs directly serving disadvantaged populations in low- and middle-income countries. Examples of places where our students have completed their practicum include UNICEF, UNAIDS, USAID, WHO, PAHO, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Catholic Relief Services, Save the Children, and through various Johns Hopkins-affiliated institutes.

Organization Topic

Clinton Health Access Initiative

National HIV/AIDS response, Vietnam

Gates Foundation

Vaccine delivery 

Marie Stopes International 

Assessing clinic attendance and client satisfaction

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Health industries management consulting

UNICEF

Knowledge management implementation research unit

World Relief

Evaluation of a community participatory program for TB case detections and treatment support