MSPH Practicum Criteria

The MSPH Practicum is a critical—and required—component of our MSPH students’ learning. 

A practicum is also sometimes called an internship or applied learning experience. 

Practicums afford students the opportunity to:

• Integrate and apply skills they develop during the first year of their MSPH degree program.
• Take on responsibilities as a team member.
• Participate in implementation and evaluation required to achieve project goals.
• Develop their leadership and management style.

By completing a practicum at an organization, our students will be better prepared for a seamless transition into the public health workforce after graduation.

The criteria for a qualifying practicum are as follows:

• Applies public health skills and competencies.
• Is framed and carried out within a public health practice context with an established organization or agency.
• Is supervised by a qualified preceptor.
• Is an evaluated experience.
• Is a significant experience.

These qualifiers are intentionally broad, and it is important to note that there is flexibility to structure a practicum that best serves the organization, project, or study.  The information below is for your reference, but our Practicum Manager is happy to discuss the details of your needs and preferences with you. 

Duration of practicum: 2-10 months
To satisfy the requirement, students must complete the equivalent of 4 months of full-time work.  But they are permitted to participate at more than one site in order to reach this amount of time.  Longer assignments generally allow for more depth in the student’s understanding and also what they are able to contribute to the team's work. Positions may be full or part-time. A majority of our students are searching for full-time roles. 

Application Timeframe: The majority of students are most actively looking in February through April for a June/July start.  But since many opt for more than one experience, opportunities can come in any time of year. 

Compensation: Compensation is not required but encouraged. Any offered will generate more student interest, and can come in the form of a stipend, hourly wage, accommodations, or support for travel. 

Work Modality: In-person, hybrid, and remote work are all acceptable and sought by students. 

Expectations of Preceptor: Supportive supervision, review of final deliverables, submission of feedback on the student’s work.  Please see additional details here.

What you can expect in return:

• All students are coached on professional communication and transitioning from being in an academic setting to being a junior member of a team. 
• Students are required to produce at least two deliverables for their practicum site. These are concrete products that should benefit your work and ideally outlast their time on your team. 
• Over the course of their time with you, students should be assigned responsibilities and duties they can ‘own’.  But they should also be adaptable; this is an important skill to cultivate.  If your project, timeline, or priorities change, they will grow as young professionals in learning to pivot, re-engage, and apply their knowledge in new ways.