The Practicum is an essential part of the Master of Public Health curriculum and is intended to provide hands-on experience in the field of public health. The Practicum is an opportunity for students to apply and test public health concepts and theories in practical settings and strengthen their public health competencies.
The Practicum accounts for three academic credits (135 hours) and must be conducted in partnership with an agency or organization that provides a public health service in the broad sense of public health. The Practicum Organization may be a local health department, non-profit organization or for-profit organization that provides public health services.
The Practicum is supported by a supervisory team, which helps the student define, plan, and implement the Practicum. The team consists of:
- Practicum Faculty Advisor - a core faculty member from the Program in Public Health
- Preceptor - an employee from the Practicum Organization
- MPH Practicum Coordinator and Practicum Placement and Community Engagement Coordinator - the Program in Public Health team who oversees the Practicum process to ensure that all requirements are met
MPH Competencies: At least five competencies must be addressed during the Practicum experience: three Foundational Competencies and two Concentration Competencies. To identify the competencies that students can select for their practicum please click here.
Practicum Timing & Planning
- Full-time students (including international students) start the Practicum after completing most core courses and no later than their last academic year in the program.
- Part-time students (including MD/MPH students) start the Practicum after completing most core courses.
- Ideas for Practicum projects may come from student interests, faculty suggestions, community agencies, and coursework.
- Students must attend the Practicum Information Session and complete a Practicum Proposal before beginning work on their Practicum and prior to registering for the practicum course (HPH 580).
Practicum Documents & Resources
Practicum Manual (2024-2025 Academic Year)
For information on past and current practicum opportunities, please contact the Practicum Placement & Community Engagement Coordinator, Paige Corwin.
