Internships
Every Public Health student is required to complete a 250 contact hour/6 credit public health-focused internship before graduation. This is a chance for students gain professional public health experience, start networking, and determine post-graduation plans. Below is a list of answers to some common questions about internships.
When Can I Do My Internship?
In order to be eligible to enroll in your credit-based internship:
- You must have completed HPS 350
- You must have already applied and been accepted to the professional Public Health part of the major
- You must complete the internship orientation
- You can do all 6 credits during one semester or split it up and do two separate internships in two separate semesters.
- You may do your internship over the summer (do note tuition is required for summer enrollment so plan accordingly!)
- You may also do your internship the summer following the College of Public Health graduation ceremony ONLY IF these are your remaining units to complete the degree. In other words, you can walk with your class in May, complete your internship and then officially graduate and receive your diploma in August.
Will My Advisor Help Me?
Yes, your advisor is happy to talk you to you about recommended timing of your internship, how you go about finding internship options, and how to narrow down your choices.
You will also watch the internship orientation video the semester prior to your internship. During this orientation, you'll learn what kinds of opportunities qualify for public health credit, how to secure an internship, and what paperwork needs completed. While it is your job to secure the internship, we understand this is a first for most of you so we will help you get there!
Can I Do More Than One Internship?
Yes! Many students decide to split the internship up into two internships (for three unit enrollment each semester). We also allow you to complete up to 6 credits of your public health electives through internship credits, so potentially you could gain public health work experience through four internships before you even graduate! To be eligible for the elective internships you must have HPS 178, HPS 200 and six other public health credits completed.