College of Public Health

Career Services - MPH Practicum

The field practice placement is an integral component of professional training in public health and is required of all MPH students. It should afford the student a significant opportunity to apply theoretical learning toward the achievement of practical goals and skills. This is done under the supervision of a preceptor and sponsoring faculty member.

The principal objectives of the experience are to:

• Apply knowledge, techniques and tools acquired in the classroom
• Provide the student with practical experience in an applied public health and/or community health setting
• Develop skills in the field of study
• Give the student an opportunity to learn how one particular organization functions
• Explore a career choice

Experience has shown that one of the best ways to accomplish these objectives is for the preceptor and the student, with faculty consultation, to define tasks and projects of importance to the organization and of interest to the student. These will assist the student in developing new skills and in gaining technical and managerial competence in selected areas.