This 200 (minimum) hour planned, mentored, and evaluated work experience (paid or unpaid) gives you the real-world opportunity to integrate and apply knowledge, skills, and values from Year One of your Gillings MPH training in a professional public health setting such as a nonprofit organization, hospital, local or state health department, or for-profit firm (public or private sectors).

You’ll have support as you work to identify a partner and project, develop ideas that can benefit both you and your partner organization, and then bring these ideas to fruition. And upon completion, you will have a portfolio of products that demonstrate your attainments to future employers.

Practicum Courses

SPHG 701: MPH Practicum Preparation (2 credits)

• Hones students’ skills to identify, secure, and plan for practicum placements that will advance their career goals.
• Trains students on how to professionally, ethically, and meaningfully engage with practicum organizations and their stakeholders.

SPHG 702: MPM Practicum Reflection (1 credit)

• Facilitates critical reflection on, and sharing of, practicum experiences.
• Helps students translate their practicum work into their long-term career goals.

Practicum Requirements

• Provide 200 (minimum) hours to the practicum organization
• Produce at least 2 deliverables for practicum organization
• Receive mentorship from a public health professional
• Carry out practicum within countries approved for student travel
• Apply graduate-level skills & competencies

Practicum Support

• Practicum coordinators
• Academic adviser
• School & University career services

Practicum Day

Each year we celebrate the many productive collaborations among students, faculty, staff and community partners. Learn more about the Gillings School Practicum Day celebration.

Questions?

Contact Meg Landfried, MPH Practicum Director, at landfried@unc.edu