Internships

An integral part of the MPH program is the internship, a structured and supervised field training experience with an approved agency for which students receive academic credit. As a working partnership between students and public health agencies, the field training experience offers students a rotation through an area of public health practice in a county, state, federal or community-based agency.

The goal of the internship is to further students’ practical experience while enhancing the work of public health.  Through field training hours and associated course requirements, students have the opportunity to demonstrate an integration of coursework into a real-world setting, preparing them for professional careers in public health. 

All students are required to complete a supervised internship in a setting involving public health practice (e.g., community-based organizations; clinical and school based settings; federal, state, local public health agencies). Learning opportunities available through participating agencies include health assessment, program design, intervention, evaluation, policy and advocacy, data management and analysis, and community organization. Students benefit from a wide variety of field study experiences both locally and abroad.

Addition information can be found in the MPH Internship Handbook, Course Syllabus, and orientation presentation.

Documentation is required from both the sponsoring agency and the student.  A description of relevant documents is provided below. Students should be aware of the timetable for submission of internship documentation.

Forms to be completed by the Agency

Agency Application to be a Field Placement Site:  completed prior to student placement. This form displays an inventory of activities in which students may participate and is filed in the MPH office.

Internship Affiliation Agreement:  completed by the agency and signed by a designated staff member and the Provost at CGU. This form is completed prior to student placement.  This form is not necessary for placements within CGU.  

Field Supervisor’s Evaluation of Student: completed at the conclusion of the field placement. This form allows for a description of the students’ progress and rating of their overall performance. Supervisors are encouraged to discuss the evaluation with the student.

Forms to be completed by the Student

Supervised Training Interest Form: completed prior to meeting with the Program Manager.  A current resume is attached.

Waiver Request Criteria: provides instructions for completing the waiver request. Documentation is submitted to the Program Manager prior to beginning field training hours.

Internship Waiver Form: to be submitted to the Program Manager at least one month prior to registering in CGH 306.

Student Legal Agreement: outlines policies and procedures to be followed by students completing field training. This form is to be completed by the student prior to beginning field training hours.

Student Release for International Travel: outlines policies and procedures to be followed by the student completing field training outside of the United States. This form is to be completed by the student before departure.

Learning Contract: this agreement includes the Scope of Work for the projects to be completed by the student. This form is completed by the student with the assistance of the field supervisor and is approved by the course instructor. This form must be submitted prior to the attainment of 100 hours (400 hour internship) or 50 hours (200 hour internship). Students also complete an Inventory of MPH Student Competencies where they select general public health and concentration specific competencies they seek to accomplish through the internship experience. Both forms are attached to the learning contract.

Time card: this form documents hours worked during the field training experience. Students submit signed copies upon conclusion of the internship.

Poster Presentation Submission Form: Students submit this form to reserve a space in the MPH Internship Poster Presentation session held each semester.

For specific questions, please contact Margaret Hawkins at  margaret.hawkins@cgu.edu