Public Health Internships, Independent Studies, and Experiential Learning

The Value of Experiential Learning in Public Health

Experiential learning is an valuable part of public health education, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, deepen their understanding of the field, and build skills that prepare them for graduate study or careers after college.

Through internships, independent studies, research, service-learning, and other hands-on opportunities, students gain meaningful experience that helps clarify their interests, strengthen their resumes, and expand their professional networks.

Public health students participate in a range of experiential learning activities: 

• Public health internships provide structured, professional learning experiences within health-related organizations, enabling students to engage with current public health challenges while developing practical skills. These experiences help students explore career paths, contribute to real-world projects, and make connections between academic learning and professional practice.
• Public health independent studies offer students the chance to work closely with Public Health faculty to explore a topic of interest in greater depth. These one-on-one experiences support academic growth, critical thinking, and focused inquiry into specific public health issues or areas of specialization.
• Civic Engagement and Service-Learning programs provide students with opportunities to build on their academic coursework through community engagement and working towards equity and social justice.
• The Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies helps students find and access undergraduate research and scholarly opportunities on and off campus, and serves students in all disciplines at every stage of their undergraduate careers.
  • You may use the PHS Undergraduate Student Research Interest Form to share information about your research-related background and interests. Once you complete this form, your name will be included in a database of students interested in learning more about research opportunities. 

Whether pursuing an internship, developing an independent project, or engaging in other hands-on activities, students in the Public Health Sciences major benefit from experiential learning that complements their coursework and enhances their personal and professional development.