MPH Practicum | Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis
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MPH Practicum

MPH students complete one practicum, typically during the summer between their first and second year.

In practicum, you will translate the theories and skills learned in the classroom into real-world practice. Our students emerge with a host of meaningful experiences bringing positive change where it’s most needed, and have broadened the soft skills that make for strong teammates and leaders. The issues you’ll engage in—as well as the personal connections you’ll make—will serve you throughout your career. With over 400 diverse community partner organizations, you will find a practicum site whose mission aligns with your passion.

At the Brown School, students have the unique opportunity to select their own practicum site. This self-directed process offers tremendous options and flexibility—our students complete practica locally, nationally and globally. Our Office of Field Education wants every student to have the support they need to make a well-informed selection. The Foundations of Field course (taught during your first semester) as well as interactions with field faculty advisors will help you navigate the entire process, from determining your field work goals, to designating sites, to serving as a sounding board for questions that come up during your practicum experience.

In recent years, MPH students have completed practica in organizations such as:

Public Health Practice

  • Maji Safi Group – Tanzania
  • City of St. Louis Department of Health
  • Girls Inc.

Public Health Research

  • Washington University School of Medicine
  • BJC Center for Clinical Excellence
  • Graduate Student Epidemiology Program within the Health Resources and Services Administration

Public Health Policy

  • Centene Corporation
  • Planned Parenthood
  • InterTribal Council of Arizona

For many, fieldwork builds an exciting bridge between coursework and practice. Our faculty offer many pathways to integrate fieldwork into curriculum, providing opportunities for evaluation and research projects that use your practicum site as your subject.

If you’re interested in an international practicum, read more about our Global Opportunities.