MPH Practicum

Toward the end of the program of study (usually in the second to last semester), students consult with their faculty advisors to begin the development of the practicum project.  During this process, students reflect on their completed coursework, identify areas of interest for further study, develop a list of possible sites to conduct the practicum, and generate a preliminary list of learning objectives and activities.  In consultation with the faculty advisor, students then contact the preceptor and negotiate the practicum project.  After the practicum concept is thoroughly developed, the Practicum Agreement is completed, signed by all parties, and filed with the College of Public Health.  The student will then enroll in PH 60172 and PH 60192 concurrently.

Students should expect to spend a minimum of 20 contact hours per week at the practicum site and devote a minimum of 300 contact hours to complete the practicum project.  Practicum projects usually require approximately 15 weeks to complete, depending upon the scope of the project and the number of contact hours students can devote each week.

At the conclusion of the practicum, students will prepare and publicly present a practicum portfolio.  The portfolio will include a description of how the practicum was developed, a detailed report on the student’s activities and experiences completing the practicum, copies of the products that resulted from the practicum, and a self-evaluation.  Students will present the portfolio to fellow students, faculty, and staff and answer questions about the practicum experience and “lessons learned.† Preceptors are also encouraged to attend the portfolio presentation.

The practicum is graded on a “satisfactory/unsatisfactory†basis and the grade is recorded in the student’s academic record under PH 60172 and PH 60192.  The grade is based upon the quality of the portfolio, the presentation, preceptor evaluation, self-evaluation, and faculty assessment.

For complete details on the MPH Practicum, download the Practicum Manual.

Download the Practicum Agreement Form