Practicum Information for Students

Throughout the Practicum, students will engage in mutually meaningful activities with the public health organization, serving as trainees while expanding the capacity of the organization.

Read the Student Information Sheet

Practicum Process 

Students should follow the project timeline proposed in their Learning Contract and submit all forms and deliverables to the Practicum Dropbox as soon as they are approved throughout the practicum.

Learn about the Practicum Process

Practicum Search

Past students have secured their placements in a variety of ways. Learn about the most common resources for finding a practicum.

Practicum Deliverables

All students must submit a written assignment, a visual assignment, and at least two student-generated products, produced in the practicum setting for the practicum setting, that allow for demonstration of five MPH Foundational Competencies.

Review the Practicum Requirements

Academic Standing

Students must meet certain residency requirements during the practicum.

Learn about Academic Standing

International Students

International students on an F-1 or J-1 visa must contact the International Student Services (ISS) office to inquire about any necessary training authorization prior to initiating their practicum or any other internship.

Read more about International Students

F-1 students participating in off-campus practicum must be enrolled at the UWSPH for the duration of the practicum and must be eligible to apply for curricular practical training (CPT), a temporary authorization for practical training directly related to the student’s major field of study—paid or unpaid.  

  1. Students should check here to see if they are CPT eligible.
  2. Students cannot apply for CPT authorization without having 1) been enrolled full-time at the UW for at least one academic year (i.e., three full-time quarters including final exams week); and 2) secured the practicum. Therefore, students should apply for CPT authorization as soon as they accept the practicum offer from the Site and after they have enrolled full-time for at least one academic year.
  3. After students complete the online application, it will trigger a notification to their Departmental Staff Adviser to e-sign/approve.
  4. It typically takes 10 days for ISS to approve CPT requests. Students cannot begin their practicum until they have received CPT authorization from ISS.

International Travel Guidelines for Practicum Overseas

Visit the “International Travel Guidelines” webpage.

Student FAQ

Questions & answers about the MPH Practicum program.