Applied Practice Experience
Practicum Instructions
Every MPH student must complete a practicum experience as a requirement for degree completion. The Applied Practice Experience provides hands-on engagement in the field of public health through partnership with an agency or organization.
Hands-on public health experience for MPH students.
The APE is an essential part of the Master of Public Health curriculum and is intended to provide hands-on experience in the field of public health.
The practicum must be conducted in partnership with an agency or organization that provides a public health service.
Faculty oversight
Structured, Supervised, and Deliverable-focused
The Applied Practice Experience is overseen by the course faculty, who ensures that all practicum requirements are met.
Each student is expected to produce standard practicum deliverables that reflect learning, practice, communication, and professional readiness.
Experience, Reflection, and Communication.
Students document and share field experiences through writing, photos, presentations, posters, and practicum deliverables.
Student field experiences
Capture, Reflect, and Share Practicum Learning.
The practicum experience is also an opportunity for students to document meaningful field learning and communicate their discoveries to the wider university community.
Photos and Writing
Photographs and written content may be used in blog posts, online newsletters, on-campus events, and presentations for potential host organizations and fellow students.
Students are encouraged to submit written contributions and photos that help share their public health field experiences.
Posters
Many students are required to create and present a poster outlining important aspects of their field practice involvement.
Poster preparation gives students an opportunity to reflect, analyze, synthesize, and communicate their most significant discoveries.
Standard practicum deliverables
Producing evidence of applied public health practice.
Students are expected to demonstrate learning through practicum deliverables that show their ability to apply public health knowledge, communicate findings, and contribute to the work of a host organization.
- Complete the practicum through a qualifying agency or organization.
- Work under course faculty oversight and host organization supervision.
- Produce standard practicum deliverables required for degree completion.
- Use writing, photos, and presentations to share learning where appropriate.
- Develop communication skills through written and visual public health outputs.
- Reflect on field practice experiences and synthesize key discoveries.
Host organization preceptor responsibilities
Supporting student success in the field.
Host organization preceptors play an important role in helping students complete meaningful, well-supervised, and professionally relevant practicum experiences.
Project scope and schedule
Collaborate with the student to establish a practical project scope and a well-defined work schedule.
Initial orientation
Conduct an initial orientation for the student, introducing them to the organization and fellow colleagues.
Meetings and supervision
Maintain regular availability for meetings and supervision sessions while providing constructive performance feedback.
Access to resources
Ensure access to needed resources, including workspace, computer facilities, administrative support, and data access.
Written feedback
Provide written feedback for both the student and the educational institution through mid-point and final evaluation forms.
Professional growth
Support the student’s professional growth through organizational introductions, practice placement meetings, and informational interviews.
Public health communication
Sharing insights that strengthen a community of practice.
Proficiency in communication, both written and visual, is a core competency in public health practice. Posters, written reflections, and photographs help students disseminate important insights and contribute to a culture of knowledge-sharing.
APE Quick Links
Use these resources to continue exploring Applied Practice Experience information, practicum expectations, and related academic guidance.