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 year) as well as interactions with field faculty members will help you navigate the entire process, from determining your applied practice experience 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:
Epidemiology/Biostatistics
Washington University School of Medicine
BJC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Cancer Epidemiology Education in Special Populations (CEESP) Program – City University of New York
Generalist
CVS Health
City of St. Louis Department of Health
Brown School Prevention Research Center
Independence Center
Mental and Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health Network of Greater St. Louis
Centerstone
Parents as Teachers National Center
Perinatal Behavioral Health Service
Global Health
International Center for Child Health and Development (ICHAD) at the Brown School
Maji Safi Group – Tanzania
Vitendo4Africa
E3 Nutrition Lab (Dr. Lora Iannotti)
Health Policy Analysis
Centene Corporation
Health Capital Consultants
St. Louis Area Food Bank
Urban Design
America Walks
City of St. Louis Community Mobility Committee
Trailnet
For many students, practicum builds an exciting bridge between coursework and practice. Our faculty offer many pathways to integrate applied practice experiences 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.