SPH Field Experiences

Overview

The University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH) takes great pride in preparing our students to hit the ground running. Extensive classroom experience, independent and team projects, and advising are all vital to the students' development. Of equal or perhaps even greater importance is applied learning, the formal field experience.

This experience is a curricular element required by the Council on Education for Public Health, our primary accrediting body.

All professional degree students must develop skills in basic public health concepts and demonstrate the application of these concepts through a practice experience that is relevant to the students' areas of specialization. 

We offer resources to support students in maximizing the educational and professional opportunities of this practical learning, as well as resources to preceptors and faculty who coach and mentor our students.

Goals of the Field Experience

Overall Goal

The overall goal of the field experience is to bring public health to life, and specifically to help students strengthen their philosophy and understanding of public health and to begin to identify themselves as public health professionals. The field experience enables students to learn first-hand about organizations, operations, and special activities of selected agencies, institutions, and industries concerned with public health practice.

Other Goals

The field experience will provide opportunities for the student to:

• Apply the knowledge, theory, concepts, skills and abilities acquired in the academic program.
• Be personally involved in developing, planning, executing, and evaluating activities with and for groups and individuals.
• Gain additional insight into programs, personnel management, governmental relations, public relations, legislative support and, particularly, knowledge of special investigations conducted by these organizations.
• Increase the student professional self-awareness and accumulates experience that will enhance job competence and/or placement following the completion of the program.