What is a Field Experience?

Apply your public health coursework, knowledge, and skills in a real-world setting through your field experience. You will also have the opportunity to gain new skills for your future job search such as program design, implementation management, and evaluation; data collection analysis and reporting; and policy analysis and advocacy with groups and individuals. Field experiences can be paid or unpaid. All Master’s in Public Health (MPH) students must complete a field experience as part of your degree program requirements.  

Finding a Field Experience

Students utilize many different resources and strategies to locate field experience opportunities and connect with organizations. For information on how to find and prepare for a Field Experience, visit the Career & Professional Development Center.

Use the resources below as you start your search:

• Start networking with individuals who work in your area of interest (specific position, organization, industry) and ask for an informational interview (PDF). They are one of the best ways to learn about industries, careers and organizations and possibly field experience opportunities not advertised.
• Connect with SPH Alumni through alumni community events, SPH Mentor Program and utilize the University of Minnesota School of Public Health LinkedIn group to contact alumni to do an informational interview.
• Visit the Field Experience Module, which allows you to search for past field experiences and apply for international field experience scholarships.
• Visit the SPH job posting system allows you to search for field experience opportunities and part-time opportunities that may meet the field experience requirement.
• Visit the Resources page for additional information as you write your learning objectives and locate field experiences.