Learning by doing

Open to MPH students who have successfully completed prerequisite coursework.

The MPH applied practice experience, also known as APEx or practicum, is integral to public health education at the WashU Bursky Public Health. Through MPH practicum, students translate the theories and skills learned in the classroom into public health practice in a variety of settings, and every MPH student receives a $5,000 practicum scholarship. These applied learning experiences allow students to practice professional behaviors and develop skills related to their field of study.

Open to all MPH students. A call for applications to PHPC is announced in late fall in the Public Health Education Weekly newsletter.

The Public Health Practice Corps (PHPC) matches MPH students to a site or small network of sites to support community-based public health, including program planning and implementation, evaluation and quality improvement, policy analysis, population health, and more.

This cohort-based approach enables MPH students to draw upon the knowledge, concepts, and skills they learn in the classroom and apply them in practice settings under the supervision of trained professionals and faculty members.

Students complete their required practicum deliverables and contribute to partners’ work in a meaningful way, supported by a practicum award.

Open to all MPH students with priority given to Global Health concentration students. A call for applications is announced in late fall in the Public Health Education Weekly newsletter.

The Global Health Applied Practice Experience connects MPH students in the Global Health concentration or who are interested in international public health work with a practicum experience in a country or U.S. territory outside the 50 U.S. states. Students must complete at least one global health course before applying.

Faculty guide students through the selection process, and students receive financial support for travel costs.

Open to all MPH students.

The FARM Practicum Experience provides opportunities for WashU MPH students to gain experience at the interface of food, agriculture and public health during their practicum. FARM assists in matching students with a wide diversity of partner organizations working on various aspects of the food system. Students receive a stipend and exposure to professional development and networking opportunities throughout their practicum.

Open to national and international students who are full-time college undergraduate, graduate, or professional students at a U.S.-based institution and demonstrate an interest in global public health research. Previous research experience is not required.

The Global Health Summer Research Program, hosted by Global Health Futures, connects full-time undergraduate, graduate, and professional students enrolled at an accredited U.S.-based institution with a global public health expert at WashU for research experience and mentorship.

Over eight weeks, participants will work on an independent research project with a matched WashU faculty member and attend seminars and workshops on public and global health topics, research skills, and career development. The program includes a summer stipend and covers housing and travel expenses.

Open to all WashU undergraduates.

The SPHERE Summer Undergraduate Research Experience connects undergraduate students with WashU Bursky Public Health faculty conducting research at the intersection of human and environmental health.

Students gain hands-on experience exploring how environmental change affects human well-being, including topics such as climate adaptation, environmental exposures, infectious disease, food systems, and mental health.

Students receive a stipend, take part in professional development and community-building activities, and contribute directly to research advancing solutions for planetary health.

All PhD students receive $1000 per academic year to support professional development. Master’s students can apply for up to $500 to support conference travel and other professional development activities while funds are available.

Open to current MPH and PhD students.

The Student Advisory Council (SAC) is the formal voice of the WashU Bursky Public Health student body and is open to current MPH and PhD students. SAC leaders work closely with their peers and the school’s administrative leadership on shaping the student experience and the school’s governance.

Elections are held once per year.

Open to undergraduate students in the Public Health & Society program and graduate students at WashU Bursky Public Health.

The Student Research and Practicum Showcase offers students at all levels an opportunity to present a professional poster presentation of their research or practicum achievements. Prizes are awarded in multiple categories.

A call for applications to PHPC is announced in late fall in the Public Health Education Weekly newsletter.

Open to all public health and social work students.

StatLab connects public health and social work students with peer tutors. Students can get help with quantitative coursework and research projects — from basic statistics and epidemiological methods to statistical software, data source identification, and data analysis — based on staff expertise.

Current students may also apply to become a StatLab tutor. A call for applications for the upcoming academic year is announced each spring in the Public Health Education Weekly newsletter.

The Center for Career Engagement connects students with the tools, resources, and coaching for career readiness and lifelong success.

WashU Bursky Public Health students may be particularly interested in joining the Government, Policy & Social Impact or Health Care & Sciences Career Community.

The Writing Center & Speaking Studio offers free one-on-one support for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, postdocs, and staff working on any writing or public speaking project.

70% of MPH students participate in paid research positions. Positions are often advertised in our Public Health Education Weekly newsletter and through Handshake in partnership with the Center for Career Engagement.