Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register for the practicum and is a faculty approval code required?
Yes, you register for PH 9997. Registration requires that you complete a learning contract, orientation and quiz before the practicum and online seminars during the practicum. The Office of Public Health Practice will forward the approval code after you complete the learning contract (forward a signed copy to the Office of Public Health Practice/Regional Coordinator), orientation and quiz.
Do you have practica available or do I need to develop one?
Current opportunities are listed at Search for a Practicum. Many students in consultation with faculty develop their own.
Are international practicum available?
Go to International Resources to find out more about international practicum.
Am I able to complete the practicum away from my home campus?
You may complete your practicum in another city, state, or country. You must complete the Learning Contract before leaving campus.
Can I start in the middle of the semester?
Yes, however, you are still responsible for completing the online orientation, quiz and Learning Contract before the semester you start your practicum. The following semester, you will register for the practicum and complete the online seminar. Regardless of when you start, you are required to complete 180 hours of experience for 3 credits (1 credit = 60 hours).
I have a full-time job, would like to do a practicum out of state and may not be able to be away from my job for 15 weeks. Can I complete the practicum in a month instead of being onsite the whole semester?
Students are required to complete 180 hours on-site for 3 credits (1 credit = 60 hours). Thus, you could complete a 3 credit practicum in four weeks.
Who decides the number of credit hours?
The hours of credit are determined by you and your faculty sponsor and are dependent upon the time required to achieve your objectives. It is strongly recommended that every student complete a 3 credit practicum.
What happens if I have already registered for the practicum and won't be able to complete the requirements during the semester?
You will receive an incomplete, "I", grade for the course. When you complete the requirements, your faculty sponsor will change your grade. It must be completed by the next semester.
Are there special requirements for international students?
See Guidelines for International UTSPH Students on F-1 Visas. Students with visas other than F-1 should direct questions to the International Affairs Office. See also the International Student Practicum Checklist.
Do I get paid for my practicum?
Some practica provide a stipend.
I have experience in public health. Can I opt out of the practicum?
All MPH and DrPH students are required to complete a practicum. Students with extensive experience may, after discussion with their committee, apply for a waiver using the waiver form.
Can my faculty sponsor also be my community preceptor?
Your faculty sponsor must be from the SPH and may be your faculty advisor. You must also have a community preceptor.
What forms do I have to complete?
The Learning Contract represents an agreement between you, your community preceptor, and faculty sponsor. This form must be completed and signed by all three before the practicum begins. You should retain a copy and forward a copy to the Office of Public Health Practice/Regional Coordinator.
You are also expected to complete an electronic-based evaluation of your project, your site, community preceptor, and faculty sponsor. Evaluations are emailed to you and the community preceptor a few weeks before the end of the semester and should be submitted before the end of the semester. The community preceptor evaluations are forwarded to your faculty sponsor.
