Applied Practice Experience

Completing the APE/ARE

Students begin working towards the 180-hour practice/internship requirement after completing the first two semesters of coursework, which is a minimum of 21-23 credits towards the MPH degree.

If you are a full-time student:

• You are highly encouraged to complete all 180-internship hours in the summer between your first and second year. You may enroll in the APE or Thesis I course (dependent on your concentration) in the Fall semester of your second year.

If you are a part-time student:

• Consult your practice office advisor to determine the appropriate internship timing for your program completion. The timing of your internship will determine in which semester you will register for APE or Thesis I, depending on your concentration.

If you are a student in the 4+1 program:

• Consult your program advisor (Kristin Cutler) for timing related to your specific plan of study.

If you are a Dual Degree student:

• Consult with your program advisor on course sequencing and appropriate timing for the completion of internship hours.

How do I find an Internship?

The process of finding the right internship takes time, so it is important to begin your search early. Start looking at least one semester in advance!

Some questions to ask yourself as you begin your search:

• What are my goals for the experience? What skills do I want to gain?
• Where would I like to work and with what type of organization?
• Will I be exposed to a wide range of interesting activities?
• What level of mentorship/guidance would I like from my preceptor?

We recommend that students identify at least two potential internship sites/projects in the event that your first choice falls through.

Use the many resources available to you:

• NYU Handshake is a great search engine for finding APEs and the Wasserman Career Center staff is available to help prepare you for your applications and interviews
• NYU GPH Career Development
• NYU GPH Centers, Labs, and Initiatives
• Faculty often have a wide network of colleagues and may be able to point you in the direction of a strong APEs
• The Office of Public Health Practice's database of previously completed APEs.
• Online resources such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Idealist, and more.

In addition, we encourage you to network with your fellow classmates -- some already work within the public health field and can offer some insight!

How do I obtain approval for my Internship?

To obtain approval, students must secure an internship and complete and submit a Practice Learning Contract (PLC) via the online portal. 

Review the submission deadlines in the next section.

Completing the PLC

1. Once you secure an internship, complete as much of the PLC as you are able.
2. Schedule a meeting with your preceptor to review duties, activities, establish deliverables (Table IIB), and complete section III. After meeting, complete the PLC and select appropriate competencies.
3. Once your PLC is completed, submit your PLC, as a Google document, to the Practice Office. You can submit your PLC using the link listed under “Quick Links” on the GPH Practice page.
4. After your PLC has been approved and signed by your Practice Office advisor, send the document to your preceptor for review and signature.
5. Once you receive your signed PLC from your preceptor, upload a copy of your final, signed PLC to Google Classroom.

Please Note: Before any hours are counted toward the 180-hour requirement, a completed PLC must be signed.. PLC reviews typically take 4 to 5 business days, so please manage your time wisely. 

Following PLC approval, international students must apply for CPT if completing an internship in the US outside of NYU or NYU Langone. Please visit the CPT page for additional information.

Competency Guidelines for Each Concentration:

• BIOS (MPH) Competencies
• CHSP Competencies
• EPHS Competencies
• EPI (MPH) Competencies
• EPI (MS) Competencies for ARE
• GH Competencies
• PHN Competencies
• PHPM Competencies
• SBS Competencies
   

Deadlines for Submitting the Practice Learning Contract (PLC)

All students are strongly encouraged to complete internship hours in the Summer before their final year in the MPH or MS Program. Please review the chart below:

*After this date, PLCs will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Meet the Team: