Applied Practice Experience

All Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Health Administration (MHA) and Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) students are required to complete an APEx.

Through this planned, supervised, and evaluated experience, students apply classroom knowledge and skills to meaningful fieldwork and make significant contributions to public health organizations and agencies. APEx projects address domestic and global issues in all areas of public health practice: environmental health sciences, health policy and management, population and family health, epidemiology, sociomedical sciences and biostatistics. At the same time, students have the opportunity to explore their passions while practicing their skills in real world settings.

The APEx provides substantial value to students on a professional level. Beyond meeting graduation requirements, The APEx enables students to utilize existing and develop new skills and competencies as they synthesize and integrate areas of expertise, and apply foundational and departmental competencies. The direct experience is also an opportunity to develop professional networks.

398 Organizations

33 Countries

26 States

Coordination & Support

The APEx is supported through the academic departments and the Office of Field Practice.

Projects & Products

Students create professional-quality practice-based products for the organization that hosts their APEx.

Competencies

Strengthening existing and developing new competencies is the essence of the APEx.

Timeline

When students do the APEx is largely governed by their degree. For the MPH and MHA 2-year programs, students fulfill the APEx requirement during summer months.

Have a Question?

The Office of Field Practice is eager to answer your APEx questions. We liaise with students, departments, faculty advisors, and community collaborator, offer an array of resources for all involved in the APEx, and are available for individual appointments.

Meet Our Team