Practicum

The curriculum includes a practicum that allows students to gain practical experience working on a project related to their area of interest and/or career goals in public health. The practicum is a unique opportunity for students to synthesize and integrate knowledge acquired through coursework and other learning experiences and to apply theory and principles in a practical public health setting.

All students are required to complete the practicum. Students select their own practicum sites and projects. Students work on an approved project, develop two products, write a final report (also known as the integrative learning experience) and deliver an oral presentation. Examples of projects are program evaluations, case studies, research, policy analyses, or descriptive studies.

The program’s location near the state capital—the center of a populous region with varied needs in public health—allows for numerous practicum sites. For example, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), world-renowned for its programs in public health, provides practicum opportunities in areas such as chronic disease and injury control, maternal and child health, communicable disease control, occupational and environmental health, HIV prevention and rural health. In addition, opportunities are available through county public health offices and other organizations. 

For Potential Preceptors

M.P.H. Practicum Opportunity Form

Letter from Dr. Gonsalves

For Current Preceptors

Practicum MidQuarter Review of Student by Preceptor (Form 2A)

MPH Practicum Draft Report Evaluation (Form 3A)

Practicum Final Evaluation of Student by Practicum Site Preceptor (Form 4)

For Faculty Advisors

Practicum MidQuarter Review of Student by UCD Faculty Advisor (Form 2B)

MPH Practicum Draft Report Evaluation (From 3B)

For Students

MPH Practicum Evaluation of Practicum Experience by MPH Student (Form 5)