MPH Practicum Experience
Once enrolled in the Master of Public Health program students will complete a practicum field experience in an organization, agency, or community that provides planning or services relevant to their public health specialization. The M.P.H. practicum provides you the opportunity to use the knowledge and skills acquired in the academic program under the direction of a preceptor/supervisor.
The practicum also affords an opportunity to develop and apply certain competencies that are better developed outside of the classroom. Examples include the development of leadership ability and group process skills, political awareness and communication skills, understanding of public and private financing mechanisms, and understanding organizational behavior.
Have questions about the MPH program, please contact us at MPHhelper@liberty.edu.
The MPH Student Handbook 2023 2024 has been designed to provide you with an overview of the policies and procedures of the MPH program here at Liberty University. Inside, you will find specific guidelines that will be essential for your success in becoming a Masters of Public Health graduate from the admissions process to course selection and M.P.H. program gates to the practicum.
All students entering the MPH program should review the MPH Orientation Spring 2024 slides to better understand program expectations and the resources at Liberty University.
The Gate System was created to help students monitor their progress through the degree plans. To learn more about the gate system visit, the MPH Gate System.
Deadlines for the Practicum Application
- Fall 2023: July 17, 2023
- Spring 2024: November 20, 2023
- Summer 2024: April 8, 2024
You are responsible for finding your own practicum site. We encourage you review the MPH portal to look for opportunities, check in with the Career center and use the Handshake App, check with local, state, national, and international agencies, network a minimum of 3-6 months before it is time for your practicum to start in looking for a site. Finding a practicum site takes work.
Prerequisites
Access to the practicum course (HLTH 698) is an application process. Detailed information on the process is available in the MPH Practicum Resource Guide 2024 . In order to apply for the class, the following criteria must be met:
- Successfully complete the core M.P.H. courses and the declared area of specialization (i.e., Epidemiology, Global Health, Community Health Promotion, or Nutrition courses). All core and specialization courses must be successfully completed prior to applying for the practicum course, without exception
- HLTH 600 (Students on DCPs prior to 2022) OR PHGT514 (students on DCPs after Fall 2022) must be completed before registering for HLTH 698. HLTH 600 or PHGT 514 (competency exam) cannot be completed concurrently with HLTH 698 (practicum course).
- Complete a Background Check through CastleBranch.
- Complete the MPH Practicum Agreement and APEX form or InPlace application. The agreement form must be attached to the APEX form or Submitted within Inplace in order to submit. For questions email MPHpracticum@liberty.edu.
- Students are responsible for locating an appropriate practicum to match their degree concentration and career goals and submitting their selection to the Director of Practicum through APEX or InPlace by the Application deadline for the term desired.
- Ideally, to ensure placement, the practicum site should be approved by the Director of Practicum at least 2 weeks prior to the term during which the student intends to enroll in HLTH 698 Practicum to secure your seat in the class, complete financial check-in, and enhance transition into the course.
If you are having any issues or need clarification, please contact the Director of Practicum at MPHpracticum@liberty.edu (remember to include your name and ID number in all correspondence).
Course Requirements
- 120 hours of Field Placement Hours (minimum)
- A pre-defined project that assists an organization in addressing an unmet need while supporting growth in developing skills in public health practice related to the identified foundational and concentration competencies for the MPH concentration.
- Preceptor, site, and project approval from the Director of Practicum, and Program Director as needed.
Course Structure
- Timeframe: You must complete 120 hours minimum in a public health setting over a 14-17 week period/one semester. The time commitment must be completed within the dates of the online course (i.e., you may not “bank” hours outside of the term for use during the practicum class).
- Online Component: All courses are one semester long, are held online, and include four required Instructor Contacts. Assignments are due within the online course weekly and instructor contacts serve to connect learning and provide an opportunity for cross discussion.
- Minimum Hours: The MPH curriculum requires you to complete a minimum of 120 hours of practical fieldwork in a public health practice setting to meet program requirements. That means 120 hours of fieldwork at/for the site and does not include any hours completed on course work.
The 120-hour requirement does not include technical aspects of the practicum requirements, such as completing paperwork with the site supervisor, obtaining the required signatures, gaining approval, or time spent completing course assignments.
It is your responsibility to find, arrange, and complete a field experience that fulfills program requirements. The practicum coordinator and faculty will support you throughout this experience. However, it is ultimately your responsibility to find a practicum that will meet your particular needs.
Health Agencies
Have a practicum opportunity available?