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Internships

An internship is an essential component of professional education in public health as it ensures the integration of classroom experiences with public health practice. Internships are cooperative efforts between California State University San Marcos (±¬ÁÏÉçÇø) and various non-profit and for-profit community partners and governmental agencies to provide MPH and BS Public Health students with experiences that will help them be successful in their career as public health professionals. 

The primary purpose of the internship is to provide students with integrative public health learning experience, where they can apply skills and knowledge, they have acquired through their coursework to real world experiences. Experience will vary, but students will be able to demonstrate competency attainment.

BS Public Health students are required to complete 120 internship hours as part of their undergraduate program.

MPH students are required to complete 180 internship hours. 

For more information, please see the links below or contact our Internship and Community Partnership Coordinator, Olivia Lee at olee@csusm.edu.

Consult with the Internship Coordinator 

Public Health Internship Manual 2025-26

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  If you need assistance with your internship listing or have any other questions regarding internships, please contact the department directly at (760) 750-4295.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I do my internship at my workplace?

  Yes, you may complete your internship at your workplace if the following criteria are met:

  • The scope of work is public health–focused.
  • The internship work differs from your regular job duties.
  • Your internship supervisor holds a master’s degree or higher.
• Can I start my internship early?

  Yes, but only if:

  • You have completed the prerequisites (PH 501–PH 507).
  • You have an approved Internship Learning Contract (ILC).
  • You are enrolled in PH 693 – Internship.
• Can I accrue internship hours before enrolling in PH 693?
  No. Internship hours cannot be counted until you are officially enrolled in PH 693.
• What if I can’t find an internship?

  You have several options:

  • Meet with the Internship Coordinator for available opportunities.
  • Ask faculty about research projects.
  • Review the Active Internship List in SharePoint.
  • Request a program timeline modification, if needed.
• Can I graduate without completing an internship?

  No. Our accrediting body, the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), requires all students to complete an integrated learning experience:

  • 180 hours for MPH students
  • 120 hours for BA students
• Can I enroll in the internship class without completing an Internship Learning Contract (ILC)?
  No. The ILC is a required prerequisite and must be approved before you can enroll in PH 693.