Office of Field Education and Practice
Field education and hands-on practice are fundamental components of public health education, providing students with real-world experience and the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
708 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02120
Compensation for practicum
Although organizations are not required to compensate students for their Practicum because it is a degree requirement, students may be compensated and the School encourages host organizations to do so whenever possible. We encourage an open conversation and a creative approach to student compensation.
These conversations can be challenging for students and preceptors alike, particularly when they involve non-profit or governmental agencies, whose budgets may be smaller or less flexible, with constraints outside the control of the preceptor.
- Hourly rate for all hours worked OR a percentage of hours worked
- Federal Work Study funds may be used for practicum if the student is eligible. See more details here.
- Dormitory or other housing for projects outside the Boston area
- Stipend
- Grant funding for full project or for a portion of time allocated toward grant-related work
- End of fiscal year expenses
- Local transportation or meals per diem
If an off-campus host organization is eligible and has funds to pay you, your practicum work can be used as part of your Federal Work Study program (FWS). The Harvard Student Employment Office provides comprehensive resources for both students and employers here. The Harvard Chan School Office of Financial Aid also provides information on FWS to students. Students are responsible for arranging FWS with their employer directly.
EXAMPLE (Non-profit)
ABC Non-profit Organization agrees to pay an MPH student through FWS, at a rate of $25/hour + payroll taxes and fringe. Because they are non-profit, they will pay 25% of the rate, plus payroll taxes and fringe 9.9%. The remaining 75% of the wages is paid by the federal government, through Harvard. The two examples below are based on a 120-hour practicum agreement (MPH-45) and a 200-hour practicum agreement (MPH-65), respectively.
$25/hour * 120 hours * 25% = $750
$25/hour * 120 hours * 9.9% = $297
Total agency expense = $1,047
Total amount received by MPH-45 student (pre-tax) = $3,000
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$25/hour * 200 hours * 25% = $1,250
$25/hour * 200 hours * 9.9% = $495
Total agency expense = $1,745
Total amount received by MPH-65 student (pre-tax) = $5,000
EXAMPLE (For-profit)
XYZ For-Profit Corporation may be eligible as an employer for your practicum because the project that you will be doing is related to your degree program. The rate they agree to pay is $25/hour + payroll taxes and fringe. Because they are for-profit, they will pay 50% of the rate, plus payroll taxes and fringe 9.9%. The remaining 50% of the wages is paid by the federal government, through Harvard. The two examples below are based on a 120-hour practicum agreement (MPH-45) and a 200-hour practicum agreement (MPH-65), respectively.
$25/hour * 120 hours * 50% = $1,500
$25/hour * 120 hours * 9.9% = $297
Total agency expense = $1,797
Total amount received by MPH-45 student (pre-tax) = $3,000
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$25/hour * 200 hours * 50% = $2,500
$25/hour * 200 hours * 9.9% = $495
Total agency expense = $2,995
Total amount received by MPH-65 student (pre-tax) = $5,000
