Frequently Asked Questions

Projects depend on a student’s program (e.g. MPH, DrPH) and/or Field of Study (e.g Health Policy, Health Management, etc.). A listing of MPH host sites and projects, organized by the different Fields of Study, can be found here.

MPH-45 students complete 120 hours for their practicum projects on a part-time basis generally between November and March. MPH-65 students complete a minimum of 200 hours for their practicum projects during the summer, although they have the option to begin their work earlier. Students in the online Generalist program also complete their practicum during the summer.

For MPH practicum projects starting in late fall (MPH-45 students), we recommend that your posting is online by September 1. For projects starting in the summer (MPH-65 students and Generalist), we recommend that your posting is online by February 1.

These are soft deadlines, and we receive postings year-round. However, September 1 and February 1 are helpful in publicizing your project at the optimal time, when students are very active in their search.

Preceptors should have a MPH or similar training, and at least 5 years of work experience in a public health or health care setting. Preceptors must be able to provide supervision and guidance and evaluate student progress in an approved public health practicum.

Yes, the Office of Field Education and Practice would be happy to help you. Please tell us more about your organization, and we will contact you soon.

Yes, you may recruit students for more than one project. Or you may have a more complex project which may be suitable for a team of up to 3 students.

Note that students must be able to individually document their work with your organization to receive credit for their required practicum. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange their work plan and deliverables accordingly, with approval by both you and their practice course faculty.

While organizations are encouraged to provide compensation or a stipend to students if funding is available, it is not required. This is because the Applied Practice Experience (practicum) is a degree requirement.

See examples of compensation arrangements here. Some students who are eligible for the Federal Work Study Program may also be interested in talking with you about paying them for their practicum. We encourage our practice partners to consider supporting these students and offer cost scenarios here. If your organization is an eligible off-campus agency, you would typically be reimbursed 75% of the hourly rate, and would be paying 25% of the hourly rate plus payroll taxes. The Harvard Student Employment Office has full details here. Students and host organizations are responsible for working together with the Harvard Student Employment office to set up this agreement.

CareerConnect is the employer portal used by Harvard Chan for both employers and host organizations to post job and practicum opportunities. All Harvard Chan students have access to this portal and posting your information here ensures that it will be most broadly available. Our staff can help you get started.