With funding through the Public Health Infrastructure Grant from the CDC, the DPH Academic Health Department (AHD) is thrilled to announce a new paid experiential learning opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students, a paid internship program. This program will be a unique hands-on internship exposing students to state-level public health work combined with opportunities for professional development.
Qualifications & learning objectives
There are a range of positions throughout the Department that this program is recruiting for. Not all students need to be studying public health, however, you should apply to roles where you have the skills and education indicated in the project description to be considered.
Additionally, a strong interest in public service and understanding to the DPH’s mission is what will be considered.
We encourage you to review our Program FAQs before you apply.
Student intern qualifications
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- At least the minimum age required by federal, state or local laws and employment standards U.S. citizen, or appropriate employment authorization documentation
- A degree-seeking student in an undergraduate or graduate school 1) within Massachusetts or 2) with a permanent residence in Massachusetts
- Able to produce a letter of verification from your educational institution showing proof of enrollment
- Able to complete and sign Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) paperwork
- Completed application including an unofficial transcript, resume, and three short answer responses
Intern learning objectives
Student interns participating in the MA DPH paid internship program will gain valuable experience by contributing meaningfully to key projects and initiatives. Through this immersive opportunity, students will leave with an understanding of careers in governmental public health and public service while building professional and relevant skills. They will also have exposure to career development opportunities, allowing them to reflect on their interests and goals within public health.
Students will gain knowledge on addressing socioeconomic and environmental determinants of health and obtain an appreciation of racial equity and knowledge on addressing health disparities through racial inequities.
Compensation
Undergraduate interns will be paid at a rate of $20.00 per hour and graduate interns will be paid at a rate of $25.00 per hour.
Program timeline
Information for the upcoming Fall 2025 Internship Program.
- March 25: Intern application goes live
- April 8 & 30: Online intern information sessions
- May 12: Application closes
- May 13 – June 18: Review applications/host interviews
- By early July: Interns notified of applicant status
- Second week in September: Intern Orientation
- September 8: Internship starts
- December 4: End of Semester Expo
Intern information sessions
Note: The information session was held on April 9th and April 30th. During the session, attendees have learned:
- Details about the Internship Program and the professional development opportunities offered
- How to strengthen one’s application by discussing best practices for resume building and short essay response
- In-depth overview of the application process and timeline
Internship projects
Note: You may filter the search results by entering the type of degree you are pursuing, for example, Undergraduate or Graduate.
For more information, please check out Program FAQs. You can also contact us by email dphinternship@mass.gov.