DPH Paid Internship Program
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.
The DPH Paid Internship Program is no longer accepting applications for the Fall 2024 semester. Learn more about the internship projects and hiring timeline.
DPH Internship Program
The DPH Internship Program is an unpaid or short-term paid program which offers valuable work experience at DPH directly related to the students’ academic field of study. It is expected that students performing unpaid work are earning course credit or receive credit for meeting a course requirement. If you are in search of an internship, capstone, or practicum experience, please complete our student expression of interest form and send your resume to DPHInternship@mass.gov.
General program requirements
In order to qualify, the student must be:
- At least the minimum age required by federal, state or local laws and employment standards;
- A U.S. citizen, or appropriate employment authorization documentation;
- A student enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student;
- Able to produce a letter of verification from your educational institution showing proof of enrollment.
- Able to complete and sign CORI paperwork, including:
Local Health Internship Program, Division of Epidemiology (Summer Only)
The Local Health Internship Program is a paid summer only program offered by the DPH Division of Epidemiology in Massachusetts. Since 2004, the program has placed students with various health departments and state partners throughout the state.
The goal of the Local Health Internship Program is to provide students with valuable hands-on practicum experience while simultaneously enhancing the capacity of local and state government public health agencies. Through a collaborative effort between universities, local boards of health, and the state health department, we aim to cultivate the next generation of public health leaders and contribute to the overall improvement of public health outcomes for the communities we serve.
Selected students will work on a variety of projects related to topics like environmental health, substance use disorders, and communicable diseases. They will receive guidance from mentors and have a chance to shadow public health professionals at DPH. At the end of the program, students will showcase their projects through presentations at the Closing Ceremony. The program requires a minimum commitment of 160 hours during the summer.
Applications are currently closed but be on the lookout for summer 2025’s application this coming February.
Sign up for application updates using this Microsoft form.
For more information, please email Julie Coco, Internship Coordinator
“I felt that my experience in the internship program aligned with my expectations. The program was explained well, and I had the experience I had hoped for. I was impressed by the shadowing and mentoring opportunities made available to the interns, which exceeded my expectations. They helped me build connections and increase my knowledge of public health in Massachusetts, furthering my interest in a career as an epidemiologist.”
- Allison Noronha, Mansfield Health Department, 2024 Cohort
Current Internship Opportunities
(CHEI) Epidemiology Internship: The Community Health Equity Initiative (CHEI) administers a large health survey designed to collect data on the social and structural causes of health experienced by Massachusetts residents. Our survey fills data gaps in existing public health data sources by collecting information on various outcomes and social drivers of health and by reaching many groups that are often underrepresented in public health data collection. To reach these groups, we use a non-random quota sampling methodology and strategic community partnership outreach. We are looking for an intern to analyze how our survey data relates to other data systems, like the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and developing detailed guidance for data users. Learn more about this internship here.
Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS) Internship Program
The Massachusetts DPH Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences (BIDLS) Internship Program is perfect for current undergraduate students. As an intern with BIDLS, you will gain valuable resume experience, build relevant skills, and develop important networking connections. Applications for the Summer 2024 cohort are now closed. Look back next Spring for application details for Summer 2025.
High School Opportunities
Outbreak!
Outbreak! is a FREE program open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in learning about a variety of public health topics and careers. This interactive experience will have additional opportunities for students to expand their interests in person through optional tours and events.
Explore the world of public health with Outbreak!
Learn more and find out how to apply on the Public Health Museum's website.