Number of openings: 1
Duration of placement: January 19 - May 1, 2026
Hours of operation: Part Time, 10 Hours per week, total of 150 hours. Specific hours will be determined upon hiring but can be flexible between Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM.
Pay: $20 per hour
Required Experience / Field of Study: This internship is open to current undergraduate students with an interest in pursuing a career in Governmental Public Health. Relevant fields of study may include, but are not limited to: Public Health, Health Sciences, Human Services, Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, Nonprofit Administration, Public Administration, Communication, Political Science, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Epidemiology, Community Health, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Education, and Criminal Justice.
Location: Hybrid: Remote & MA DPH, 250 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108
Position Overview:
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Academic Health Department (AHD) is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic intern student to support various initiatives, including contributing to the planning and implementation of DPH's internship program, internal and external communication efforts, and supporting AHD’s extensive network of academic and public health partners.
This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in public health, collaborate with academic and governmental partners, and make meaningful contributions to improving interns experience and interactions with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The intern will have the opportunity to network with public health officials, gain exposure to federally grant funded projects from the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), participate in the development and program implementation of new programs, attend various departmental meetings; cultivate relationships with colleges and universities throughout the Commonwealth, deepen their knowledge of health and racial equity and more.
Responsibilities:
Internship Program Management:
- Assist in the implementation, and evaluation of a paid internship program.
- Provide ongoing support and supervision to interns throughout their placement.
- Collaborate with academic partners and others to ensure the program meets the needs of both interns and the department.
Communication:
- Contribute to the development and dissemination of communication materials internal and external to the department including newsletters, brochures, and website content.
- Assist in organizing and promoting departmental events, meetings, and training sessions.
- Support internal and external communication efforts to enhance visibility and engagement with stakeholders.
Strategy and Development:
- Conduct research and analysis to inform strategic planning initiatives.
- Participate in meetings and discussions related to departmental priorities and goals.
- Provide input and recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness and impact of departmental activities.
Skills / Qualifications:
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
- Proactive and professional approach to work.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. - Demonstrated interest in health equity, public health, healthcare administration, policy development and or related fields.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite/Teams platforms.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in public health practice.
Application Instructions
Applicants should email their resume, and responses to the following questions to DPHInternship@mass.gov with the subject [AHD Internship Application Spring 2026] no later than Thursday, October 23, 2025 to be considered for the position.
- Why are you interested in working with MA DPH? In your response, please articulate how this opportunity in governmental public health aligns with your academic, personal, and/or professional interests.
- Briefly share how your prior educational and/or work/volunteer experiences have equipped you for this role.
We're seeking articulate and thoughtful responses that demonstrate why you're an excellent fit for this position. While there's no strict word count, aiming for about half a page per question should suffice. Our goal is clarity and conciseness.
A note on funding:
This internship is funded through a federal grant from the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, the Public Health Infrastructure Grant. If anything changes with our funding source, applicants will be notified.
About the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH):
The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism.
We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances.
More information can be found at: Department of Public Health | Mass.gov
A criminal background check will be completed prior to the internship. For more information, please visit Guidance and Information for Organizations Subject to the CORI Regulations.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please e-mail DPHInternship@mass.gov and we will be in touch to facilitate.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this internship.