After completing foundational MPH coursework—typically after your second semester, you'll request a field training placement. Give yourself plenty of time as it can take 1 to 2 semesters to prepare for and submit a placement request, or to request a field training waiver or a share field training experience.
You'll register for a 3-credit field training experience of 120 hours. In some cases you can choose to do another experience and register for a 3-credit field training elective, completing an additional 120 hours.
An international student on an F-1 visa must obtain authorization through International Student Services (ISS) Curricular Practical Training (CPT) before registering for or completing field training.
Eligible public health-related practice experiences completed in other program - DPT, JD, MBA, MD, MSW, PharmD or MUP - may count as shared MPH credits and satisfy the MPH field training requirment. Current students can check in the UB Learns MPH Portal for eligibility.
Students can view current field placement options for the semester in which they plan to complete the experience. With support from the field training office, students are then connected to sites of interest.
You may be able to complete field training at your place of employment. Eligible work experience may be able to use their work experience for field training. Current students can check eligibility in the UB Learns MPH Portal.
Based on activities you complete and documentation you submit during and after your experience, you'll earn a grade of Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory. Details are provided in your field training course.
If you have significant public health experience, you may be able to waive field training and replace those credits with another elective. Current students can check waiver eligibility in the UB Learns MPH Portal.
Yes, your LinkedIn or other public web profiles may be viewed by MPH field training staff or site representatives to assist in matching you to an opportunity. Current students who would like assistance setting up or maintaining a professional LinkedIn profile, please contact UB’s Career Design Center.
Dress appropriately for the organization. If you're unsure about their dress code, ask them. You should dress according to their standards for online / Zoom interactions, as well.
Students in need of professional clothes for an internship or interview, UB offers support through the Hired Professional Clothing Boutique.