Walden’s MPH program is CEPH Accredited and designed to provide you with the skills and competencies required to improve health and prevent disease among individuals, communities, and populations. The program includes a required field experience to provide you the opportunity to synthesize knowledge, develop competence in professional practice in the foundation areas identified by CEPH, apply knowledge to the solution of public health problems, and also develop a respect for and commitment to continued professional knowledge.
Making a difference in your profession requires both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
Completing a practicum gives you defined, real-world field experience in your area of interest under the supervision of Walden faculty and an on-site supervisor (your preceptor).
The practicum experience is designed to provide you with:
You are required to read the DrPH Applied Practice Experience Manual in detail and adhere to the policies included within. You must confirm that you have read and understand all the policies in this manual when you apply for your applied practice experience. Failure to comply with the policies within this manual is considered a violation of Walden’s Code of Conduct and Professional Competence Policy and may result in formal sanctions, including, but not limited to, award of a failing course grade, Code of Conduct inquiry, and dismissal from the university. See the student handbook for details and contact the Field Education Coordinator for questions.
The MPH program is 64 quarter credit hours. You will complete the MPH Practicum during your last 2 quarters of enrollment. You should contact the Field Education Coordinator when you enroll in PUBH 6031 Public Health Administration & Leadership or once you have completed roughly 30 credit hours of your MPH degree.
For additional assistance in determining when you are due to begin your practicum, contact your Student Success Advisor at studentsuccess@mail.waldenu.edu.
You must submit your practicum application one full quarter before beginning PUBH 6638.
Applying for practicum can be a lengthy process. We recommend you learn your practicum requirements at the beginning of your program. This can help remedy any problems that may arise before your application is due.
Deadlines are critical. Failure to submit your practicum application by the deadline may result in a delay to the next quarter and a delay in your graduation date.
Spring Quarter: February 28, 2022
Application Deadline: November 29, 2021
Summer Quarter: May 30, 2022
Application Deadline: February 28, 2022
Fall Quarter: August 29, 2022
Application Deadline: May 30, 2022
Your preceptor must meet the requirements below to be nominated to serve as your preceptor. This information will be reviewed during the application process to determine if they are an appropriate choice.
To begin your practicum course, you must apply, be approved, and registered for the course. You must wait until the first official day of the course to begin your hours.
These Professional Preparation resources may assist you in your search for a field site. While they are not a required part of your application, it is recommended you review the resources as they may help you in your future career search as well.
Meditrek is a user-friendly online tool that will help you search for field sites, submit your practicum application, monitor the status of your practicum application, and complete the evaluation process. Meditrek will help you:
You will receive your Meditrek username and password approximately 6 months before the start of PUBH 6638. The email will go to your Walden University email account from Meditrek. If you do not receive your credentials by the time you begin your application, contact the MPH Field Experience Office.