Fieldwork and Practicum serve as experiential and service-learning opportunities bridging classroom teachings with real-world public health practice. They enable students to apply classroom skills and methodologies, acquire firsthand workplace insights, and cultivate both conceptual understanding and practical proficiency.
These components are essential elements within the Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) and Master of Public Health curricula. They entail placing students in diverse settings such as communities, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, for-profit enterprises, or relevant academic environments. Placement is based on the students' career interests and availability.
Who can do Fieldwork and when?
Junior or senior-standing undergraduate public health students who completed all 3000-level public health core courses, in addition to PUBH 4151 Public Health Research Methods and PUBH 4011 Population Health Program Evaluation. Students can complete Fieldwork with permission received from their advisor and OELCS Coordinator if all classes indicated above have not been completed. Students must complete Fieldwork orientation, have an approved placement and signed Fieldwork contract, before enrolling in the PUBH 4010 course.
Students must complete Fieldwork orientation, have an approved placement and an approved and signed Fieldwork contract, and enroll in the PUBH 4010 course.
Preparation for supervised fieldwork
(3-6 Months before Fieldwork)
Fieldwork is a student-led, time-intensive activity with the support of the faculty advisor, the OELCS Coordinator, Fieldwork Supervisor and PUBH 4010 instructor.
Step 1: Notify your academic advisor of intention to register for fieldwork, review prerequisites, and discuss your eligibility for the course.
Step 2: Complete the Fieldwork Interest Survey, provided to you by your academic advisor.
Step 3: If you are searching for fieldwork opportunities or assessing potential fieldwork sites, contact the Office of Experiential Learning (OELCS) to help identify target sites and to confirm program fit.
Step 4: Secure a Fieldwork placement and coordinate a meeting between your advisor, Fieldwork Supervisor, and OELCS Coordinator to discuss the goals and details of your placement (including competencies and deliverable).
Step 5: Submit the finalized, approved Fieldwork contract to the Experiential Learning Coordinator before beginning your Fieldwork. Completing this step will confirm your eligibility for course registration in the upcoming semester.
What happens during Fieldwork?
BSPH students are required to complete 100 hours of learning at the Fieldwork location and attend the PUBH 4010 workshops.
Monitoring of the student's progress will be accomplished by meetings between the student and the PUBH 4010 course instructor and/or Fieldwork Supervisor. If problems or concerns cannot be resolved, students should refer to the OELCS Coordinator.
The students must prepare and submit the following assignments to their PUBH 4010 instructor.
- Fieldwork Contract
- Human Subjects Research Form and/or Application (if applicable)
- CITI Certificate
- Personal Development Goal
- Essay 1: Organizational Analysis
- Essay 2: Creating Change Through Engaged Scholarship
- Essay 3: Reflections on Fieldwork
- Fieldwork Poster/Deliverable
- Professional Interview Guide, Interview, & Summary
- Review of Peer-Reviewed Journal Article
- Presentation of Fieldwork Poster/Deliverable
- Fieldwork Hours Logs
- Student Evaluation of Fieldwork Experience
- Preceptor Evaluation of Student Performance
Need Assistance?
The OELCS Coordinator facilitates opportunities, solicits placements, and informs potential Fieldwork Supervisors about the Fieldwork policies and requirements. Students should complete the Fieldwork Interest Survey at least one semester before Fieldwork and PUBH 4010 enrollment.
Fieldwork site locations vary based on the student’s academic and career goals, and availability. The OELCS will assist students in finding a Fieldwork location within the Memphis community (if needed). Students can utilize their workplace as their Fieldwork location if approved. Remote options may be available.
The Relationship Between Fieldwork and Capstone
The fieldwork experience is a prerequisite for Capstone. During fieldwork, the student is involved in public health practice and shapes a goal for professional development or a research question and study design, which will be executed through the Capstone project. The Capstone project reflects the synthesis of core public health concepts and competencies informed by the student’s fieldwork experience. Please see the Capstone page for more information.
Students cannot start the Capstone course until they have completed their fieldwork and understand how it will inform the Capstone project.
International Student Resources
For international students, please visit the University of Memphis Curricular Practical Training (CPT) page to learn more about CPT requirements. Completion of CPT is mandatory for the Fieldwork and Practicum courses. To apply for CPT, use the University of Memphis CPT Application Form and reference the School of Public Health Academic Services Coordinator Shirl Sharpe at ssharpe@memphis.edu for the faculty signature and recommendation.
Additional Resources
Benefits of the Fieldwork experience
Hands-On Experience: Students apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world public health challenges, enhancing their skills and understanding.
Networking Opportunities: Our community partnerships allow students to connect with public health professionals, mentors, and organizations, building their professional portfolio and increasing future career opportunities.
Community Engagement: Students work directly with community members to reduce health disparities, promote health education, and establish evidence-based interventions, positively influencing public health outcomes.
Personalized Support: Our dedicated faculty and staff work closely with students to identify fieldwork placements that align with their interests, career goals, and areas of concentration, ensuring a meaningful and enriching experience.
Professional Development: Throughout the Fieldwork experience, students receive mentorship, feedback, and guidance to support their professional growth as emerging public health professionals.