Research

Practice Office
Our Mission

The goal of the BUSPH Public Health Practice Office is to promote sound public health practice perspectives in all aspects of the School’s mission: education, research, and service. The Practice Office focuses on urban and community issues and works toward building collaborations among multiple academic, governmental, and community public health players.

The Practice Office oversees the required student practicum, promotes avenues of student interaction with practitioners throughout the educational experience, and provides opportunities for students to develop skills necessary to become leaders upon graduation. In addition to its student-focused activities, the Practice Office supports public health workforce development efforts throughout the New England region, facilitates consultation and technical assistance for community partners, and promotes and publicizes student and faculty practice activities.

The office also works in collaboration with 27 local health departments to provide epidemiologic services to their communities. In addition to helping address a critical public health need, this program trains students, utilizes faculty resources, and promotes connections with practice partners. Additional partnerships also exist with the Boston Public Health Commission, Massachusetts Department of Public Heath, and Boston Medical Center. The Practice Office has developed numerous training programs designed for practicing public health professionals, and delivers them in conjunction with local, regional, and state public health organizations and agencies.

The Required Practicum

A public health practicum is a required element of the MPH degree at the Boston University School of Public Health. As in all accredited schools of public health, MPH students are required to complete an approved, planned and supervised practicum. The Public Health Practice Office provides the academic and administrative structure for the required practicum.
A practicum provides the opportunity to integrate and apply classroom learning in a public health work environment, enabling students to observe and learn from professionals in the field. The student contributes to a community's resources and to the solution of public health problems, while developing practical skills and personal confidence as a public health professional.

For students new to the field of public health, the practicum serves as an important first step in a public health career, providing an introduction to the practical skills and experience necessary for a productive and fulfilling career. Students with prior work experience find the practicum provides the opportunity to hone their skills or to gain new experience in a different area of specialization.

Organizations interested in having BUSPH students work with you on current and future projects can learn more about how to do so here. We have also published a brochure with FAQs about the Practicum Program.

News

The last day to register for a fall practicum course is October 7, 2009. Our office has launched an online practicum form submission/tracking system. All students must submit their practicum forms through this system. Once a practicum site is secured you can send your Practicum Approval Form to factulty via the Practiceweb.

The 2009-10 Practicum Handbook has all of the updated course information and required documentation. Additionally, practicum course information can also be found on our Practicum Blackboard site.

Directions to our office.

Downloads (PDF):

Printable directions and invitation.
 
Practice Office