Applied Practice Experiences

Applied Practice Experiences for Students

All BSPH-Internship Option, MPH, MHA, and DrPH students at the School of Public Health are required to complete an applied practice experience (APEx) as part of their curriculum. The APEx provides an opportunity to practice public health outside of the classroom. Applied practice experiences occur in a variety of settings and have happened across the globe. Graduate students must complete a Pre-APEx Orientation Training. The training modules are located in Canvas. All students are enrolled in the APEx Community (note: not a class) after the fall census date (about two weeks after fall classes start).

APEx Resources

TAMSPH Practicum Portal

All MPH, MHA, and DrPH students are automatically enrolled in the Pre-APEx Learning Community in Canvas after the census date during their first semester of coursework. These modules provide essential guidance for planning your APEx. Upon successful completion of the training modules, students will gain access to the APEx Work Plan Template.

Once you have developed your work plan in collaboration with your preceptor and received approval from both your preceptor and your department coordinator, upload the signed and fully approved work plan to the Practicum Portal (linked below).

Access Practicum Portal

Important: Do not submit your work plan until all required signatures have been obtained.

Department APEx Coordinators

Students should consult with their department APEx coordinator on all matters related to their applied practice experience.

Environmental and Occupational Health

Adam Pickens, PhD, MPH (MPH and DrPH): apickens@tamu.edu

Health Policy and Management

John J. Buckley, MBA, FACHE (MHA): buckley@tamu.edu

Elena Andreyeva, PhD (MPH): andreyeva@tamu.edu

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Shaida Kalbasi, PhD (MPH and DrPH): shaida@tamu.edu

Health Behavior

Sara Mendez, DrPH (MPH and DrPH): spmendez@tamu.edu

Career, Practicum & Internship Fair

The Career, Practicum, and Internship Fair serves as a platform to connect talented individuals with a passion for public health with leading organizations, creating pathways for impactful practicum experiences, internships, and employment opportunities. Both interested students and potential employers should register here to participate in either in-person or online opportunities to connect with our great students on job openings, practicums, or internships.

Registration

Applied Practice Experience Details for Partners

The Office of Public Health Practice is here to make hosting a student easy and rewarding. We offer:

Help matching you with the right student
Clear guidance and resources
Ongoing support throughout each student’s time at your organization
Recognition for your partnership and opportunities for engagement

Become a Host Organization

Connect with Us - Reach out to the Office of Public Health Practice (OPHP) to express your interest!
Design the Experience - We will help you through the process, from developing an overview of the internship or practicum to identifying appropriate activities and learning opportunities for a public health student.
Establish the Partnership - Formalize the relationship with TAMSPH through an affiliation agreement.*
Find a Great Fit - Begin promoting your opportunity, reviewing student applications, interviewing candidates, and selecting the perfect match for your organization.

Resources

APEx Description Details and Example - PDF
Experience Description Template - DOC

Applied Practice Experience Development Assistance

Do you have a project idea for students but are not quite sure how to turn it into an APEx? Let us help you. Please complete and submit the following form to get in contact with the Office of Public Health Practice.

APEx Development Assistance Form

Affiliation Agreements

*If your organization requires an affiliation agreement in order to host a student, please email the Office of Public Health Practice.

CPT Forms for Students on F1-Visas

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorization for F-1 international students to receive further training that is designed to achieve an established academic objective directly related to degree level and major. CPT includes practicums and internships.

SPH student on F1 visas must:

Complete the student request in Terra Dotta
Have their APEx preceptor complete the employer form

Completed forms must be submitted to International Student Services and a copy of all completed forms must be provided to your department APEx coordinator.

Employer (Preceptor) CPT Form

For more information or questions related to CPT, please visit the International Student Services website.

For any additional questions regarding the applied practice experience or completion of these forms, contact your department APEx coordinator.

Applied Practice Experiences