Undergraduate Internship/Capstone

As a part of your academic curriculum, you will gain valuable, real-world experience within your chosen career field through internship(s) or a capstone project. These experiences provide you with the opportunity to:

• Apply classroom knowledge and skills to the real-world setting
• Identify career pathways and opportunities
• Understand professional practice and/or research practice within the public health field
• Broaden your professional network

What to look for in an experience:

When looking for an internship or capstone you should consider your interests, experience, the requirements of your degree program, and what you want to gain from the experience. Specific activities or tasks that may be part of the experience include:

For internships:

• Participation in the day-to-day work of the company or organization
• Attending organizational or community meetings with the internship site supervisor
• Assisting with program development, implementation, and/or evaluation
• Working with a team responsible for existing projects or initiatives

For research capstones:

• Participating in ongoing research activities or studies with a research mentor
• Assisting with data collection and analysis on an ongoing research project
• Conducting & presenting independent research with a mentor
• Other independent epidemiology project with a mentor as approved by faculty coordinator

Finding an experience

It is ultimately your responsibility to find and secure an internship/capstone. You are encouraged to begin planning for internships/capstones three months prior to the semester you plan to enroll and complete the experience.

Internship opportunities

Traditional internship opportunities submitted to the school are posted in the FSPH Career & Professional Development Canvas page and the Indiana University Indianapolis online job board, Handshake. You are encouraged to monitor these resources regularly.

Many internship opportunities are never publicly posted. Students are also encouraged to reach out to organizations of interest to inquire about opportunities directly.

*NOTE: Community health majors are encouraged to work directly with their faculty coordinator as they search for an internship/capstone site. Health services management majors will work with their instructor during the career preparation course (PBHL-H379) to secure their required capstone internship. 

Internship supervisors

You should look for an internship supervisor who is excited about working with you. The supervisor's role is to help you develop your experience and oversee your work, so the supervisor needs to be committed to devoting time to you. The supervisor should also be professionally and academically qualified:

• Has a graduate/professional degree, or baccalaureate degree plus a minimum of three years of work experience in their current position.
• Has adequate decision-making authority at the internship site.
• Will ensure that 50-75 percent of the student’s time will be focused on the learning objectives outlined in the previous description.
• Is committed to devoting sufficient time to teach and supervise the student.

Capstone opportunities

For research capstones, you are encouraged to identify areas of research you may be interested in within your field of study. You are also encouraged to connect with your professors to inquire about any ongoing research projects you may be eligible to participate in. You are also encouraged to review the opportunities and resources at IU Indianapolis’s Center for Research & Learning. If completing an independent research project, it will be your responsibility to pose a scientific hypothesis, conduct data analysis, and present your research findings through a final project.

Capstone supervisor

You should look for a capstone supervisor who is excited about working with you on your research capstone. Because the supervisor's role is to mentor and provide guidance on your research, they need to be committed to devoting time to you and your work. Your mentor should also be professionally and academically qualified:

• Has a graduate/professional degree, or baccalaureate degree plus a minimum of three years of work experience in their current position.
• Is committed to devoting sufficient time to oversee and mentor student through capstone project.

Planning resources

You will want to start your internship/capstone process by first meeting with your assigned academic advisor. Your academic advisor will be able to:

• Assist with incorporating your internship/capstone course into your academic plan
• Verify your eligibility for enrolling in your internship/capstone course
• Clarify next steps and connect you to planning resources

While you are responsible for securing an experience, the FSPH Office of Career and Professional Development is available to help support you through this process. You are strongly encouraged to schedule a career advising appointment with this office to:

• Discuss your internship/capstone goals
• Develop internship/capstone search strategies
• Review your application materials (e.g., resume, cover letter)
• Prepare for interviews

To schedule an appointment, please visit the Student Appointment Scheduler (SAS).

As an FSPH student completing an internship or capstone, it is expected that you conduct yourself in a professional manner and in accordance with the IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct. Personal integrity is an essential element of professionalism and academic responsibility. Instances of personal or academic misconduct during the internship/capstone will not be tolerated, and students will be subject to the school’s disciplinary process.

The community health internship experience is intended to be completed in the last semester of a student’s undergraduate enrollment. Students should spend at least 75 percent of their time doing work that is in line with an entry-level health education specialist professional. Internship experiences in community health can be obtained in a variety of settings such as community nonprofit/voluntary agencies, public health departments, worksite health promotion programs, or healthcare organizations. Internship experiences may be paid or unpaid.

Eligibility

• Be admitted to the BSPH-CH program (pre-community health majors are ineligible)
• Be in senior standing within two semesters of graduation
• Be in good academic standing at FSPH
  • 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA; and
  • 2.5 or higher semester GPA
• Successful completion of PBHL-S 361 or PBHL-S 415

Course you’ll enroll in

• PBHL-S 499 (3 credit hours)
  • Full-time internship consisting of 240 working hours
• Remote work policy: Internship sites may offer remote work options. It is expected that students spend no more than 60 hours (approximately four hours per week) working remotely. Students are required to have permission from the faculty coordinator if it is necessary to work more than four hours/week remotely. Site supervisors must ensure that interns have the hardware (computer, printer, etc.) and any software necessary to complete tasks remotely. Students are required to meet professional conduct expectations even when working remotely.

Course expectations and grading

• Satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading system. To earn a satisfactory (S) grade, you must fully meet the requirements of the course:
  • Complete the Internship/Capstone Agreement
  • Complete 240 hours of work – tracked and verified
  • Complete the student internship evaluation
  • Supervisor’s completion of evaluations (mid-point and final)
  • Submit the final reflection paper

Internship supervisor responsibilities

• Commit to being present, supervising, mentoring, and evaluating the student throughout the internship experience
• Interview the student candidate
• Review and sign the student’s Internship Agreement form
• Complete the online mid-point evaluation at the halfway point of the internship
• Review and sign the student's work log at the conclusion of the internship
• Complete the online final evaluation at the conclusion of the internship
• Provide office space and technology for student; including technology for those working remotely
• Ensure the majority of the student’s work focuses on the Responsibilities and Competencies for Health Education Specialists.

Steps to enroll

• Step 1: Review this Internship/Capstone Handbook in full
• Step 2: Connect with FSPH academic advisor to verify eligibility
• Step 3: Search for and apply for community health related internships
• Step 4: Connect with faculty coordinator for internship pre-approval (required before committing to internship)
• Step 5: Once internship is pre-approved, complete the Internship/Capstone Agreement Form
• Step 6: Connect with FSPH academic advisor for course authorization
• Step 6: Enroll in internship course

Faculty coordinator

Sarah Johnson
Phone: (317) 278-3230
Email: shm@iu.edu

The epidemiology program provides students with an opportunity to gain real-world experience or research experience through either the internship in epidemiology or the Capstone in Epidemiology. An internship will provide real world experience in the application of epidemiology. A capstone will consist of a research project under a mentor's supervision.

Internships and capstone research projects can take place within local, state, national, or international governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, industry, or healthcare sectors. Internships should be meaningful and appropriate for a bachelor’s-level education, applying core and concentration course material while actively engaging in real-world public health.

Research capstone projects must be led by a qualified mentor and include meaningful contributions from the student.

While students are encouraged to participate in internships and research as opportunities arise, earning credit is limited to the student's last three semesters before completion of their degree. This allows students to apply classroom learning to real-word public health practice and research.

Eligibility

• Be admitted to the BSPH-Epidemiology program (pre-epidemiology majors are ineligible)
• Be in junior standing within three semesters of graduation
• Be in good academic standing at FSPH
  • 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA; and
  • 2.5 or higher semester GPA
• Successfully completed the Public Health Core
  • PBHL-A 316, PBHL-E322, PBHL-H 120, PBHL-S 250
• Successfully completed PBHL-B 300, PBHL-E 421
• Successfully completed or be concurrently enrolled in PBHL-E 422

Course you’ll enroll in

• PBHL-E 490 Internship in Epidemiology (3 credit hours)
  • Part-time internship consisting of 180 working hours

or

• PBHL-E 491 Capstone in Epidemiology (3 credit hours)
  • Independent epidemiology research project

Course expectations and grading

• Satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading system. To earn a satisfactory (S) grade, you must fully meet the requirements of the course:
  • Complete the Internship/Capstone Agreement
  • Complete 180 hours of work – tracked and verified on the Internship Log
  • Complete the student internship evaluation
  • Supervisor’s completion of evaluation
  • Submit the final reflection paper or internship projects (PBHL-E 490)
  • Submit the research and findings (e.g. research poster) (PBHL-E 491)

Steps to enroll

• Step 1: Review this Internship/Capstone Handbook in full
• Step 2: Connect with academic advisor to verify eligibility
• Step 3: Search for and apply for epidemiology related internships
• Step 4: Once internship is secured, complete the Internship/Capstone Agreement Form
• Step 5: Connect with FSPH academic advisor for course authorization
• Step 6: Enroll in internship course

Faculty coordinator

Melissa Titus, MPH
Phone: (317) 274-4538
Email: mtitus@iu.edu

The required internship in global health provides students with an opportunity to gain meaningful and appropriate experience in any of the areas of specialization within global and environmental health. Students may seek internships in local, state, national, or international organizations in the government, not-for-profit, business, or industrial sectors, providing the work of the internship provides a meaningful internship appropriate to the bachelor’s levels of education. Internships may be paid or unpaid, and students are encouraged to have more than one internship.

Eligibility

• Be admitted to the BSPH-GH program (pre-Global Health majors are ineligible)
• Be in sophomore standing
• Be in good academic standing at FSPH
  • 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA; and
  • 2.5 or higher semester GPA
• Recommended pre-requisite: PBHL-A 316

Course you’ll enroll in and required working hours

• PBHL-A 380 (3 credit hours)
  • Part-time internship consisting of 180 working hours

Course expectations and grading

• Satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading system. To earn a satisfactory (S) grade, you must fully meet the requirements of the course:
  • Complete the Internship/Capstone Agreement
  • Complete 180 hours of work – tracked and verified on the Internship Log
  • Complete the student internship evaluation
  • Supervisor’s completion of evaluations (mid-point and final)
  • Submit the final reflection paper

Steps to enroll

• Step 1: Review this Internship/Capstone Handbook in full
• Step 2: Connect with academic advisor to verify eligibility
• Step 3: Search for and apply for global/environmental health related internships
• Step 4: Once internship is secured, complete the Internship/Capstone Agreement Form
• Step 5: Connect with FSPH academic advisor for course authorization
• Step 6: Enroll in internship course

Faculty coordinator

Mark Wood, MSPH
Phone: (317) 274-3174
Email: woodmw@iu.edu

All Health Data Science majors are required to complete two part-time internships as a part of their academic curriculum. These internships provide the opportunity for specialization within health data science. You may seek internships in local, state, national, or international organizations in the government, not-for-profit, business, or industrial sectors, providing the work of the internship provides a meaningful internship appropriate to the bachelor’s levels of education. Internships may be paid or unpaid.

Eligibility

• Be admitted to the BSHDS program (pre-health data science majors are ineligible)
• Be in sophomore standing
• Be in good academic standing at FSPH
  • 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA; and
  • 2.5 or higher semester GPA
• Successfully completed PBHL-B 275 and PBHL-B 280
• Successfully completed PBHL-B 401 (if enrolling in PBHL-B 402)

Courses you’ll enroll in

• PBHL-B 401 (3 credit hours)
  • First part-time internship consisting of 150 working hours
• PBHL-B 402 (3 credit hours)
  • Second part-time internship consisting of 150 working hours

Course expectations and grading

• Letter grading system. To pass the course, you must complete the following requirements for the course:
  • Complete the Internship/Capstone Agreement
  • Complete 150 hours of work – tracked and verified on the Internship Log
  • Complete the student internship evaluation
  • Supervisor’s completion of evaluation
  • Submit the mid-point and final reflection paper

Steps to enroll

• Step 1: Review this Internship/Capstone Handbook in full
• Step 2: Connect with academic advisor to verify eligibility
• Step 3: Search for and apply for health data science related internships
• Step 4: Once internship is secured, complete the Internship/Capstone Agreement Form
• Step 5: Connect with FSPH academic advisor for course authorization
• Step 6: Enroll in internship course

Faculty coordinator

William (Billy) Fadel, PhD
Phone: (317) 278-5420
Email: wffadel@iu.edu

The elective internship (PBHL-H 380) in health services management and the required capstone internship (PBHL-H 475) in health services management provide students with an opportunity to gain meaningful and appropriate experience in any of the areas of specialization within health services management.

Students may seek internships in any type of healthcare related organization from hospitals, long-term care facilities and clinics to insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies. If a student is focused on a specific area of health services management such as marketing or human resources, an internship may be approved in that area outside of the healthcare field, at the discretion of the department’s faculty coordinator. Internships may be paid or unpaid.

Eligibility

PBHL-H 380

• Be admitted to the BSHSM program (pre-health services management majors are ineligible)
• Have secured an approved internship
• Be in good academic standing at FSPH
  • 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA; and
  • 2.5 or higher semester GPA

PBHL-H 475

• Be admitted to the BSHSM program (pre-health services management majors are ineligible)
• Be in good academic standing at FSPH
  • 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA; and
  • 2.5 or higher semester GPA

• Be enrolled in final semester of program

Courses you’ll enroll in

PBHL-H 380 Elective Internship in Health Services Management (3 credit hours)

• • Part-time internship consisting of 180 working hours
  • Counts as a Group A Application course

PBHL-H 475 Health Services Management Capstone (3 credit hours)

• • Part-time internship consisting of 120 working hours
  • Embedded into required Capstone course during final semester

Course expectations and grading

PBHL-H 380

• Satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading system. To earn a satisfactory (S) grade, you must fully meet the requirements of the course:
• Complete the HSM Internship/Capstone Agreement
• Complete 180 hours of work – tracked and verified on the Internship Log
• Complete the student internship evaluation
• Supervisor’s completion of evaluations (mid-point and final)
• Submit the final reflection video

PBHL-H 475

• Satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading system. To earn a satisfactory (S) grade, you must fully meet the requirements of the course:
• Complete the HSM Internship/Capstone Agreement
• Complete 120 hours of work – tracked and verified on the Internship Log
• Complete the student internship evaluation
• Supervisor’s completion of evaluations (mid-point and final)
• Complete all course requirements, including final project, as outlined in syllabus

Steps to enroll

PBHL-H 380

• Step 1: Review this Internship/Capstone Handbook in full
• Step 2: Connect with FSPH academic advisor to verify eligibility
• Step 3: Search for and apply for health services management/health administration related internships
• Step 4: Once internship is secured, connect with HSM faculty coordinator to complete the appropriate HSM forms and receive course authorization. You should not complete the agreement form found on this webpage.
• Step 5: Enroll in internship course

PBHL-H 475

Students must complete the Career Preparation in Health Services Management (PBHL-H379) course to be eligible to enroll in the capstone course (PBHL-H475). Students will work closely with their Career Preparation course (PBHL-H379) instructor to identify an appropriate capstone internship.

Faculty coordinator

• Keely Floyd, MA

The elective internship (PBHL-P490) in the public health program provides students with an opportunity to gain meaningful experience in the field of public health.

Students may seek internships in any public health related organization. If a student has specific career aspirations beyond the typical public health settings (e.g., health-related nonprofits, health care organizations, health departments, health agencies, etc.) an internship may be approved in area outside of a typical public health setting at the discretion of the program’s faculty coordinator.

Students are encouraged to spend some time adequately explaining their internship experience and its connection to their career goals when submitting their Internship Agreement Form. Internships may be paid or unpaid.

Eligibility

• Be admitted to the BSPH program (pre-public health majors are ineligible)
• Successfully completed PBHL-P 109
• Have secured an approved internship
• Be in good academic standing at FSPH
  • 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA; and
  • 2.5 or higher semester GPA

Course you’ll enroll in

• PBHL-P490: Internship in Public Health (3 credits)
  • Counts as a public health elective
  • Can be taken twice to earn a total of 6 credits

Course expectations and grading

• Satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading system. To earn a satisfactory (S) grade, you must fully meet the requirements of the course
• Complete 180 hours of work – tracked and verified in the Internship log
• Complete an evaluation of the internship experience
• Receive satisfactory evaluations from your internship supervisor at the mid-point and end of internship
• Complete a final culminating assignment to a satisfactory level

Steps to enroll

• Step 1: Review this Internship/Capstone Handbook in full
• Step 2: Connect with academic advisor to verify eligibility
• Step 3: Search and apply for public health-related internships
• Step 4: Once internship is secured, complete the Internship Agreement Form found below. Your faculty coordinator will review this form. If approved, they will provide course authorization.
• Step 5: After course authorization is received, enroll in internship course. Once you have enrolled in the internship course you will gain access to the course Canvas site where you will find details about your hour tracking and other assignments.

Faculty coordinator

Melissa Titus, MPH
Phone: (317) 274-4538
Email: mtitus@iu.edu