Law and Public Health Program

The Practicum Experience

The MPH Practicum Experience

In the spring semester, all MPH students complete a 5.0-credit field internship called the Practicum which is designed to give them real-world experience in applying their knowledge and skills in law and public health. For LPH students, the Practicum typically involves an8-hour-a-week internship in a legal office, governmental unit, or nongovernmental organization, culminating in a written report. RecentPracticum placements have included:

  • Tobacco Control Resource Center
  • Office of the Attorney General of Massachusetts
  • Boston Medical Center, Legal Affairs Office
  • Brigham & Women’s Hospital Planning Office
  • Children’s Hospital Office of Ethics
  • Food and Drug Administration – Boston District Office
  • Genzyme Corporation
  • Toxics Action Center
  • Harvard Risk Management Foundation
  • McDermott, Will & Emery (law firm)
  • Healthshare Technology, Inc.
  • Massachusetts Department of Public Health
  • Group Insurance Commission
  • American Association of Retired Persons
  • Massachusetts House of Representatives

Students are expected to take substantial initiative in identifying and arranging a Practicum placement, with some assistance from faculty.