Public Health Internships
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is partnering with Missouri State University’s Master of Public Health Program to establish an internship program to match interested students with placements in public health agencies at the local and state level.
Funding from the CDC’s Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems, known as the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG), is supporting this statewide public health internship program.
Students from Missouri universities who are interested in pursuing a career in public health are eligible. Students will receive a stipend of $20 per hour up to $6,400 for completing an internship of up to 320 hours depending on academic program requirements and agency projects. Students and recent graduates in nursing, environmental health, undergraduate or graduate public health programs, and other disciplines interested in pursuing a public health career are encouraged to apply.
The goal of the program is to fund at least 50 internships annually for field placements in Missouri Local Public Health Agencies (LPHAs) and DHSS. See below for the deadlines to apply and the selection dates.
This program aims to strengthen the public health workforce by creating a pipeline program that supports students’ interest in public health and provides a pathway to permanent positions.
Agencies interested in hosting a student are encouraged to apply.
Please note: if you have applied after the selection date for a semester you will not be contacted. You are welcome to apply for an open semesters.
DEADLINES TO APPLY:
- Summer 2025 Semester: March 17, 2025
- Fall 2025 Semester: May 19, 2025
- Spring 2025 Semester: October 20, 2025
How do I apply?
When Will I Be Informed of Selections?
- Summer Semester: March 18, 2024
- Fall Semester: May 20, 2024
- Spring Semester: October 18, 2024
FAQ’s Pathways Internship Program
Q. What is Pathways?
A. Pathways is an internship program aimed towards providing students and recent graduates with the opportunity to work for the LPHA’s and DHSS in the state of Missouri. This program will help to strengthen the public health workforce by creating a pipeline program that supports students’ interest in public health and provides a pathway to permanent positions.
Q Who can apply for the Pathways Internship program?
A. Students and recent graduates in nursing, environmental health, undergraduate or graduate public health programs, and other disciplines interested in pursuing a public health career are encouraged to apply.
Q How do we apply for the Pathways Internship?
A. You can apply for the internship using the website provided here: Public Health Internships | Health & Senior Services (mo.gov) . Choose “Apply to be an intern” and fill in the required details and submit the application.
Q What are the benefits of this internship program?
A. Students will receive a stipend of $20 per hour up to $6,400 for completing an internship of up to 320 hours depending on academic program requirements and agency projects.
Q. What is the deadline for applying for the internship?
A. The deadlines are Summer- April, Fall- June and Spring- November, the dates are tentative and will be mailed each semester.
Q How are interns selected for the Pathways Internship?
A. Interns are selected by random selection and the selected students are matched to the LPHA’ s and DHSS.
Q. Can international students apply for this internship program?
A. Yes, international students are welcome to apply for this internship.
Q. What documents or paperwork do I need for applying for this internship?
A. You need your resume to apply for the internship.
Q. Can I do an internship in any semester, or are there specific periods for it?
A. Depending on your requirements, the internship is available to apply for in summer, spring and fall semesters.
Q. Can I fulfill internship requirements through a hybrid model of internship?
A. Yes, a hybrid model of internship is acceptable but Pathways cannot fund a fully remote internship.
Q. Who will be my point of contact if I have any questions or concerns?
A. Rebecca Damron- Pathways internship Coordinator will be your point of contact for any questions or concerns regarding pathways. Email: RebeccaDamron@MissouriState.edu