Bachelor of Art in Wellness and Health Promotion Practice Undergraduate Practicum and Field Work
All students in the Bachelor of Arts in Wellness and Health Promotion Practice complete six units of practicum and three units of public health fieldwork as part of their degree requirements. MEZCOPH alumni consistently identify this hands-on learning experience as one of the most valuable and rewarding parts of their undergraduate education. Through practicum and fieldwork, students apply what they learn in the classroom, develop practical skills, and gain professional experience that prepares them for future career opportunities.
The College of Public Health provides guidance and support throughout your practicum and fieldwork experience. Before getting started, all students are encouraged to review the below Wellness and Health Promotion Practice Practicum & Fieldwork Information. It outlines the steps for enrolling in practicum units, finding and securing a fieldwork opportunity, obtaining approval for enrollment, and meeting important deadlines.
Public Health Practicum Preparation
As part of the Bachelor of Art degree requirements, all Public Health students must complete six (6) units of practicum curriculum. These courses are designed to help students explore public health concepts, identify career interests, and develop a fieldwork opportunity aligned with their professional goals.
HPS 497E: Public Health For Community Wellness
HPS 497E Introduces students to experiential learning and prepares them for the applied work they will complete in HPS 394 and their practicum.
Course Offering: Fall/Spring 7W1
Course activities include:
- Weekly experiential learning activities focused on topics such as measuring health behaviors.
- An introduction to reading and understanding scientific manuscripts.
- Weekly student presentations and opportunities to engage with classmates.
- Collaborative, team-based activities that highlight the interdisciplinary nature of public health.
- A final project that brings together course concepts and includes a community wellness presentation.
Course Format: Main campus students are required to participate in live presentations. Online students complete the course asynchronously, with the option to participate in live presentations or complete alternative coursework in place of the live presentation requirements.
HPS 394: Practicum (Preparation for Field Work)
HPS 394 helps students identify and develop a fieldwork experience that aligns with their interests and career goals. Students work closely with the professor throughout the course to explore potential sites and prepare for their practicum.
Course Offering: Fall/Spring 7W2
Course activities include:
- Guidance through the field work site selection process.
- An individual check-in with the professor during Week 3 to discuss site selection progress.
- Personal health and wellness reflections.
- Development of logic models for potential fieldwork sites.
- Preparation for the expectations and requirements of the upcoming practicum.
Course Format: Asynchronous, with course content and activities available online. No live participation is required.
HPS 493A/H: Putting Public Health into Practice
HPS 493A/H: Field Work in Public Health
HPS 493 provides students with hands-on, real-world experience applying public health practices in a setting aligned with their individual interests and career goals. Each fieldwork experience is tailored to the student, allowing flexibility in selecting sites, projects, and activities that support their learning.
Course Offering: Fall/Spring 15W ; Summer 10W
Fieldwork Experience:
- Students work with an approved fieldwork site to gain practical, hands-on public health experience.
- Experiences are tailored to individual interests and professional goals.
- Students may collaborate with multiple sites to gain sufficient hours and experience.
- The focus is on applying public health knowledge and practices in a real-world setting, rather than evaluating an organization's outcomes or deliverables.
- A list of previously approved fieldwork sites is available to help students explore potential opportunities.
Course Requirements:
- Complete 150 contact hours at approved fieldwork site.
- Submit fieldwork logs at the midterm and end of the semester.
- Complete a midterm and final reflection on the fieldwork experience.
- Final Reflection: Students will reflect on their hands-on experiences, projects, and skills gained. These examples may also help advisors share the range of fieldwork opportunities available to future students.
Practicum & Field Work Enrollment: Requirements & Steps
Step 2 Practicums: Confirm & Complete Practicum Enrollment Requirements
Before enrolling in practicum units, students must meet the following requirements:
- Declared an emphasis in the Wellness and Health Promotion Practice major.
Communicated with your advisor and course director to discuss practicum enrollment.
Please note: Students cannot self-register for HPS 497E or HPS 394.
Once your practicum enrollment is approved, the advising team will complete registration on your behalf.
Step 3 Field Work: Complete Fieldwork Enrollment Requirements
After completing all six practicum units, students may move forward with enrolling in HPS 493: Fieldwork in Public Health.
Prerequisites for HPS 493 enrollment:
- Have Declared an emphasis in the Wellness and Health Promotion Practice major.
- Completed all six units of practicum.
- Confirmed site selection with course director
Important: Students cannot register themselves for HPS 493 units.
Please note: Students cannot self-register for HPS 493.
Once your fieldwork is approved, the advising team will complete registration into HPS 493 units.
Advice from Past Students
Ask Questions:
- Don't be afraid to ask questions. It's a great opportunity.
- Ask questions and be curious! You are there to learn and grow as a public health professional, so make sure you are taking the time to seek out feedback and ways in which you can improve. Your preceptor and agency site are there to help you, take advantage of it!
- Ask questions and do not be afraid to express what you are interested in.
Seize the Opportunity
- Don't be scared to try new things!
- Make the most of it, do what you can, engage, and take advantage of this unique opportunity!
- Be open to all opportunities. One door could lead to another.
- Take initiative on things that you want to do or you think would help you advance
Face Challenges with Confidence
- It isn't as scary as it seems, coming from someone who had very little practical experience going in!
- Be open and transparent with your preceptor! Most (if not all) are willing to work with your student schedule.
- I would recommend following up with your supervisor either weekly or bi-weekly in order to reassure you are on the right track as well as to receive constructive feedback early on.