15 Public Health Internships for Undergraduates

If you are an undergraduate interested in healthcare, epidemiology, or medicine, a public health internship is worth considering. Internships in public health can offer you practical experience in identifying widespread health issues and improving community well-being. The experience can help you develop professional skills, gain firsthand industry insights, and build a network of valuable connections, significantly strengthening your resume.

As an intern, you will also learn from public health professionals and explore career paths in the field. You can also choose an online internship, a format that has become increasingly popular as an accessible and affordable option for students everywhere.

If you are ready to explore your options, finding the right program can feel overwhelming. This is why we have identified 15 public health internships for undergraduates in this blog. We have focused on key factors such as program prestige, the rigor of the professional experience, and the quality of opportunities to network with leaders in the field.

1. Ladder University Internships

Location: Remote

Cost: Varies

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Application deadline: August 24 for the upcoming cohort

Eligibility: Current undergraduate students

Ladder Internships connect students with startups and innovative companies, offering remote work experiences. As a Ladder Intern, you will work with a startup’s manager who will offer you mentorship and guidance throughout the program. You will work on a real-world project that directly contributes to the assigned company’s goals, allowing you to develop tangible skills in areas like health research, data analysis, program management, or health communications. The program partners with managers from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey, and Goldman Sachs. The virtual format makes the program one of the most flexible public health internships for undergraduates.

2. CDC John R. Lewis Public Health Scholars Program

Location: Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY; Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD; Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA; Southern Plains Tribal Health Board, Oklahoma City, OK; University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI; University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburg, PA; UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA

Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend, housing, and travel support available

Dates: Varies by location

Application deadline: Varies by location; applications open in the fall

Eligibility: Sophomore, junior, and senior undergraduate students, or those who have graduated within 12 months of the program start date; a minimum GPA of 2.7 is required.

The CDC Public Health Scholars Program or the Lewis Scholars Program is a competitive opportunity for students to gain experience in public health settings. You will be placed at one of the seven partner institutions and engage in a research project in public health, working directly with a mentor at the institution. You may work on a variety of public health issues, from health equity to chronic disease prevention, under the guidance of experienced mentors. The program culminates in a public health symposium where you will present your work. Funded by the federal government, the Lewis Scholars program is among the most well-known public health internships for undergraduates.

3. Kennedy Krieger Institute MCH-LEARN Program

Location: Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD

Cost: Fully funded program

Dates: June 2 – July 25

Application deadline: January 31

Eligibility: Rising undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and freshmen residing in the Baltimore/Washington Metropolitan area with a GPA of 3.0 or higher

The Maternal and Child Health Leadership, Education, and Advancement in Undergraduate Pathways (MCH-LEARN) program is a fully funded initiative for undergraduates interested in a career in public health. Here, you can intern in fields like pediatrics, nutrition, social work, nursing, and health education, and build a foundation for pursuing graduate studies focused on family, child, and adolescent health. The program offers hands-on research experience, community engagement projects, and mentorship from faculty at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University. You will also get exposure to issues like developmental disabilities, neurodevelopmental disabilities, maternal and child health, and mental health.

4. Broad Summer Research Program (BSRP)

Location: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA

Stipend: $5,400 

Dates: June 2 – August 1

Application deadline: January 10

Eligibility: Undergraduates majoring in physical, biological, or computer sciences, engineering, or mathematics, with a minimum GPA of 3.2

Hosted at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, BSRP is a nine-week summer program for undergraduates interested in pursuing biomedical research. This is among the few public health internships for undergraduates that focus on genomics. As a BSRP intern, you will learn the fundamentals of genomics and computational biology, conducting original laboratory research projects under the mentorship of leading scientists. The program is designed to provide a deep, immersive research experience through scientific communication courses and professional development seminars with leading scientists from Harvard and MIT. You will also engage in weekly workshops on college applications and networking opportunities. The program ends with a poster session, where you and your peers present research findings. 

5. University of Michigan SEP-HEALTHSpark Program 

Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Stipend: $3,750

Dates: May 31 – July 26

Application deadline: February 28

Eligibility: Rising college juniors and seniors with a minimum 2.7 GPA

SEP-HEALTHSpark, one of the longest-running public health internships for undergraduates in the country, is an eight-week program that aims to prepare students for pursuing careers in public health and eliminating racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic health inequalities. You will be placed in a Michigan-based health organization to gain practical experience in areas like health management, policy, and community health. The internship is complemented by rigorous academic coursework, GRE preparation, and mentorship. The experience can help you get a comprehensive overview of the public health field. The program is selective, typically limiting acceptance to just 15–20 students.

6. Health Career Connection (HCC) Internship Program

Location: Various locations across the U.S.

Cost/Stipend: No cost; internships are paid

Dates: 10 weeks during the summer

Application deadline: Applications typically open in the fall and close in February.

Eligibility: Current undergraduate students and recent graduates

Health Career Connection is a national non-profit that connects undergraduate students with paid summer internships in the public health and healthcare sectors. Opportunities are available in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, health departments, and community clinics. You will learn about the inner workings of health organizations and explore roles and career pathways in health. HCC will also provide you with extensive support through mentorship, workshops, and networking events. You will have access to professional development sessions, where you will explore topics like health advocacy, cultural humility and competency, career planning, and graduate school prep.

7. Columbia University PrIMER Program

Location: Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY

Stipend: $22/hour

Dates: Two-year program beginning June before junior year till December of senior year

Application deadline: March 1

Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students who are rising juniors at a university in the New York City area

The Program to Inspire and Mentor Undergraduates in Environmental Health Science Research (PrIMER) offers paid research experiences to students in NYC. You will commit to a two-year program and work with Columbia University faculty mentors on projects exploring the links between environmental exposures and human health. You will spend your summer engaging in laboratory research, weekly seminars, and workshops during the program. You will also attend a Symposium, where you will present your research. You will continue working with your mentor on your research during the academic year.

8. National Environmental Public Health Internship Program (NEPHIP)

Location: Various state, tribal, and local health departments across the U.S.

Stipend: $6,000 for undergraduates

Dates: 10 weeks during the summer

Application deadline: Typically in February.

Eligibility: College sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in environmental health academic programs accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC) with at least one full year of training with most courses in environmental health focus areas

Sponsored by the CDC and administered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), NEPHIP places students in qualified state, tribal, local, and territorial environmental health agencies across the country. During the program, you will work alongside environmental health professionals on projects related to food safety, water quality, vector control, and emergency preparedness. This internship provides direct experience in the day-to-day functions of a local health department. It is a valuable opportunity for those who want to see public health in action at the community level.

9. NYC Health Department’s Public Health Internship Program

Location: NYC Health Department, NYC, NY

Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend may be available based on funding

Dates: June – August (summer) | September – December (fall) | January – May (spring)

Application deadline: February 15 (summer) | August 15 (fall) | November 15 (spring)

Eligibility: Matriculated undergraduate, graduate, or professional students in a degree program at an accredited college or university in the U.S. who are in good academic standing; residency in NYC is required for the fall and winter/spring sessions

As an NYC Health Department intern, you will explore the principles of public health planning, research, administration, and evaluation. You can choose between full- and part-time engagement during the summer. As an intern, you will work with public health professionals and address public health-related practical challenges in data analysis, research, or program implementation. The program includes workshops and training sessions that highlight how local public health systems work and address community needs. 

10. American Public Health Association (APHA) Internships

Location: Washington, D.C.

Cost/Stipend: None

Dates: Internships offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters; minimum commitment of eight weeks (20 hours/week)

Application deadline: Fall: June 5 | Spring: October 6 | Summer: February 6 

Eligibility: Current undergraduate and graduate students

The APHA offers students a front-row seat to public health policy and advocacy through internship opportunities at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. You will support APHA departments, including government relations, public health policy, communications, and publications, gaining insights into the work of macro-level forces that shape public health. Your tasks may involve conducting research and analysis to develop educational resources on issues like obesity prevention, public health infrastructure, health reform, and health equity. In the process, you will learn how national organizations influence legislation and public opinion. This is one of the few public health internships for undergraduates focused primarily on policy.

11. Fred Hutch Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP)

Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA

Stipend: $7,304 + housing and travel allowances

Dates: June 23 – August 22

Application deadline: Early January; application window typically opens mid-November

Eligibility: Undergraduates entering the summer before their final year, semester, or quarter of study

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center’s SURP is a nine-week internship designed for students interested in biomedical research. While focused on cancer, SURP offers many projects that are highly relevant to public health, including epidemiology, biostatistics, and prevention science. You will be paired with a mentor, work on a research project, and present your findings at a final poster session. You will also attend workshops on resume preparation, medical school application, and scientific communication. 

12. Johns Hopkins Diversity Summer Internship Program (DSIP)

Location: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD

Stipend: $3,000

Dates: Late May – late July

Application deadline: Typically in end of January

Eligibility: Undergraduate students with at least two years of college completed and a strong interest in public health

DSIP provides eight-week research experiences in graduate-level public health and biomedical science to undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds. Hosted at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the program will connect you with Johns Hopkins researchers working on projects across various public health disciplines. The program offers professional development workshops, networking events, and GRE preparation. You will complete weekly assignments, produce a research paper, deliver an oral presentation, and participate in a poster session during the program.

13. Child Family Health International (CFHI) Programs

Location: Various international locations, including India, South Africa, Ghana, Ecuador, and Bolivia

Cost: Program fees vary by location and duration; these fees typically cover housing, meals, and in-country support. CFHI is a non-profit, and many universities offer academic credit and scholarships for participation in its programs.

Dates: Programs are offered year-round with flexible start dates and durations ranging from 2 to 16 weeks

Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis

Eligibility: Undergraduate students, graduate students, and post-graduates; specific prerequisites may vary by program, but most options are open to students who are 18 years of age or older.

Child Family Health International offers a diverse portfolio of over 40 global health education programs in 11 countries. Unlike a traditional office internship, CFHI will place you in a community-based setting alongside local physicians and public health professionals. You will gain firsthand insight into health systems and the social determinants of health in locations like India, South Africa, Ecuador, and Ghana. The programs are recognized for their commitment to ethical engagement, asset-based community development, and providing a structured perspective on global health challenges. You can choose a program based on your specific interests, with options available in maternal and child health, public health, and nutrition, among other areas.

14. World Health Organization (WHO) Internship Programme

Location: Various locations globally, including Geneva, Switzerland, and regional offices.

Stipend: Provided to interns from low- and middle-income countries

Dates: 6 to 24 weeks, with flexible start dates

Application deadline: Rolling basis

Eligibility: Students (undergraduates or graduates) who are at least 20 years old and enrolled in a course of study at a university

If you want to gain global experience in public health, the WHO offers such opportunities through its Internship Programme. You will work within a technical department at one of the WHO’s major offices, contributing to projects that impact health on an international scale. The work can range from research and data analysis to supporting health campaigns and policy development. During the internship, you will gain insights into the creation of global health policy and its implementation.

15. The Borgen Project Internship

Location: Remote

Cost/Stipend: No cost; this is an unpaid volunteer internship

Dates: Programs are 12 weeks long, with flexible start dates available throughout the year

Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis

Eligibility: Undergraduate students, graduate students, and non-students from any location 

The Borgen Project is a non-profit that focuses on fighting global poverty and hunger through political advocacy. This remote internship can offer you a hands-on role in the movement to make global poverty a focus of U.S. foreign policy. You will work as an advocate in your own community, mobilizing people to contact their congressional leaders, writing articles to raise awareness, and participating in fundraising efforts. This is an exceptional opportunity for students interested in the intersection of policy, advocacy, and the social determinants of global health. You will gain practical skills in communication, political strategy, and grassroots organizing.

One other option—Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you want to pursue independent research under the guidance of a mentor, consider applying to Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, which are selective high school programs founded in partnership with Harvard and Oxford researchers. In the past, 4,000+ students applied for just 500 spots in the research program. You can learn about the application and available programs on the application form here.

Also, you can check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented low-income students. Last year, it offered 150 students full need-based financial assistance.

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a research mentor to develop a research paper.

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