15 Public Health Internships for Undergraduates

For undergraduate students whose academic or career interests lie in healthcare, epidemiology, or medicine, a public health internship is an opportunity worth pursuing. Internships in public health offer practical experience in identifying health challenges and enhancing the well-being of communities. This experience allows you to develop your professional skills, get insight into the industry, and build a strong professional network. You also get to learn from public health professionals and explore potential career paths in the field. 

For our blog today, we have researched and curated a list of 15 excellent public health internships for undergraduates. Our selection process considered program prestige, the professional experience offered, and the quality of networking opportunities. We’ve also tried to provide a mix of both in-person and virtual programs.

15 Public Health Internships for Undergraduates

1. Ladder University Internships

Location: Remote 

Cost/Stipend: 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 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: Varies depending on the specific program chosen

The CDC Public Health Scholars Program, also known as the Lewis Scholars Program, is a highly competitive opportunity for students serious about a career in public health. Scholars are placed at one of the seven partner institutions to participate in a public health research project, where they collaborate with an institutional mentor. Your work may span a diverse range of public health concerns, from tackling issues of health equity to focusing on chronic disease prevention, all under the expert supervision of seasoned mentors. The entire program culminates in a comprehensive public health symposium, where you will have the platform to formally present your research and findings. As a federally funded initiative, the Lewis Scholars program stands out as one of the most reputable and recognized public health internships for undergraduate students.

3. Kennedy Krieger Institute MCH-LEARN Program

Location: Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 

Cost/Stipend: 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 designed for undergraduates who envision a future career in public health. Through this program, you can intern in diverse fields such as pediatrics, social work, nutrition, health education, and nursing. The experience helps build a solid foundation for pursuing graduate-level studies with a focus on family, child, and adolescent health. This program provides hands-on research experience, community engagement projects, and dedicated mentorship from faculty members at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University. You will also gain significant exposure to critical issues, including maternal and child health, mental health, and developmental and neurodevelopmental disabilities.

4. University of Michigan SEP-HEALTHSpark Program

Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 

Stipend: $3,750. SEP-HEALTHSpark offers funding for students’ round-trip travel costs from their home or school to Ann Arbor and provides transportation to field placements and other work sites. Participants will also receive funds to help cover the cost of on-campus food. 

Dates: May 31 – July 26 

Application deadline: February 28 

Eligibility: Rising college juniors and seniors with a minimum 2.8 GPA, and an interest in pursuing a career in public health/health management and policy. Additional criteria may be found here.

SEP-HEALTHSpark is one of the nation's longest-running public health internships for undergraduates. This eight-week program is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in public health with a mission to eliminate racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic health inequalities. As a participant, you will be placed within a Southeast Michigan-based health organization, where you will gain practical, real-world experience in fields like health management, community health, and policy. This internship is supplemented with rigorous academic coursework and consistent mentorship. The experience is designed to provide you with a comprehensive and multifaceted overview of the public health field. The program maintains a highly selective admissions process, typically accepting only 15–20 students each year.

5. 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 organization that facilitates connections between undergraduate students and paid summer internships across the public health and healthcare sectors. A wide array of opportunities is available in numerous settings, including community clinics, health departments, and hospitals. As an intern, you will gain an understanding of the internal operations of health organizations while exploring different roles and potential career pathways within the health sector. HCC is committed to providing extensive support to its interns through dedicated mentorship, skill-building workshops, and organized networking events. You will also gain access to a series of professional development sessions that delve into important topics like health advocacy, cultural humility and competency, career planning, and preparation for graduate school.

6. 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: Priority Due Date- February 1, Final Due Date- 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) provides paid research experiences for students based in the New York City area. This opportunity involves a two-year commitment where you will collaborate with faculty mentors from Columbia University on research projects that investigate the connections between environmental exposures and human health. You will dedicate your summer to engaging in laboratory research, participating in weekly seminars, and attending professional workshops. A key component of the program is attending a Symposium where you will present your research. Following the summer intensive, you will continue your research collaboration with your mentor throughout the academic year.

7. 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: 400 hours during the summer

Application deadline: February 1

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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and administered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), NEPHIP places qualified students in environmental health agencies at the state, tribal, local, and territorial levels throughout the country. You will collaborate with environmental health professionals on a variety of critical projects related to food safety, vector control, water quality, and emergency preparedness. This internship offers direct, hands-on experience with the day-to-day operations of a local health department. It represents a highly valuable opportunity for students who are eager to witness public health principles being put into action at the community level.

8. 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 intern with the NYC Health Department, you will have the chance to explore the core principles of public health planning, research, evaluation, and administration. You have the flexibility to select either a full-time or part-time engagement during the summer session. Throughout your internship, you will work alongside public health professionals to tackle practical, real-world challenges related to data analysis, program implementation, or research. The program is enriched with workshops and training sessions designed to illuminate the workings of local public health systems and demonstrate how they effectively address the needs of the community.

9. 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: January 9

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

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is a nine-week internship created for students with an interest in biomedical research. Although its primary focus is on cancer, SURP features projects relevant to public health, encompassing fields like biostatistics, epidemiology, and prevention science. As a participant, you will be paired with a faculty mentor, collaborate on an ongoing research project, and present your findings at a culminating poster session. You will also participate in workshops covering essential topics such as resume preparation, scientific communication, and the medical school application process.

10. 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: February 1 

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

DSIP is an eight-week research experience in graduate-level biomedical science and public health for undergraduate students from backgrounds underrepresented in these fields. Hosted at the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, this program will connect you with Johns Hopkins researchers who are actively working on projects across a wide variety of public health disciplines. The program is comprehensive, offering professional development workshops, networking events, and GRE preparation sessions. During your time in the program, you will be expected to complete weekly assignments, produce a final research paper, deliver an oral presentation, and participate in a formal poster session.

11. World Health Organization (WHO) Internship Programme

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

Stipend: Varies by specific internship, both role and location

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

For students aspiring to acquire global experience in the public health sector, the WHO provides exceptional opportunities through its esteemed Internship Programme. As an intern, you will be integrated into a technical department at one of the WHO’s major offices, where you will contribute to projects that have a direct impact on health at an international scale. The nature of the work is varied and can range from conducting research and data analysis to providing support for major health campaigns and contributing to policy development. Throughout the internship, you will develop a deep understanding of the intricate processes behind the creation and implementation of global health policy.

12. 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 prestigious Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, the BSRP is an intensive nine-week summer program tailored for undergraduates with a keen interest in pursuing biomedical research. As a BSRP intern, you will learn the fundamentals of genomics and computational biology while conducting an original laboratory research project under the mentorship of scientists. The program is structured to deliver a deep, immersive research experience, augmented by scientific communication courses and professional development seminars led by prominent scientists from both Harvard and MIT. You will also benefit from weekly workshops focused on graduate school applications and various networking opportunities. The program concludes with a formal poster session, where you and your peers present your research findings.

13. American Public Health Association (APHA) Internships

Location: Washington, D.C. 

Cost/Stipend: None 

Dates: June 1 – August 15 

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

Eligibility: Current undergraduate and graduate students

The APHA provides students with a front-row seat to the world of public health policy and advocacy through its internship opportunities at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. Interns support various APHA departments, which can include government relations, publications, communications, and public health policy, gaining insights into the forces that shape public health. Your responsibilities might include conducting research and analysis to help create educational resources on critical topics such as obesity prevention, health reform, health equity, and public health infrastructure. This experience will teach you how national organizations effectively influence legislation and public opinion. This stands out as one of the few public health internships for undergraduates that is primarily centered on policy.

14. The Borgen Project Nonprofit Leadership Internship

Location: Remote 

Cost/Stipend: No cost; this is an unpaid volunteer internship. However, they work with schools to ensure college credit is available, if applicable 

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 the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia.

The Borgen Project is a non-profit organization that concentrates its efforts on combating global poverty and hunger primarily through political advocacy. This fully remote internship offers you a direct, hands-on role within the movement to elevate global poverty as a central focus of U.S. foreign policy. You will serve as an advocate within your own community, responsible for mobilizing people to contact their congressional leaders, authoring articles to generate awareness, and taking part in fundraising initiatives. This represents an extraordinary opportunity for students who are passionate about the intersection of policy, advocacy, and the social determinants that influence global health. You will develop practical, transferable skills in communication, grassroots organizing, and political strategy.

15. Child Family Health International (CFHI) Programs

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

Cost/Stipend: 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 presents a diverse portfolio of more than 40 global health education programs situated in 11 different countries. Unlike a traditional office internship, CFHI places you in a community-based setting where you work alongside local physicians and public health professionals. This setup allows you to gain firsthand insight into the complexities of local health systems and the social determinants of health in locations such as Ghana, Ecuador, India, and South Africa. These programs are widely recognized for their unwavering commitment to ethical engagement, asset-based community development, and their ability to provide a structured, nuanced perspective on global health challenges. You have the flexibility to select a program that aligns with your specific interests, with specialized options available in areas like maternal and child health, nutrition, and general public health, among others.

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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