Connecticut State Department of Public Health

Student Internships

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) Internship Program supports the development of aspiring public health professionals by providing students with an experiential opportunity to learn about public health systems, state and local public health agency practices, and career opportunities.

Students may be provided with opportunities to:

  • Shadow a public health professional to observe their daily tasks and gain insight into public health roles and responsibilities. 
  • Work with a preceptor who can serve as a role model and mentor.
  • Carry out an independent project demonstrating the application of knowledge and skills to current public health practice and present the completed project to current public health professionals.
  • Apply classroom learning and gain hands-on experience inside a public health work environment.
  • Network within the field of public health and access future employment opportunities.
  • Develop goals for personal and professional growth with the understanding that professional development is a continuous process.

Eligibility:

Internships may be available to 3rd and 4th year undergraduate, and graduate students, enrolled at an accredited college or university. First consideration will be given to those pursuing a degree in public health, allied health, medicine, or a related field, however all students with an interest in exploring public health as a career are eligible, regardless of their academic area of study.  

The CT DPH Internship Program is highly competitive and based on preceptor availability. As such, the Agency cannot guarantee placements for all students who apply. 

Sessions:

DPH Internship Program operates in three sessions: 

Summer: June – August (hybrid experience)
Minimum 20 hours per week

Fall: September – December (mostly/fully virtual experience)
Part-time: Between 10-15 hours per week

Spring: February – May (mostly/fully virtual experience) 
Part-time: Between 10-15 hours per week

Extension of hours can be requested but approval depends on the availability of the preceptor.
Fall and Spring internships are reserved for students whose permanent residence is within the state of Connecticut.

 

General Application/Deadline:

CT DPH is now accepting intern applications for the 2025 Summer Internship Program:  Deadline: March 28, 2025

Those interested in applying may submit a Student Internship Application.  Please direct questions to dph.internship@ct.gov. 

Coming Soon:  CT Public Health Internship Program Guidebook  

 

Fellowship Stipend Program:

Placements through the summer, fall, and spring are unpaid, unless students meet the eligibility criteria and accepted into the Fellowship Stipend Program. This opportunity awards $3,500 to students seeking public health internships.

The Fellowship Stipend Program is ONLY available to a limited number of students and is provided based on the availability of federal funds from the CDC. Applying does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Detailed information below:

Overview: 

The Connecticut Public Health Fellowship Program (PHFP) financially supports college students in quality public health field placements that aim to build interest in Connecticut public health careers and prepare fellows for today’s workforce needs. The program is directed by the CT Department of Public Health (DPH) Office of Public Health Workforce Development and administered by the Office of Public Health Practice (OPHP) at the Yale School of Public Health. Financial support for the program is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health Infrastructure Grant.

The program provides stipends of $3,500 to fellows to support a public health practice experience that:

CT DPH is committed to increasing the diversity and inclusion of the public health profession, so the workforce is representative of the community it serves. Students from underrepresented populations or under-resourced backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

For more information, please contact:  dph.internship@ct.gov