MPH Practicum

In practicum, students will translate the theories and skills learned in the classroom into real-world practice. Our students emerge with a host of meaningful experiences bringing positive change where it is most needed, and they will have broadened the professional skills that make for strong practitioners and leaders. The issues students will engage in, as well as the personal connections they will make, will serve them throughout their careers. With more than 150 diverse partner organizations, each student will find a practicum site with a mission that aligns with their passions and goals.

At the Bursky School of Public Health, students have the unique opportunity to select their own practicum site. This self-directed process offers tremendous options and flexibility. Our students complete applied practice experiences locally, nationally, and globally. Our Office of Student Applied Practice (OSAP) provides every student the support they need to make a well-informed selection.

The Foundations of Applied Practice course taught during the student's first semester as well as consultation with OSAP faculty members helps students navigate the entire process. Faculty support students to determine their applied practice experience goals, work with students and partner organizations to identify projects and deliverables, and provide guidance throughout the practicum experience.

Office of Student Applied Practice (OSAP/APEx) Team

Overview of MPH and Dual Practicum

The OSAP grounds our work in the values of anti-racism and equity.

We embrace diverse people, identities, ideas, and points of view to continually improve our school, region, nation, and world. We are committed to creating internal and external contexts in which outcomes are no longer predicted by identity, access to resources, or geography.

Equity is realized when the outcomes of individuals, communities, and populations are no longer impeded or predicted by identity, access to resources, or geography. The OSAP is committed to ongoing anti-racism and equity work as we engage in conversation, dialogue, and action with students, faculty, staff, organizations, and communities. Advancing equity in practicum placements requires the process of recognizing and addressing how levels of institutionalized and systemic oppression impact individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Important Terms

Applied Practice Experience (APEx)

The applied practice experience or practicum is the active engagement of students in the learning process. It requires students to critically reflect as they 1) exchange and integrate the theory, knowledge, and skills learned in the classroom with their real-world applied, practicum experiences; and 2) actively participate in the process of discovering their own career paths. Applied practice is essential in the process of educating, informing, advising, nurturing, and mentoring the development of competent public health professionals.

Applied Practice

Applied practice is a key component of public health education. Applied practice acts in accordance with the competencies developed by the governing curriculum committee and public health faculty that have been approved by the Council on Education for Public Health. Applied practice aligns with partners to have a presence throughout the community. Through partnership and collaboration, applied practice fosters opportunities for students to integrate classroom and applied practice (practicum) experiences. Students strengthen their skills and discover their short-term and long-term practice goals through reflection, reciprocity, and engaging theory in real-world settings.

OSAP/APEx Faculty

An OSAP or APEx faculty member is responsible for teaching, orienting, guiding, and assessing student progress in all areas of the applied practice experience and for maintaining close collaboration and consultation with the practicum agency. APEx faculty members have specific areas of expertise, and students will work with the APEx faculty member who aligns with their interests. APEx advisement is the process by which APEx faculty assist students with identifying, securing, preparing for, and evaluating practicum experiences. APEx advisement also includes socialization to the profession and professional development. The APEx faculty member works collaboratively with the student, the preceptor, and academic advisors to meet all competencies and practice behaviors for the practicum.

Preceptor

A preceptor is a professional with a master's degree or higher who supervises MPH and dual degree students in practicum. Preceptors must have at least two years of post-graduate experience, demonstrated expertise in practice, and a minimum of one year of employment at the practicum organization. Preceptors are responsible for facilitating student learning, monitoring and evaluating student progress, and providing weekly supervision.

Site Coordination

Site coordination ensures that the Bursky School of Public Health has an effective and continuous presence, visibility, and impact in local, national, and international communities through the expansion of learning opportunities for MPH students. For the purpose of graduating competent professionals, site coordination employs a process of identifying, developing, structuring, and monitoring educational partnerships.

Handshake

Handshake is OSAP’s database that allows students to search affiliated practicum organizations, explore practicum openings, and connect with career resources.

Purpose of MPH and Dual Practicum

The practicum experience is an integral part of professional public health education. It is designed to provide authentic practice situations in which the learning that occurs in the practicum setting complements academic coursework through the practical application of theories, concepts, and specific practice behaviors for the applied practice experience – thus the term practicum.

The purpose of the public health practicum at the Bursky School of Public Health is threefold:

1. To provide challenging, innovative, and substantive learning experiences to students;
2. To prepare students to assume responsibilities as public health professionals exhibiting ethical and professional behavior; and
3. To ensure skilled supervision by experienced preceptors who have been affiliated with the Bursky School of Public Health based on demonstrated knowledge in practice.

Students are required to complete a total of 3 academic credit units (equivalent to 360 hours of work) in a public health practicum to graduate.

Timing of Practicum

When the practicum is scheduled and whether it is to be completed on a part-time or full-time basis (up to 40 hours a week) are contingent upon each student's educational plan. Students must complete foundation MPH courses prior to starting practicum. In addition, dual MSW/MPH students must complete their MSW Foundation practicum before starting their Dual Concentration practicum. Dual students entering the MSW program with Advanced Standing status are encouraged to begin the concentration-level practicum during the spring semester but also have the option of starting in their first semester (fall) of enrollment.

Please refer to the Required MPH and Dual Degree Coursework section below for a list of required foundation courses. Each MPH concentration has additional required courses to be completed prior to starting practicum. Please refer to the Concentration section of the Handbook for further details.

Following Bursky Public Health's suggested academic sequencing for the MPH program, most students begin the MPH practicum in the third semester (summer) after the first year of courses. Following the suggested academic sequencing for the dual degree MSW/MPH program, most dual students begin the dual degree practicum in the sixth semester (summer) after their second year of coursework.

Consult the MPH Practicum Planning Timeline below for more information.

Work Authorization for International Students

Prior to beginning any practicum, all students on a visa must obtain the appropriate work authorization from the Washington University Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS): either a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) form with an offer verification or a J-1 form, depending on the student's visa. Each semester a student is in practicum, the CPT and J-1 forms must be completed. The forms can be obtained from the OISS. 

International students are not eligible to begin working in the practicum until they have an updated I-20 that includes CPT authorization. The CPT authorization is valid only for the dates and preceptor indicated on the I-20. If the student is unable to complete the practicum prior to the expiration of the CPT, they should consult an OISS Advisor, as an extension must be authorized prior to the CPT expiration date.

Preceptor (Practicum Supervisor) Requirements

Preceptors are professionals who must have an MPH or a related master's degree or higher to supervise MPH practicum students. Preceptors must have at least two years of postgraduate experience, demonstrated expertise in public health practice, and a minimum of one year of employment at the practicum organization. Epidemiology and biostatistics preceptors must also have a substantive background in epidemiology and/or biostatistics as approved by the OSAP.

It is strongly recommended that preceptors supervise no more than three students in practicum per semester. This preceptor-student ratio (3:1) affords the preceptor the opportunity to effectively engage and supervise a manageable number of students without comprising the time needed for the preceptor to attend to their own job duties.

Task Supervisor Requirements

The Bursky School of Public Health differentiates between an affiliated preceptor and an organizational task supervisor. A task supervisor is often a staff member who assumes specific responsibilities for the student's practicum learning as delegated and monitored by the preceptor. A task supervisor does not replace the preceptor nor can the task supervisor substitute for the preceptor in weekly supervision. Therefore, the task supervisor is not expected to or required to meet the school's criteria for preceptor supervision and evaluation. However, the task instructor should be informed of practicum requirements and procedures. It is the responsibility of the preceptor to help the student integrate the task supervisor's contribution into the overall learning experience.

The OSAP recognizes that, on occasion, a preceptor may be unavailable to meet with the student for weekly supervision (e.g., the preceptor is on vacation or out of town for a conference/meeting). In these instances, a task supervisor may provide weekly supervision for the student to monitor their progress and address any concerns or issues. However, this substitution is only acceptable for short-term situations. Preceptors who will be absent for supervision over an extended period of time must notify the OSAP.

Professional Behavior and Responsibilities of Students in the Applied Practice Experience

Bursky School of Public Health students are preparing to practice as competent public health professionals. Consistent with the knowledge, values, ethics, and skills of the public health profession, students in practicum are expected to adhere to the profession's values and ethics and to demonstrate professional comportment in all aspects of the practicum experience. Responsibilities of students in practicum include the following:

• Adhere to the Principles of the Ethical Practice of Public Health. (Dual MSW/MPH students must also adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics.)
• Comply with organizational policies and procedures.
• Maintain professional boundaries and behaviors with respect to the organization's clients, constituents, and staff.
• Attend and actively participate in weekly supervisory sessions, including preparing an agenda for supervision, if requested.
• Keep a timesheet of completed practicum hours and notify agency in advance when absent.
• Fulfill all the learning obligations and expectations set forth in the student's Educational Learning Agreement (ELA), including demonstrating all competencies and practice behaviors through learning activities.
• Communicate with the preceptor regarding the student's learning needs and interests, conflicts regarding supervision, and challenges developing as a professional public health practitioner.
• Participate in the mid-point site visit.
• Consult with the organization about safety and liability.
• Contact the OSAP if problems arise in the placement that may need support, clarification, and resolution.
• Assume responsibility for the submission of final required practicum documents to the OSAP to receive a practicum grade (consult the OSAP Practicum Final Documentation and Grades sections of this page).

Orientation for Students in Practicum

A successful practicum partnership between a preceptor and a student begins with a well-planned orientation program. Therefore, it is the student's responsibility to work with the preceptor to structure the orientation process. An effective orientation process can help a student quickly acclimate to their practicum setting, better understand their role in the organization, and clearly define their tasks, duties, and responsibilities in the practicum. The orientation of a student to their practicum organization and/or site should include the following:

• Adaptation to the culture and environment of the organization: tour of facility and student's workspace; review of dress code, work schedule, holiday/vacation schedules, use of phone, and travel reimbursement; resource manuals and reference materials; and so on.
• Agreement on the student's role in practicum, including the boundaries of the student's involvement in projects, meetings, or committees; persons with whom the student may consult; and the student's working title (e.g., research associate intern).
• Review of the organization's history, mission, funding sources, services, and organizational chart.
• Review of organizational policies and procedures, including the organization's stance on confidentiality, artificial intelligence, FERPA, HIPAA, and/or Human Subjects Protection, as applicable.
• Review of the organization's code of ethics, standards of professionalism, or code of conduct.
• Review of organizational procedures for documentation, record keeping, and reporting work time.
• Introduction to key administrators and staff in the organization as well as persons outside of the practicum organization with whom the student is likely to interact.
• Review of personal safety issues and training necessary to protect the well-being of the student.

Students who will be engaged in practicum tasks and duties off-site from the practicum organization (e.g., in community centers or health clinics) should also be oriented in a similar manner as indicated above to the culture, operations, and policies of the work site.

Depending on the setting, orientation and onboarding processes may include virtual or alternative methods. Students should consult with their preceptor regarding modifications in onboarding activities.

Weekly Supervision

Preceptors are required to provide one hour of weekly, individualized, face-to-face supervision to each student in practicum. Under some circumstances in which the preceptor is not available to provide in-person supervision, students may request permission from OSAP for virtual supervision. Topics discussed in supervision may include the following:

• Updates on the student's progress with tasks and projects as related to the chosen public health competencies and ELA
• Challenges/problems faced by the student
• Accomplishments/goals the student has achieved
• Issues of cultural awareness, equity, and diversity (within the organization and with clients/constituents)
• Processing of the organizational culture and policies
• Identification of training opportunities for the student
• Discussion and mentoring regarding the student's professional development and career goals
• Discussion of public health news/trends relevant to the organization's area(s) of service, the student's tasks/projects, and so on

Group Supervision

Organizations hosting more than one practicum student or other interns may choose to offer group supervision to students as a supplement to (but not in lieu of) individual supervision. Group supervision may be used to orient a group of students to the organization, to allow students the opportunity to meet other interns and coordinate student projects, or to provide a forum for guest speakers and professional development for students to enhance their practicum experience.

What Students Need to Know Before Starting Practicum

Practicum Selection

The OSAP does not assign students to practicum organizations. Students employ self-determination to identify skills and knowledge they hope to learn in the placement as well as at a practicum site. APEx faculty support students in this process. This model allows each student to consider learning experiences that contribute to professional identity; to provide a comprehensive base of theories, knowledge, and skills relevant to the individual student; and to build on the student's own personal interests and long-term career goals. The student should consider the requirements of their concentration when choosing a practicum site.

Students' Activities in Compliance With the Principles of the Ethical Practice of Public Health

The School of Public Health supports the policies of affiliated practicum organizations. However, because practicum students are not employees of these organizations, students should pay special attention to the following areas of activity in order to comply with the Principles of the Ethical Practice of Public Health. These principles provide values and beliefs that serve as the foundation for morally responsible public health practice and should guide students in their professional behavior as agents of the organization while in practicum. Dual MPH students are also expected to abide by their professional codes of ethics as applicable.

Organizational Policies

Students are required to comply with the rules, policies, procedures, and other requirements (i.e., background checks, certifications) of the practicum organization, insofar as they pertain to the students' activities while in practicum. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are informed of such policies and to discuss with their preceptor specific aspects of policies and rules that impact their practicum duties.

Lobbying Activities

Students who engage in formal lobbying activities as a part of their practicum experience should discuss with the practicum organization and OSAP the issue of registering as a lobbyist with the appropriate governmental entity. If the student and preceptor determine that registration is appropriate, the student must register as a lobbyist with the practicum organization and not as an agent for Washington University. It is the responsibility of the student and the organization to comply with all laws and regulations relevant to lobbying.

Sharing Sensitive Information

The OSAP will share all relevant information with appropriate persons, including (but not limited to) the student's academic advisor, their preceptor, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, the Director of MPH Programs, and the Associate Dean for Education. Relevant information is defined as information that may have an impact on the practicum site selection, learning experience, or implementation process and that may impact clients, the practicum organization, the preceptor, or the staff. Such information will be shared to enable informed choices by preceptors, to protect students, and to facilitate the learning process. Preceptors are also expected to share relevant information with the OSAP. The student may be required by the practicum organization to sign a release of information, if relevant.

Practicum Deliverables and Work Products

While in practicum, students should operate under the following assumption: a work product produced in the course of a practicum — under the supervision, guidance, and review of representatives of the organization, using the organization's data and/or resources — is considered the property of the organization. An exception may exist when the student is provided with written permission from the organization stating otherwise. Compliance with all federal and state regulations governing copyright, HIPAA, and so on is the standard of conduct.

Remote Practicum

Under certain circumstances, remote practicum is permitted. Prior approval is needed. Interested students should communicate with APEx faculty.

Professional Liability Insurance

Washington University in St. Louis carries a primary $2 million insurance policy per person for its various professional fields. This program covers duly registered Bursky School of Public Health students for events that may occur while performing duties in their practicum. Students can obtain proof of coverage by contacting the OSAP.

Automobile Insurance

Washington University does not provide automobile liability coverage. Students who will be using their personal vehicle or the organization's vehicle for organizational business (e.g., transporting clients, conducting home visits) should discuss required automobile coverage and/or negotiate coverage with the organization at the time of the interview.

Accommodations

Prior to beginning a practicum search, disabled students who require adjustments to equitably complete expectations in practicum should contact WashU's Disability Resources and engage in a process for determining and communicating reasonable accommodations. Because accommodations are not applied retroactively, Disability Resources recommends initiating requests prior to or at the beginning of the academic term to avoid delays in accessing accommodations once classes begin. Once established, responsibility for disability-related accommodations and access is shared by Disability Resources, APEx faculty, and the student. The student may wish to share this information with their preceptor.

WashU Disability Resources can be reached via www.disability.wustl.edu or by calling 314-935-5970.

Pre-Placement Screenings

Affiliated practicum organizations may require pre-placement screenings before students are able to start their practicum. These may include criminal background checks, child safety registry, or illicit drug screenings.

A drug screening is a screening for illicit drugs that may include but are not necessarily limited to cannabis (THC), cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP). Drug screenings can be performed by BarnesCare/BJC Healthcare or at a location recommended or required by the practicum organization requesting the screening.

The student is responsible for obtaining the required screenings and all associated costs and fees.*

*

On occasion, the organization requiring the check/screening will assume the cost. Students should check with the organization requiring the check/screening.

Safety and Security of Students in Practicum

The safety of students in practicum is a priority for the OSAP. If concerns about personal safety are not addressed, they can significantly impact learning opportunities in the placement. Although Washington University does not wish for students to be protected from the realities of professional practice, immersing students in the realities of practice can also expose them to safety and security risks. Should students have any safety concerns at their practicum locations, they should contact their preceptor and the OSAP.

Preceptors and practicum organizations, when applicable, are expected to do the following:

• Discuss safety and security matters with the student during the interview and throughout the practicum.
• Relay information to the student about the prevalence of or potential for violence while conducting practicum activities.
• Explain and enforce organizational safety protocols with the student, including building and office security, emergency procedures, the management of violent clients, and home visit safety procedures, as applicable.
• Provide a tour of the surrounding neighborhood/community of the practicum site and address concerns the student may have regarding work in the community or at an offsite location.
• Allow the student to observe staff engaged in the work for which the student is preparing.
• Allow the student to be observed while engaged in learning activities.
• Provide the student with security resources (e.g., safety training, cellular phones) available from the practicum organization.

Examples of activities that warrant special concern and discussion with the preceptor and the OSAP prior to beginning practicum include the following:

• Physical restraint of clients
• Transportation of clients or other persons in the student's or organization's vehicle
• Transportation of a client with a history of violent behavior
• Work in the organization at times when or in areas where other staff will not be present or the student is isolated
• Activities that may not align with regulatory guidelines (e.g., language interpretation without proper training)

Mandated Reporting

As emerging professionals, our expectation is that MPH and dual MPH students adhere to their professional codes of ethics and state law and that they report incidents of suspected neglect or abuse where required by law. However, we encourage students to discuss these situations with their preceptors to gain a full appreciation and knowledge of the reporting process. It is also recommended that students familiarize themselves with individual state laws (for where they are completing practicum and/or for where they intend to practice after graduation) that define who is a mandated reporter and provide the circumstances under which they are required to report. The Child Welfare Information Gateway's State Statutes Search is one website that may be helpful for finding applicable state laws.

Practicum Selection, Organizational Affiliation, and Preceptor Qualifications

Affiliated Practicum Organizations

A student must complete their practicum experience with an affiliated practicum organization. Affiliated practicum organizations are organizations that have been reviewed and deemed appropriate by OSAP standards and requirements to provide graduate-level public health practice and learning experiences to students.

Practicum organizations may be located in the St. Louis metropolitan area (local) or in any U.S. town or city (out of state). Students select practicum from the OSAP's database (Handshake) of affiliated practicum organizations.

Potential preceptors wishing to affiliate a new site must complete the Bursky School of Public Health Affiliation Application.

Note: Students wishing to affiliate new sites must notify their APEx faculty member as soon as they engage in conversations with the site. Because new sites must sign an Affiliation Agreement, it can take several months or longer for the agreement to be finalized by the time it goes through university legal review. A student may not accumulate practicum hours with a non-affiliated organization or under the supervision of a non-affiliated preceptor.

Practicum credit will not be awarded for hours accumulated beyond the first 40 hours (or the posted submission due date, whichever occurs first) without an approved ELA or for hours designated as volunteer hours.

If there is any question about whether a student's site and/or preceptor is affiliated, the student should contact sphapex@wustl.edu to confirm. A good rule is that, if the student cannot find the name of their site in the database, this may indicate that the site is not affiliated; however, the location may be going through the affiliation process, it could be operating under a different name, or the search name may be slightly different from what the student enters. It is always a good idea for the student to check with the OSAP.

Criteria for Affiliation

In view of the variety of interests and the diversity of practice areas that motivate students to pursue the MPH degree at the Bursky School of Public Health, the OSAP strives to make a broad range of practicum experiences available. To be eligible for affiliation as a practicum site, an organization must complete an Organizational Application and meet the following criteria.

• Currently employ an approved preceptor
• Commitment in philosophy, policy, racial equity, and practice to the provision and delivery of public health services
• Ability to provide and commitment to providing high-quality, graduate-level public health learning opportunities that are consistent with the student's educational development
• Competent staff sufficient to maintain program services without relying on students' work
• Ability to provide the resources necessary for students to carry out assignments (e.g., telephone, desk, computer, computer software, administrative support)
• Willingness to invest necessary resources into student learning, including adequate release time for preceptors to attend Bursky School-sponsored meetings and to supervise the student (defined as sufficient time for the adequate review of the student's progress in practicum; the requirement is at least one hour of individual supervision per student per week)
• Clear differentiation between the student's role as employee and the student's role as a graduate-level learner, if the student is currently employed at the organization

The organization must have existed for a minimum of one year and have received an affiliation site visit by an OSAP staff member, when feasible. If the organization is part of a university, the organization must provide opportunities for community and/or constituent engagement.

New Practicum Site Affiliation Requests

In order to affiliate a new practicum site, students should direct their site to the Bursky School of Public Health OSAP webpage or the Director of the OSAP. Potential practicum sites should complete the Bursky School of Public Health Affiliation Application. The affiliation of practicum sites and preceptors begins with the submission of an Organizational and Preceptor Application as well as an Affiliation Agreement. The application provides an overview of an organization's mission, administration and staff, the population(s) served, the organizational structure, and the preceptor's degree, expertise, and so on. The criteria, the responsibilities of practicum organizations and preceptors, and the affiliation process are outlined below.

Students must notify the appropriate APEx faculty member that they would like to affiliate a new practicum site as soon as possible and at least one semester prior to the planned start date. Students must complete and submit this request by the deadline for each semester, as follows:

• November 1 for spring practicum
• April 1 for summer practicum
• July 1 for fall practicum

It can take some organizations several months or longer to sign an Affiliation Agreement due to legal reviews and the vetting process. A request for affiliation does not guarantee a site will be affiliated. We strongly recommend that students have a secondary plan as well.

Preceptor Qualifications

Criteria for the selection of preceptors include the following:

• A public health professional with a master's degree or higher with at least two years of experience, demonstrated expertise in practice, and employed for a minimum of one year at the practicum organization
  • Epidemiology and biostatistics preceptors must have an MPH or an extensive background/experience in epidemiology and/or biostatistics as approved by the Epidemiology/Biostatistics Concentration Chair and the OSAP.
• Ability to provide a minimum of one hour per week individual supervision
• Willingness to participate in meetings and consultation with Bursky School of Public Health representatives who monitor the student's progress and administer the practicum program
• Willingness to consult with the student on the development of an ELA and to complete the preceptor section of the ELA
• Commitment to graduate-level professional applied practice as evidenced by providing attention to individual student needs, supporting and mentoring the student's professional development, and being willing to share expertise and time with the student, as needed
• Willingness to complete and submit required practicum evaluations and documents in a timely manner and to provide feedback to the student about evaluations
• Submission of a preceptor application the semester prior to any anticipated practicum start date
• Completion, submission, and routine updating of a preceptor's application (every three years)
• Dual MSW/MPH preceptors: Completion of required Social Work Field Education Collaborative Trainings prior to practicum
• Out-of-state and international preceptors: Special consideration will be made on a case-by-case basis for the affiliation of out-of-state and international agencies and potential preceptors

Preceptor Responsibilities

The following are the responsibilities of the preceptor for practicum:

• Orienting the student to the staff, clients, culture, policies, and procedures of the organization
• Defining the role and scope of the student in practicum
• Mentoring the student in professional development
• Assisting the student in the preparation and completion of the ELA
• Providing a minimum of one hour per week of individualized supervision time
• Reviewing with the student the student's self-evaluation and completing a final evaluation to be submitted to the OSAP at the end of each semester that a student is in practicum
• Consulting with the student's APEx faculty member as needed to review the progress of the student's learning in the practicum
• Contacting the OSAP in a timely manner should any problems/concerns occur in the practicum
• Informing the OSAP of any change in contact information for the preceptor or the organization
• Informing the OSAP of any unexcused absences of the student or the preceptor during the practicum

Concentration Requirements for Practicum

Students in the MPH program are able to concentrate in one of five areas. Each concentration requires a set number of course credits as well as a pre-approved practicum experience.

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Concentration

An Epidemiology/Biostatistics concentration requires that students meet the following criteria for practicum:

• 3 credits (360 hours) of practicum
• Students must select three foundational public health competencies and three concentration-specific competencies prior to the start of practicum to address in practicum
• Epidemiology Methods and Advanced Applied Linear Modeling are required courses before starting practicum
• Practicum project should address a public health issue and involve either data collection and/or data analysis using epidemiology and/or biostatistics methods
• Must use a statistical software package for projects with a data analysis focus (e.g., SPSS, STATA, SAS, R)

• Must be supervised by someone with an MPH or specific epidemiology and/or biostatistics training

• Must submit a summary of the proposed practicum experience to the Epidemiology/Biostatistics chair for preapproval at least one month before starting practicum
• If affiliating a new organization, the organization must submit the Affiliation Application and Affiliation Agreement by the semester deadline for approval by the APEx faculty member
• Complete and submit a concentration-specific ELA for approval

Generalist Concentration

Students interested in a specific topic area of public health that is not addressed within one of the other concentrations or in combining competencies and skills from more than one concentration area may select the Generalist concentration. The Generalist concentration requires that students meet the following criteria for practicum:

• 3 credits (360 hours) of practicum
• Students must select three foundational public health competencies prior to the start of practicum to address in practicum
• Students must select three concentration competencies from preapproved courses from the student's Generalist Curriculum form. These competencies are approved by the Generalist chair from the form completed by the student.
• Must submit a summary of the proposed practicum experience to Generalist chair for preapproval at least one month before starting practicum
• If affiliating a new organization, the organization must submit the Affiliation Application and Affiliation Agreement by the semester deadline for approval by the APEx faculty member.
• Complete and submit a concentration-specific ELA for approval

Global Health Concentration

A Global Health concentration requires that students meet the following criteria for practicum:

• 3 credits (360 hours) of practicum
• Students must select three foundational public health competencies and three concentration-specific competencies prior to the start of practicum to address in practicum
• Successful completion of PHCC 6002 Global Health before starting practicum
• Practicum may take place in a low- or middle-income country outside the United States or in a U.S.-based organization that serves populations from low- or middle-income countries
• International practicum placements may be policy-, programming-, or research-oriented
• Practicum site must be affiliated before the start of practicum
• Students who are traveling outside of the United States must attend pre-departure and post-debriefing sessions for information regarding safety, recommended immunizations and health precautions, and other context-specific communications
• Must submit a summary of the proposed practicum experience to the Global Health chair for preapproval at least one month before starting practicum
• If affiliating a new organization, the organization must submit the Affiliation Application and Affiliation Agreement by the semester deadline for approval by the APEx faculty member
• Complete and submit a concentration-specific ELA for approval

Health Policy Analysis Concentration

A Health Policy concentration requires that students meet the following criteria for practicum:

• 3 credits (360 hours) of practicum
• Students must select three foundational public health competencies and three concentration-specific competencies prior to the start of practicum to address in practicum
• Health Economics is required before enrolling in practicum
• Practicum project should address health policy issues
• Must submit a summary of the proposed practicum experience to Health Policy Analysis chair for preapproval at least one month before starting practicum
• If affiliating a new organization, the organization must submit the Affiliation Application and Affiliation Agreement by the semester deadline for approval by the APEx faculty member
• Complete and submit a concentration-specific ELA for approval

Mental and Behavioral Health Concentration

A Mental and Behavioral Health concentration requires that students meet the following criteria for practicum:

• 3 credits (360 hours) of practicum
• Students must select three foundational public health competencies and three concentration-specific competencies prior to the start of practicum to address in practicum
• Fundamentals of Mental Health for Public Health and Public Mental Health are required courses prior to enrolling in practicum
• Practicum project should address a public health issue as related to mental and behavioral health issues
• Must submit a summary of the proposed practicum experience to the Mental and Behavioral Health chair for preapproval at least one month before starting practicum
• If affiliating a new organization, the organization must submit the Affiliation Application and Affiliation Agreement by the semester deadline for approval by the APEx faculty member
• Complete and submit a concentration-specific ELA for approval

Types of Practicum

One-Semester or Multi-Semester Practicum

In agreement with the preceptor, students may elect to complete practicum over a period of one, two, or three semesters. Therefore, students should plan to allocate their practicum hours on a weekly basis accordingly so that they can complete the hours for which they registered and submit the required practicum documents by the posted grade due dates at the end of the semester (consult the Registration Requirements section of this page). In a one-semester practicum or in the first semester of a multi-semester practicum, an approved copy of the ELA should be provided to the preceptor by the student. Students are required to submit only one ELA during their practicum experience at any one organization. The Self-Evaluation of Competencies and Performance (completed by the student), the Preceptor Final Evaluation of Practicum (completed by the preceptor), the student's timesheet (the OSAP's version), and the Student Assessment of Practicum Experience (SAPE) are due at the end of the practicum experience.

Students may not complete a 1-credit practicum at an organization or split practicum credits between two agencies for their required practicum placement.

Dual MSW/MPH Concentration Practicum

Students must complete 3 practicum credits (360 hours) of dual practicum that addresses both the MSW concentration and selected MPH competencies. Following the successful completion of the MSW Foundation practicum and foundational MPH coursework, the Dual practicum must be completed in the student's MSW and MPH concentration areas. All three Dual practicum credits must be completed at the same site. Students may select to complete their Dual MSW/MPH Concentration practicum and MSW Concentration practicum at the same site.

Site Requirements and Supervision for Dual MSW/MPH Practicum

Dual practicum hours can be completed in the Greater St. Louis area, out of state, or internationally, but they must be completed under the supervision of an affiliated preceptor with an MSW and/or an MPH or a related master's degree or higher (e.g., MBA, MA, MS, MD, PhD) who meets the supervision requirements of the Bursky School of Public Health and the Brown School.

Practicum at Place of Employment

The OSAP does not recommend that students complete practicum at their place of employment. However, an exception to this policy may be made to complete a practicum. Interested students should meet with an APEx faculty member to discuss this opportunity.

Students wanting to complete a practicum at their place of employment may be approved for exemption from this policy through submission of the Petition to Complete Practicum at Place of Employment Form available from the OSAP.

Out-of-State Practicum

MPH students may complete their practicum locally or in any U.S. city or town outside of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area. Out-of-state organizations and professionals must meet the same criteria to affiliate as local practicum organizations and preceptors. Students should consult with the OSAP regarding the Bursky School of Public Health's affiliation process for new practicum organizations and preceptors.

The student must submit the same practicum documents that are required for a local practicum to the OSAP by the specified due dates:

1. Practicum Proposal Form and course registration in Workday
2. ELA
3. Submission of the Pre-Site Visit Form
4. Completion of the Midpoint Site Visit with an APEx faculty member
5. Student Self-Evaluation of Competencies and Performance
6. Preceptor Final Evaluation
7. Practicum timesheet
8. Two portfolio products
9. Student Assessment of Practicum Experience (SAPE)

Students must also comply with the OSAP's policies and procedures for out-of-state practica.

Global/International Practicum

The OSAP will continue to collaborate with the WashU Global Partnerships Office and the Brown School Global Programs Office to assess the feasibility of international practica.

A global practicum is defined as a placement that is completed in a Core Affiliated Practicum (CAP) site in a country or U.S. territory outside of the United States. Global practicum students are required to comply with all OSAP applied practice requirements, guidelines, and timelines. Students will also be required to attend to mandated competencies and practice behaviors established in the ELA and the declared area of concentration.

Students must be enrolled in one the Global Health concentration and demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in an international field of social work and/or public health. All other students must petition for approval. Priority will be given to students in Global Health and ISED if they are dual MSW/MPH students.

Students interested in completing an international practicum must receive approval from the OSAP. The approval for a global practicum involves a multi- step process in which students will work with faculty and staff through a guided selection process.

The following conditions must be met if students are interested in an international practicum:

• The student has consulted with the OSAP regarding the following:

  • The process and their interest in a global practicum
  • Core Affiliated Practicum (CAP) sites
  • The application form for global practica (available online)

• The student must be in good academic standing at the time of application (i.e., a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, no current academic or disciplinary actions, no financial holds).

  • MPH students will have completed the prerequisite public health courses.

  • MPH/MSW dual degree students will have completed the prerequisite public health courses and the MSW foundation courses and foundation practicum.

• The student will have successfully completed, with a grade B or higher, at least one of the following courses before commencing the global practicum:
  • ​MPH, Dual MPH/MSW, individualized with international topic:
    • PHS 5656 Global Burden of Disease
    • PHCC 6002 Global Health
    • PHCC 6003 Policy, Politics & Power in Global Health
    • PHTPS 6006 Global Nutrition and the Environment: Foods Systems in a Changing World
    • PHCC 6008 Public Mental Health

Paid Practicum

A paid practicum is offered at the discretion of the practicum organization and is often contingent upon the availability of funding. There is no minimum or maximum amount of compensation a student may receive.

However, under no circumstances may the preceptor or practicum organization alter the agreed-upon ELA, contracted practicum hours, or practicum requirements as a condition of a compensated practicum without the involvement and approval of the OSAP. For accounting purposes, a student may be required to complete an organizational timesheet in addition to the Practicum Timesheet required by the OSAP.

Elective Practicum

Upon successful completion of the required MPH or Dual MPH/MSW practicum course, students may choose to complete up to 3 credits of MPH Elective Practicum as part of their general elective credits. Students may remain at the organization where they completed their required practicum placement, or they may select a new organization.

Students may not complete more than 3 elective MPH practicum credits total.

The same guidelines and requirements for MPH Practicum I apply to MPH Elective Practicum, with the following exceptions:

1. Students must register their MPH Elective Practicum in Workday so the academic advising team can verify their course credits.
   1. 1 credit = 120 hours, 2 credits = 240 hours, 3 credits = 360 hours
   2. Students must register for the corresponding MPH Elective Practicum course(s):
      • Elective practicum semester 1: PHPC 6004 Elective Practicum I - MPH Program
      • Elective practicum semester 2: PHPC 6005 Elective Practicum II - MPH Program (if applicable)
      • Elective practicum semester 3: PHPC 6006 Elective Practicum III - MPH Program (if applicable)
2. Students on international visas must complete the appropriate work authorization(s), such as CPT paperwork.
3. If the student remains at the same site with the same preceptor as their required practicum experience, the following conditions apply:
   1. They do need the following:
      1. ELA: Competencies and learning objectives may change
      2. Timesheet
      3. Portfolio products: These must be different from those produced for their original practicum, and the total number of products will vary based on the number of credits:
         1. 1 credit = One portfolio product
         2. 2-3 credits = Two portfolio products
      4. Student Self-Evaluation
      5. Preceptor Final Evaluation
   2. They do not need the following:
      1. Practicum Proposal Form
      2. Site visit

If the student changes sites from their first required practicum experience, all of the same requirements as their first practicum (PHPC 6001 Practicum I - MPH Program or PHPC 6007 MSW/MPH Dual-Concentration Practicum I) are required:

• Registration: Practicum Proposal Form, CPT paperwork (if applicable)

Note: If a student is registered for 1 credit at a new site, they will need to find a way to demonstrate all six chosen competencies in their portfolio product(s). The Bursky School of Public Health will only require one product but will still need to be able to assess all six competencies.

Practicum Registration, Tuition Charges, and Requirements

Foundations of Applied Practice (APEx) Course

Each student is required to complete PHFN 5010 Foundations of Applied Practice at least one semester prior to starting practicum. This mandatory course is designed to help students prepare for applied practice work. During the course, information on practicum requirements, procedures, and practicum selection is provided. In addition to attending the mandatory course, students may consult with the OSAP to identify which types of practicum experiences may enhance their ability to obtain employment in their desired career field.

Registering for Practicum

Course Requirement

Practicum is a degree requirement, and students must register for the appropriate MPH or Dual MPH/MSW practicum course(s) in Workday to receive credit for their placement. Practicum courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters each academic year.

MPH Practicum Course Numbers

Course List

Code	Title	Units
PHPC 6001	Practicum I - MPH Program (Prerequisites: foundation MPH coursework; selected concentration-specific coursework)	1-3
PHPC 6002	Practicum II - MPH Program (Prerequisite: PHPC 6001)	1-3
PHPC 6003	Practicum III - MPH Program (Prerequisite: PHPC 6002)	1
PHPC 6004	Elective Practicum I - MPH Program (Prerequisite: PHPC 6001, 6002, and/or 6003)	1-3
PHPC 6005	Elective Practicum II - MPH Program (Prerequisite: PHPC 6004)	1-2
PHPC 6006	Elective Practicum III - MPH Program (Prerequisite: PHPC 6005)	1
PHPC 6007	MSW/MPH Dual-Concentration Practicum I (Prerequisites: foundation MPH and MSW coursework; selected concentration-specific coursework; MSW Foundation Practicum)	1-3
PHPC 6008	MSW/MPH Dual Concentration Practicum II (Prerequisite: PHPC 6007)	1-2
PHPC 6009	MSW/MPH Dual Concentration Practicum III (Prerequisite: PHPC 6008)	1
Students should register for the section of MPH or Dual MPH/MSW practicum that aligns with their concentration:
Section 01: Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Section 02: Generalist
Section 03: Global Health
Section 04: Health Policy Administration
Section 05: Mental and Behavioral Health
Each credit unit of MPH or dual MPH/MSW practicum equals 120 clock hours.

Registration Requirements

Students must complete the following steps to register for practicum*:

1. Review and submit the Risk & Release Form on the BSPH Office of Education Student Resources Hub (for first practicum registration only; subsequent practicum registration will not require this step). No practicum will be approved unless this step is completed prior to practicum registration.
2. Successfully complete the Foundations of Applied Practice course at least one semester prior to practicum.
3. Complete the MPH Practicum Proposal Form, accessed through the BSPH Office of Education Student Resources Hub.
4. Register in Workday for practicum course PHPC 6001 Practicum I - MPH Program (MPH) or PHPC 7007 (Dual MPH/MSW) for the semester in which the student plans to begin their practicum (i.e., fall, spring, or summer). Students must register for the section that corresponds with their concentration.
5. Register for no more credits than can be completed in one semester (1 credit = 120 work hours). Students may not register for half credits; only full credits are allowed.
   1. Students should calculate the number of practicum hours that they will complete in one semester (i.e., the weeks between the start date and the end date multiplied by the hours worked in practicum per week).
   2. Students may only add or drop practicum courses via Workday for fall and spring semesters within a specified time frame as established by the Office of the University Registrar. Dates are posted on the Academic Calendar.
6. Students who are F-1 or J-1 visa holders must complete the required work authorization (visa) paperwork (CPT forms or J-1 form).

*

A student may not start practicum until they are fully registered (all steps above completed) and work authorization is approved (as applicable). A student may not accumulate practicum hours at a non-affiliated organization or with a non-affiliated preceptor. Notification will be sent via email if the practicum is not approved or if a non-affiliated site or preceptor is registered. Organizations and preceptors that are approved for applied practice are listed in Handshake.

Practicum Proposal Form

Students are required to submit a Practicum Proposal Form to be approved by the Concentration chair and an OSAP faculty member. Students should complete the form specific to their concentration. The MPH Practicum Proposal Form is located on the BSPH Office of Education Student Resources Hub under MPH Forms. Forms should include detailed descriptions of the following criteria:

• Information regarding the practicum site, including how the organization and practicum is community engaged
• Information regarding the preceptor, including any relevant background experience specific to the concentration
• Tasks, long-term goals, and a description of portfolio products
• Concentration competences to be fulfilled during practicum from the concentration competencies list
• Organization and preceptor contact information
• Course prerequisite completion

All forms must be completed and approved prior to practicum registration and the start of practicum hours. Approval or denial of the forms will be sent to students via e-mail. If denied, students will need to provide further information or choose an alternative practicum site. A student may not accumulate practicum hours if the concentration form is not approved.

Course Add/Withdrawals After the Add/Drop Deadline

Students should discuss course addition and withdrawal decisions with the course instructor and/or their Academic Advisor as well as Student Financial Services in advance of requesting them to determine any curricular and/or financial implications. Students who are terminated from their practicum after the drop deadline will receive a W on their transcript and have to retake their practicum requirements in a subsequent semester.

Summer Practicum Credit and Tuition Adjustment Policy

Students may enroll in up to 3 credits of practicum in a summer semester during their tenure at the Bursky School of Public Health without being charged additional tuition at the per-credit-hour rate. However, the number of credits in which a student enrolls in summer will count toward the enrollment cap of another semester. The student must be enrolled in at least 9 credit units (full-time status) in the semester to which the practicum credits are being applied.

First Summer Semester

If a student enrolls in practicum credits (up to 3) in the summer semester after their first year as a full-time student at the Bursky School of Public Health, those credits can be applied toward the previous spring semester (if room is still available within the credit cap) and/or the subsequent fall semester enrollment cap (as long as the student is enrolled in at least 9 credit units in the fall semester).

Second Summer Semester

If a student enrolls in practicum credits (up to 3) in the summer semester after their second year as a full-time student at the Bursky School of Public Health with the anticipation of graduating in August, those credits will apply toward the previous spring semester enrollment cap (as long as the student is enrolled in at least 9 credit units in the spring semester).

Summer Practicum for Dual Degree Students

Dual degree students may enroll in up to 3 credits of practicum in a summer semester during their tenure at the Bursky School of Public Health without being charged additional tuition. However, the student must work with the Office of Academic Records and Registration and Student Financial Services to determine to which semester enrollment cap the credits will be applied.

MPH/MD Students

Due to the nature of these dual degree programs, MPH/MD students are not eligible for deferred tuition in the summer.

Overview of MPH and Dual Practicum Course Assignments/Deliverables and Evaluation

Practicum assignments are designed to create a learning and evaluation plan for students' self-directed experience in the applied practice experience. Students, along with their preceptors, complete the following assignments. These assignments are used by the OSAP to understand a student's goals in their specific practicum site and to evaluate student learning based on those goals.

Educational Learning Agreement (ELA)

In consultation with their preceptors, students are required to complete and submit the appropriate ELA to the OSAP. All students must submit a concentration-specific ELA. The ELA serves as a guide to monitor the student's progress toward gaining competency during the practicum experience. Each practice behavior listed in the ELA must be linked to a selected public health competency (either foundational or concentration) and addressed during the course of the student's practicum experience. Concentration competencies on the ELA should match the student's selected competencies from their practicum proposal form. Dual degree MSW/MPH students will address all nine social work competencies and their six selected public health competencies on the ELA.

The ELA is available on Canvas as a fillable form. Once the ELA is complete, the student and their preceptor can use the electronic signature function to sign the document. To receive credit for practicum hours, the ELA must be submitted via Canvas by the specified due date or before the student completes 40 hours in practicum, whichever occurs first.

The accumulation of practicum hours may continue while the ELA is being reviewed. Students will be notified by email if revisions are required and when the ELA is approved. No credit for practicum hours will be given if an ELA is not submitted and approved according to practicum guidelines. Extensions to the ELA deadline are granted at the discretion of the APEx faculty member.

Practicum credit will not be awarded for hours accumulated beyond the first 40 hours (or the posted submission due date, whichever occurs first) without an approved ELA or for hours designated as volunteer hours.

Pre-Site Visit Survey and Midpoint Site Visit

An OSAP faculty member will monitor the student's progress in the practicum and conduct one site visit approximately midway through the student's entire practicum experience. The site visit can occur either on-site at the practicum site or remotely, whichever is agreed to (if the practicum location is out of state or international, the site visit will most likely be remote). It is the student's responsibility to contact the APEx faculty member to arrange a date and time for the site visit. The objectives of the site visit include the following:

• Ensuring that weekly, well-organized individual supervision sessions are occurring
• Facilitating productive educational relationships between the student and the preceptor
• Monitoring competencies through student activities, learning objectives, and behaviors
• Monitoring and facilitating the integration of course and applied practice learning
• Identifying and monitoring the public health skills being enhanced in practice
• Identifying needs and curriculum development trends from an applied practice perspective
• Strengthening Bursky School of Public Health and community relationships

Portfolio Products

Students enrolled in the Bursky School of Public Health MPH program must complete two portfolio products as part of their practicum experience. These products are required by the MPH program's accrediting body, the Council on Education in Public Health, to demonstrate attainment of the six public health competencies that students select to address in practicum. Each MPH student must select three foundational MPH competencies and three concentration competencies that will be addressed in their practicum as well as their portfolio products.

Dual degree students with the MPH Generalist Concentration will select four foundational competencies and two concentration competencies to complete in practicum. Generalist concentrators must select from the preapproved list of concentration competencies that they selected to address at the beginning of their MPH program (Generalist Concentration Form).

Students will work in conjunction with their preceptors to determine what types of portfolio products will be mutually beneficial to both the student and the practicum organization. Examples of portfolio products include the following: written assignments, projects, videos, multimedia presentations, spreadsheets, websites, posters, policy briefs, publications, photos, or other digital artifacts of learning. Posters and reflection papers are not suitable portfolio products. Portfolio products must be individual work products.

Documentation of Portfolio Products

Students will complete a cover page to be submitted with their portfolio products. This cover page will include the following information:

• Type(s) of product(s) being submitted
• Public health issue or problem that the product addresses along with details as to how the product involves community engagement
• Which competencies are addressed and how they are addressed in the product
• How the product will be used by the organization
• Disclosure of generative AI use (as applicable)
• E-signature from the preceptor, verifying that they approve of the product and the use of the product for reporting purposes to the Council on Education in Public Health

Students will submit their first portfolio product at the time of their midpoint site visit via Canvas. Students will submit their second portfolio product via Canvas by the last day of their practicum. Students' products will be evaluated by their APEx faculty member for demonstrating attainment of the stated competencies, and students will not receive a final grade for practicum until their assignments have been approved by the APEx faculty member.

Student Self-Evaluation of Competencies and Performance

No later than two weeks prior to the anticipated ending date of the practicum, students should complete the Student Self-Evaluation of Competencies and Performance, which is available on Canvas. The self-evaluation should be completed two weeks prior to the end of an entire practicum experience at any one agency. The preceptor will be emailed a copy of the self-evaluation upon completion. In the self-evaluation, students are asked to evaluate each competency from the ELA based on the following five-point scale:

5 = Advanced (consistently exceeds expectations)

4 = Proficient (consistently demonstrates ability)

3 = Developing

2 = Beginner

1 = Does not demonstrate

Preceptor Final Evaluation of Practicum

After reviewing the student's self-evaluation, the preceptor completes the Preceptor Final Evaluation of Practicum. The link to the evaluation and instructions for completing it will be provided to the preceptor via e-mail after the student's self-evaluation has been submitted. In the evaluation, the preceptor evaluates the student's performance of each competency based on the same scale used for the student's self-evaluation. The preceptor also evaluates the student's overall practicum performance based on several professional development areas. Preceptors are required to complete their evaluation and review it with the student at the end of the entire practicum experience.

Practicum Timesheet

Students are required to document all hours accumulated during practicum on the OSAP's Practicum Timesheet, which is available on Canvas. Completion of the Practicum Timesheet is governed by the Bursky School of Public Health's policies regarding Academic and Professional Integrity. No more than 40 hours per week may be accumulated in practicum, except when the student is completing an international practicum.

Completed timesheets must be monitored by the preceptor, signed by the student and the preceptor (after review of the student's self-evaluation and the preceptor's evaluation), and submitted to the OSAP at the end of the entire practicum experience. This timesheet does not circumvent the organization's time-reporting mechanism.

Student Assessment of Practicum Experience (SAPE)

Students are encouraged to thoughtfully and critically assess and evaluate their practicum experience by completing the SAPE survey at the end of their practicum. This survey can be found via a link emailed to students upon completion of their self-evaluation. Preceptors have requested this feedback to improve their effectiveness as mentors and to enhance the likelihood that their organization will be a desirable site for future practicum students.

Because some of the information students share may be sensitive, all demographic information is removed from the assessments prior to distribution, and assessment reports are not distributed until at least one semester after the student's experience and after a grade has been assigned. In this way, the OSAP ensures that student feedback will not impact the practicum experience or grade.

Student Evaluation

Evaluation is viewed as a continuous process occurring throughout the course of the practicum experience, a necessary aspect of public accountability, and, hence, a necessary part of public health practice. The Student Self- Evaluation of Competencies and Performance is completed by the student and provided to the preceptor two weeks prior to the completion of all practicum hours at any one organization where the student is in practicum. Following the review of the student's self-evaluation, the preceptor must complete and submit online their evaluation of the student's performance using the Preceptor Final Evaluation of Practicum. Both of these evaluations provide important feedback regarding the student's progress and professional aptitude in the practicum.

OSAP Practicum Final Documentation

Grades are determined by the student fulfilling all of the specified criteria outlined in the practicum syllabi, including both assignments and practicum responsibilities. The following documents are required for a practicum grade:

1. ELA signed by student and preceptor
2. Completion of the Pre-Site Visit Form and a Midpoint Site Visit with APEx faculty
3. Student Self-Evaluation (accessed through Canvas)
4. Preceptor Final Evaluation (accessed through Canvas/email)
5. Timesheet that has been completed, signed by student and preceptor, and submitted to Canvas
6. Two portfolio products with completed and signed cover pages (student and preceptor signatures) and submitted to Canvas

If a student registers for more than one semester at one agency, the grade of IP (In Progress) will appear on the transcript until all hours are agreed upon and all required documents have been completed. The final grade will be posted upon the completion of all hours and the submission of all required documents to Canvas.

Practicum Grades and Incomplete Policy

Final Grades

Final practicum grades are HP# (High Pass), P# (Pass), or F# (Fail). If the grade is F#, the student must re-register and pay for the required practicum credits. No credit for previously accrued practicum hours will be counted. The grading criteria for practicum is below:

• High Pass:
  • ELA is completed by the deadline.
  • ELA includes clear learning activities that align with the student's practicum context.
  • Portfolio products assess and reflect competency development.
  • Student Self-Evaluation is completed by the deadline.
  • Preceptor Final Evaluation indicates excellence in practicum.
  • Preceptor Final Evaluation is completed in a timely manner.
• Pass:
  • ELA is completed by the deadline (points taken off for late ELAs).
  • ELA includes clear learning activities that align with the student's practicum context.
  • Portfolio products assess and reflect competency development (points taken off for unclear competency assessment).
  • Student Self-Evaluation is completed by the deadline (points taken off for late evaluations).
  • Preceptor Final Evaluation indicates satisfactory practicum.
  • Preceptor Final Evaluation is completed in a timely manner.
• Fail:
  • ELA, portfolio products, and/or evaluations are turned in late.
  • Portfolio products do not demonstrate selected competencies.
  • Preceptor Final Evaluation indicates a fail.

Incomplete Course Policy

An interim placeholder of I (Incomplete) is used by an instructor when a student experiences an extenuating circumstance that prevents the completion of the course requirements by the conclusion of the semester.

• APEx faculty and students must first discuss an I (Incomplete) grade.
• If an Incomplete is agreed upon, a faculty member will submit an I grade for that semester.
• A Practicum Support Plan crafted by the APEx faculty member and student is encouraged.
• Students have 60 days from when semester grades are due, or the date the instructor sets (whichever comes first), to complete any outstanding work and submit it to their faculty member. Due to the nature of applied learning that occurs in a practicum education course, the Bursky School of Public Health anticipates that the APEx faculty will set a feasible date in collaboration with the preceptor and that will allow for the successful completion of student deliverables. This date may likely fall within 15 to 30 days from when the semester grades are due.

Timeline for Satisfying Course Requirements

At the deadline, whatever work is completed will be graded, and any work not submitted will receive a zero. An appropriate grade will be assigned on the basis of the submitted work, with full acknowledgment that the final grade may be an F.

Incompletes and Restricted Registration/Enrollment

• Students with two or more incomplete grades who are enrolled in practicum are required to be on a Practicum Support Plan in collaboration with their APEx faculty member. In addition, students are only allowed to be enrolled in 1 credit of practicum until at least one of the incompletes is satisfied.
• Students cannot start a new semester with ≥7 credits of Incompletes; the deadline to have fewer than 7 Incomplete credits is 11:59 p.m. on the Friday of the first week of the new semester.
• If the student's number of Incompletes does not fall below 7 credits by the deadline, the Registrar’s Office will withdraw the student from all semester courses.

Safety in Practicum

Sexual Harassment and/or Assault

If a practicum student is a victim of sexual discrimination, harassment, or violence, the Bursky School of Public Health encourages that student to speak with someone about the incident as soon as possible. The student should understand that, if they choose to speak to OSAP faculty, OSAP must report their disclosure to the department chair, the dean, or the Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office, which may trigger an investigation into the incident.  Students may also reach out to the Relationship & Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP) Center to discuss their rights and options with individuals who are not mandatory reporters. 

Resources for Students

WashU provides a wealth of support services that address academic, personal, and professional needs. To start exploring resources that can help students along the way, please visit the Resources to Support Students in the Classroom page of the Office of the Provost website.

Additional Issues or Concerns

If a student feels that they need additional supports in order to be successful in their time at the Bursky School of Public Health, beyond the mentioned accommodations, they should contact their Academic Advisor or the BSPH Associate Dean for Student Affairs. These individuals can assist students with navigating a myriad of concerns.

Problems in MPH and Dual Practicum

There are occasions when problems arise during the practicum that involve the site and that affect the practicum experience. It is crucial that any problems or concerns associated with the site, the preceptor, or the practicum organization are brought to the attention of the student's APEx faculty member as soon as they become apparent. Only in this way will the student and the preceptor have the full opportunity to initiate timely corrective steps to resolve the issues, including those described in the following sections.

Unsatisfactory Practicum Experience

All affiliated practicum organizations are expected to provide high-quality placements and appropriate supervision to students. These expectations are communicated through the affiliation process. If a student feels that they are receiving an unsatisfactory practicum experience, that student should contact their APEx faculty member immediately so that a strategy to provide a satisfactory experience can be developed.

Practicum Support Plan

When challenges arise in the placement on the part of the student, the preceptor, or both, the OSAP may recommend the use of a Practicum Support Plan (PSP) to assist with addressing these challenges. The PSP can be initiated by the student, the preceptor, or the APEx faculty member and completed by the preceptor and the student. The PSP can be done in conjunction with the APEx faculty member, and it should be signed by the student, the preceptor, and the APEx faculty member. It must contain the following information:

• Describe and provide a narrative of the identified concern/challenge.
• Describe previous attempts to address the concern, including educational feedback, increased supervision, changes in the ELA, or other interventions.
• Describe a plan for resolution, including specific deadlines, clearly stated objectives for all involved parties (e.g., student, preceptor, task supervisor) and their subsequent responsibilities, and what measures of success will be used to determine if the PSP is successful.

A copy of the PSP must be provided to the student, the preceptor, and the APEx faculty member. The APEx faculty member should be kept informed of any placement-related challenges involving the student and the preceptor and may become directly involved at any point in the process. If challenges continue after the implementation of the PSP and it appears that a failing grade will be the resulting occurrence, communication and/or a meeting between the student, the preceptor, and APEx faculty member will be scheduled. Depending on the seriousness of the situation, the Director of Student Applied Practice may be included in the resulting communication and/or meeting.

Student Termination from Practicum

If the PSP is initiated by the preceptor to address problematic student behavior and the student's behavior does not improve, consultation between the student, the preceptor, and the APEx faculty member will take place, and the student may be terminated from practicum. A student may not be terminated from practicum or choose to terminate practicum without prior approval from the OSAP. The APEx faculty member will consult with the student and the preceptor regarding the specifics and requirements of the termination and initiate the process. The following is an example of what courses of action a student may expect:

• An automatic referral to the Academic Integrity Committee due to unprofessional or unethical behavior on the part of the student
• A grade of F (Fail), which indicates that the student may not begin another practicum until the Academic Integrity Committee has recommended action for the student
• Required approval from the OSAP for plans to begin a new practicum
• A student may also be removed or terminated from practicum for the following reasons:
  • Failure to meet the academic and behavioral standards of the policies and procedures of the practicum (as outlined in the student handbook) or violation of the practicum organization's policies and procedures
  • Failure to disclose critical background information on application forms or in practicum interviews

Unanticipated Circumstances

Some problems that occur during practicum are due to changes beyond the student's or preceptor's control. Examples include changes with the preceptor (e.g., the preceptor leaves or is terminated), changes within the organization (e.g., internal restructuring, loss of funding), or changes in the student's personal life (e.g., student illness, death in the family). The student and/or the preceptor are required to notify the APEx faculty member as soon as possible when circumstances necessitate a change in supervision or if a practicum must be terminated. A student may also be removed from the placement due to the following:

• The decision of the OSAP and/or the recommendation of the APEx faculty member that the organization is not meeting the outlined learning objectives of the ELA
• The practicum organization or preceptor fails to demonstrate commitment to the Bursky School of Public Health applied practice experience program requirements
• Failure of the preceptor to provide consistent supervision over the student's learning experiences and activities
• The student's personal safety is jeopardized by continuing in practicum

Change in Preceptor

Whenever possible, the preceptor or organizational representative (in the event that the preceptor is no longer employed by the organization or otherwise incapacitated) is encouraged to explore all options that might allow the student to remain at the practicum site under different preapproved supervision. If another professional from the organization is available to replace the preceptor, that individual must complete the affiliation paperwork. The OSAP will only approve a supplemental supervisor in this case if the proposed professional is able to meet the requirements for affiliation. The OSAP will work with the practicum organization to determine an alternative plan for supervision on a case-by-case basis.

Student-Requested Termination of Practicum

Students may request the Petition to Terminate Practicum Form, which must be signed by the student, the preceptor, and the OSAP. A review of the practicum situation is completed by the APEx faculty member. A review does not end a practicum experience until approval is granted. If the approval for termination is granted, the student may receive a grade for the hours completed if they are equal to at least one credit (120 work hours). Students who have accumulated fewer than 120 practicum hours will be expected to complete all required hours in their next practicum.

Incident Reporting

Washington University is not in a position to take action against incidents involving students that occur off-site, but the Bursky School will assist students with documenting any incidents in which they are involved (consult the Safety in Practicum section of this page). Students, preceptors, and/or APEx faculty members can use the Practicum Incident Reporting Form to document the details of the incident and to assist with determining the action to be taken. The form is available for students and preceptors by request from the OSAP. This form should be completed in addition to the reporting documents required by the practicum organization/site, Washington University, the Bursky School of Public Health, or other investigating officials; it in no way substitutes for the forms, policies, or procedures that are required by any parties affected by or responding to the incident. Completed forms should be returned to the student's APEx faculty member.

Practicum Incident Reporting Form

In order to have a more comprehensive and ongoing assessment of student personal risk issues in practicum and to initiate risk management planning, students are asked to complete the Practicum Incident Reporting Form if they experience any personal threat or assault or any risk of personal threat or assault for any incidents related to practicum. This form is available by request from the OSAP. This form in no way substitutes for the forms, processes, or actions used by the practicum organization, the Bursky School of Public Health, Washington University, or other authorities responding to an incident.

It is essential for MPH students or candidates to recognize that practicum is considered a course. To progress in the program, students must maintain a level of academic progress and performance that meets the established standards of the Bursky School of Public Health. Those who neglect their practicum attendance or who fail to consistently show up at their assigned practicum placement site are taking the chance of receiving a failing grade, which can jeopardize their academic standing and/or potentially lead to the loss of financial aid or other consequences.

Required MPH and Dual Degree Coursework

As approved by the OSAP and the MPH program, the prerequisites for all MPH and dual MPH/MSW practicum students are as follows:

Course List

Code	Title	Units
PHFN 5000	Epidemiology	3
PHFN 5001	Biostatistics	3
PHFN 5003	Cross-Cutting Themes in Public Health	1
PHFN 5010	Foundations of Applied Practice	0
PHRS 6000	Research Methods	3

Students must also complete one of the following courses:

Course List

Code	Title	Units
PHFN 5002	Environmental Health	3
PHRS 6002	Planning, Implementation, & Evaluation Evidence-Based Programs & interventions (PIE)	3
SWSP 6018	Health Administration and Policy	3
SWTH 6003	Health Behavior and Health Promotion	3

Additional prerequisites for the different concentrations and for the Dual MSW/MPH program are listed in the following sections:

Epidemiology and Biostatistics Students

Students must complete all of the above, plus the following:

Course List

Code	Title	Units
PHCC 6000	Epidemiology Methods	3
PHRS 6003	Advanced Applied Linear Modeling	3

Generalist Students

• Foundational courses as listed above

Global Health Students

Students must complete all of the above, plus the following:

Course List

Code	Title	Units
PHCC 6002	Global Health	3

Health Policy Analysis Students

Students must complete all of the above, plus the following:

Course List

Code	Title	Units
PHCC 6004	Health Economics	3

Mental & Behavioral Health Students

Students must complete all of the above, plus the following:

Course List

Code	Title	Units
PHCC 6007	Fundamentals of Mental Health for Public Health	3
PHCC 6008	Public Mental Health	3

Dual MSW/MPH Students

• Foundational public health and social work courses
• Any MPH coursework required by the student's social work concentration
• The following courses:

  Course List

  Code	Title	Units
  SWFN 5052	MSW Integrative Foundation Field Seminar	1
  SWFN 5051	MSW Foundation Practicum I	1-3
  SWFN 5053	MSW Foundation Practicum II (As applicable)	1-3
  SWFN 5054	MSW Foundation Practicum III (As applicable)	1-2

Additional Academic Requirements

The student must be in good academic standing with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher, have successfully completed all relevant prerequisite courses, and have fewer than 7 credits of incomplete coursework (as described above).

A student earning a grade of C+ or lower in any foundational course will automatically be placed on a Practicum Support Plan for the first credit of practicum (120 hours) to ensure successful transition to the applied practice experience and to facilitate support from the OSAP.

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