15 Public Health Internships for Undergraduates

Internships are one of the most effective ways for undergraduates to strengthen their resumes, gain work experience, and explore potential career paths before graduation. By working in professional settings, you can apply classroom concepts, build practical skills, and improve your employability. 

Why should I do a public health internship in college?

If you want to work in public health after graduation or apply to graduate school in the field, an internship gives you industry-relevant skills to add to your resume. Public health internships for undergraduates are especially valuable because they allow you to engage with health challenges while learning from professionals. Through mentorship and project-based learning, you will gain insight into how public health initiatives are designed, implemented, and evaluated. This can help you clarify your academic and career goals within public health. For students interested in population health, healthcare systems, epidemiology, or health equity, internships offer early exposure to how public health work is conducted in communities and institutions.  

To make the search easier, we’ve narrowed this list down to 15 of the best public health internships for undergraduates!

1. WHO Internship Programme 

Location: WHO Headquarters (Geneva) and regional or country offices worldwide (location depends on placement)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; 1200–1,500 students annually
Dates: 6–24 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by quarter
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 20 years old; enrolled in or recently graduated (within 6 months) from an accredited undergraduate or graduate program; have completed at least 3 years of full-time university study; be fluent in at least one working language of the duty station

The WHO Internship Programme offers undergraduates and recent graduates an opportunity to gain exposure to global public health systems through placements in technical or administrative units. You may contribute to areas such as epidemiology, health policy, disease prevention, communications, external relations, or program management, depending on the needs of the assigned office. The program emphasizes capacity building, allowing you to better understand how international health organizations operate and collaborate with governments and partners worldwide. You will work closely with WHO professionals and gain insight into real-world global health challenges and decision-making processes.

2. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Remote (students can work from anywhere in the world)
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25% acceptance; 70–100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter (8–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (Spring: January, Summer: May, Fall: September, Winter: November)
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks

The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, fully virtual internship that connects undergraduates with startups and nonprofits across a wide range of industries, including public health, social impact, and technology. You work on a project that addresses an active need within their assigned organization, allowing them to apply academic knowledge in a practical setting. Each student collaborates closely with a startup manager and a Ladder Coach, gaining experience in professional communication, project execution, and problem-solving. The program emphasizes deliverable-based work rather than observational tasks. At the end of the internship, you will present your project outcomes, building confidence and presentation skills. Apply now!

3. NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP)

Location: National Institutes of Health (NIH) campuses across the U.S., including Bethesda, MD
Stipend: Between $3,010 – $3,310 depending on tenure as an undergraduate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; roughly 1,200 interns across all campuses
Dates: Full-time summer program (typically June – August)
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 18 or older by September 30; enrolled at least half-time in high school (graduating seniors), undergraduate, graduate, or professional programs, or accepted into an accredited program for the fall

The NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) offers undergraduates the opportunity to conduct full-time research within the NIH Intramural Research Program. You work under a Principal Investigator on biomedical, behavioral, or social science research projects, with opportunities spanning public health-relevant fields such as epidemiology, biostatistics, psychology, bioinformatics, and health sciences. The program emphasizes hands-on research rather than administrative work, allowing students to develop technical and analytical skills in a professional research environment. In addition to lab or research group work, you participate in professional development workshops, career panels, and wellness programming. You also present your work during NIH Summer Poster Day, gaining experience in scientific communication.

4. CDC Pathways Internship Program

Location: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offices across the United States (location varies by role)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; varies by role and hiring cycle
Dates: 10 to 12 weeks between late May or early June and August
Application Deadline: Typically, early March
Eligibility: Students enrolled or accepted for enrollment at least half-time in an accredited community college, university, or graduate/professional program; must meet minimum age and federal employment requirements

The CDC Pathways Internship Program provides undergraduates with paid, hands-on experience in public health and related federal occupations while they are still in school. You will work in CDC offices on projects that may involve public health research support, data analysis, program operations, communications, or administrative functions, depending on the role. The program is designed to help you explore federal careers while applying academic learning in a professional setting. Student Summer Employment positions offer structured training and exposure to real-world public health work during the summer months. Interns who complete the program may be eligible for conversion to permanent federal positions after graduation. 

5. American Red Cross Summer Internship Program

Location: Hybrid / Nationwide
Stipend: Paid and unpaid internships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; national paid cohort is roughly 50–100 students
Dates: Year–round
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program; have a valid U.S. social security number; minimum GPA of 2.5; paid roles generally require U.S. work authorization

In this internship, you dive straight into the operational side of public health, tackling real-world issues like disaster preparedness, biomedical supply chains, and community safety. You might coordinate local blood drives to stabilize regional supplies, teach health education classes such as CPR, or analyze data to refine emergency response strategies. A unique feature here is the sheer scale of the network; you are actively supporting relief efforts that reach millions. Through this work, you develop a "crisis-ready" mindset that classrooms simply cannot teach.

6. Maternal and Child Health Careers / Research Initiatives for Student Enhancement – Undergraduate Program (MCHC/RISE-UP)

Location: Primarily in-person (Baltimore, MD) with hybrid and virtual options available through consortium partners
Stipend: $5,400 (Varies for UC Davis)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; ~40–50 scholars annually
Dates: May 25 – July 30
Application Deadline: Varies by cycle and consortium partner
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors, or recent graduates (within 12 months); minimum 2.7 GPA; U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident

The MCHC/RISE-UP Undergraduate Program is a nationally funded public health leadership initiative focused on maternal and child health, health equity, and social determinants of health. You will participate in three integrated experiences: clinical exposure, research training, and community engagement and advocacy, designed to prepare you for advanced study and leadership roles in public health. You work closely with mentors across clinical, research, and community settings and receive structured coaching throughout the summer. The program includes weekly seminars, collaborative professional development sessions, and opportunities to engage with CDC-supported public health initiatives. You will also present your work at academic and national conferences.

7. Broad Summer Research Program (BSRP)

Location: In-person; Cambridge/Boston, Massachusetts
Stipend: $5,400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~15–20 students
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 11
Eligibility: Undergraduates enrolled at a U.S. four-year college with a graduation date of December of the application year or later; minimum 3.2 GPA; majoring in biological sciences, physical sciences, computer science, engineering, or mathematics; legally authorized to work in the U.S.

In this program, you will conduct experimental or computational research in labs, working on topics such as cancer biology, infectious disease, and computational biology under the mentorship of scientists. In addition to lab work, you participate in a structured curriculum that emphasizes scientific communication, collaborative problem-solving, and preparation for graduate school. The program includes seminars with Harvard and MIT faculty, professional development workshops, and a dedicated scientific communication course. Interns present their research through oral and poster presentations at the end of the program and may receive travel sponsorship to present at national scientific conferences. 

8. SEP-HEALTHSpark: Summer Enrichment Program in Health Equity and Leadership Training

Location: In-person; University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 15–20 students
Dates: 8-week summer program; typically, late May to late July
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Undergraduate rising juniors or seniors; minimum 2.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale; U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, and DACA students

SEP-HEALTHSpark is a summer program designed to prepare you for leadership roles in public health and healthcare systems, with a strong emphasis on health equity. You explore how structural and social determinants of health shape outcomes while gaining exposure to careers in community health, public health practice, and healthcare delivery. The program combines academic instruction, professional development, and experiential learning rooted in the University of Michigan’s Summer Enrichment Program in Health Management and Policy. You engage with faculty, practitioners, and peers through workshops, discussions, and applied learning experiences focused on eliminating health inequities. Many participants pursue graduate study and advance into senior roles in healthcare and public health organizations.

9. Health Career Connection (HCC) Summer Internship Program

Location: In-person, hybrid, or remote placements across 13 U.S. regions (including California, Midwest, South, and East Coast)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~120–150 Interns per year
Dates: Summer Internship: 10 consecutive weeks, full-time; Community Health Leaders Program: 8 weeks, part-time
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort and region
Eligibility: Undergraduate students and recent graduates; international students are eligible if currently attending school in the U.S.

Health Career Connection (HCC) offers paid, immersive internship programs designed to launch undergraduate careers in public health and healthcare. You will be placed with leading health organizations, such as hospitals, public health departments, health systems, and community-based organizations, and work on projects aligned with your interests and career goals. The program emphasizes experiential learning through full-time project work, site visits, and exposure to the inner workings of health organizations. You receive structured mentorship through HCC’s apprenticeship model, including guidance from dedicated preceptors and access to a national alumni network. In addition to fieldwork, you participate in professional development workshops covering topics such as health advocacy, data analysis, project management, and graduate school preparation.

10. PrIMER: Program to Inspire and Mentor Undergraduates in Environmental Health Science Research

Location: In-person; Columbia University and affiliated research sites (New York City area)
Stipend: $24/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~10–12 trainees
Dates: 10-week summer block followed by continued research and a symposium in the Fall semester
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students at a university in the New York City area; must be rising junior or senior; U.S. citizens or permanent residents

PrIMER is a multi-year research training program designed to prepare undergraduates for advanced study and careers in environmental health sciences. You will be paired with a Columbia University faculty mentor and conduct research focused on environmental health topics. During the summer, you will work full-time in research labs, while the academic-year component allows for continued part-time research engagement. The program also includes weekly professional development workshops and close interaction with faculty, researchers, and peers. Each fall, trainees present their research at the PrIMER Research Symposium, building scientific communication skills. 

11. National Environmental Public Health Internship Program (NEPHIP)

Location: State, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) environmental public health agencies across the United States
Stipend: $6,000 + need-based relocation allowance of $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; up to 50 interns
Dates: May/June – End of August
Application Deadline: Varies by cycle; applications for summer internships typically open in the fall and close in early spring
Eligibility: Current sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate students attending an environmental health academic program that is accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC)

The National Environmental Public Health Internship Program (NEPHIP) connects environmental health students with internships at government public health agencies nationwide. You work on applied projects that address real-world environmental health challenges, such as food safety, water quality, climate and health, vector control, and community risk assessment. The program is designed to strengthen the environmental public health workforce by providing you with direct exposure to governmental public health practice. You gain practical skills, professional mentorship, and insight into career pathways within state, tribal, local, and territorial health agencies. Many participants build long-term professional networks that support post-graduation employment in public service. 

12. HRTP: A Public Health Internship Program

Location: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department); in-person placements across NYC
Stipend: Paid and unpaid options available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; one of the largest public health traineeships in the U.S.
Dates: Summer: June – August; Fall: September – December; Winter/Spring: January – May
Application Deadline: Summer: February 15; Fall: August 15; Spring: November 15
Eligibility: Matriculated undergraduate, graduate, or professional students in good academic standing; U.S.-accredited institutions; NYC residency required for fall and winter/spring sessions 

In this program, you will work on public health issues under the supervision of professionals, applying classroom learning to challenges in research, planning, administration, and evaluation. The program emphasizes mentorship and skill development while introducing students to the breadth of public health careers. Summer interns also participate in a structured curriculum of seminars and workshops that explore how public health policies and programs impact New York City communities. Through hands-on projects and professional development, students gain a deeper understanding of public health systems and workforce pathways.

13. Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) – Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Location: In-person; Seattle, Washington
Stipend: $7,304
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~25–30 students
Dates: June 22 – August 21
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; undergraduates entering the summer before their final year/semester/quarter

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) at Fred Hutch offers undergraduates an intensive, mentored research experience focused on biomedical and public health sciences. You will work with faculty mentors to complete an independent research project in areas such as public health sciences, cancer prevention, epidemiology, infectious disease, clinical research, or translational science. In addition to lab or computational research, students participate in professional development workshops covering graduate and medical school preparation, scientific writing, and poster presentations. You also attend weekly research seminars and present your findings at a competitive poster session at the end of the program. The program includes structured social and networking activities designed to foster community among interns and mentors.

14. American Public Health Association (APHA) Internship Program

Location: Washington, D.C. (U.S.-based, in-person)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 1–3 interns
Dates: Fall: September 1 – December 15; Spring: January 15 – May 1; Summer: June 1 – August 15
Application Deadline: Fall: June 5, Spring: October 6, Summer: February 6
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students working toward a bachelor’s, graduate, or postgraduate degree; all majors eligible; must be able to work in the U.S. during the internship

The APHA Internship Program provides undergraduates with hands-on exposure to public health advocacy, policy, and programmatic work at one of the nation’s leading public health organizations. You may be placed across a range of departments, including environmental health, global health, communications, injury and violence prevention, public health policy, and climate and health equity. Responsibilities vary by placement but may include research, content development, policy analysis, event planning, and administrative support. You will gain insight into how public health initiatives are developed, communicated, and advanced at a national level. The program is structured to support academic learning through practical experience in a professional public health setting.

15. Clinton Foundation Internship Program

Location: On-site at Clinton Foundation offices and the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, and New York, New York (varies by department)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; ~30–50 interns per cycle across all departments
Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall opportunities available
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduates, rising seniors, and recent graduates in good academic standing; requirements vary by role and department

The Clinton Foundation Internship Program offers undergraduates a chance to gain hands-on experience within a major global nonprofit engaged in public health, economic opportunity, climate resilience, and civic engagement initiatives. You may support teams across various areas, including programs and initiatives, communications, philanthropy and partnerships, education programming, and operational units tied to the Clinton Presidential Center. Depending on the placement, responsibilities can include research, drafting written materials, supporting outreach and community engagement, preparing donor briefings, and contributing to project logistics. You work alongside experienced professionals, gaining exposure to nonprofit operations and advocacy while developing professional skills relevant to careers in public health, policy, communications, and organizational leadership.

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