https://publichealth.ouhsc.edu/student-experience Parent Page: Student Experience id: 34323 Active Page: Experiential Learning id: 34431
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Hands-On Health Impact

Prepare for your public health career with field work that contributes to a healthier tomorrow.

How to Apply Explore Our Programs

Prepare for Your Career
with Field Work

Unlock your potential with OU Public Health’s experiential learning. Explore real-world opportunities that shape careers and impact communities. At OU Hudson College of Public Health, we believe that experiential learning is the cornerstone of professional preparation.

Experiential Learning Designed for Your Success 

Our students engage in field work and practicums, gaining practical skills that seamlessly complement their classroom education. Our dedicated professors guide them every step of the way, ensuring they develop the competencies needed to excel in their chosen field. Upon graduation, our students are not only ready but also qualified to make a meaningful impact in hospitals, medical centers, and organizations. 

  • Experiential Learning Opportunities: Our students engage in hands-on experiences at various health centers across the nation. These real-world settings allow them to apply classroom knowledge to practical scenarios. 
  • Program-Specific Field Work: Through practicums and field practice, students gain valuable skills in their chosen field. Our dedicated professors guide them, ensuring a seamless transition from theory to practice. 
  • Exams & Certifications: Upon program completion, students take a comprehensive exam that assesses their competencies. Successful completion ensures they are well-prepared and qualified to excel in their future careers. 

Program-Specific Field Work & Practicum

Imagine applying what you’ve learned in class to actual public health scenarios. That’s the Practicum! It’s where you exercise your knowledge, skills, and education. Whether specializing in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Health Administration & Policy, Health Promotion Science, Community and Population Health, or Occupational & Environmental Health, our students engage in the Practicum. It’s their chance to make a real-world impact. 

Whether you’re passionate about state and local health, Native American health, or even international settings, we’ve got you covered. You’ll complete your Practicum at qualified hosting facilities within the U.S. and beyond. 

For those pursuing the Master of Science in Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Health Sciences, the OEH Field Practice is a game-changer. Imagine gaining practical insights by working in actual industrial hygiene and environmental health settings. During your field practice, you’ll address real-world challenges, understand the impact of health solutions within organizations, and collaborate effectively in multi-disciplinary teams. 

Choose Your Practicum Setting

At OU Public Health, we believe in learning by doing. Our students gain hands-on experience through partnerships with diverse organizations, including the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board, the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, INTEGRIS Health, OU Health, the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the VA Medical Center of OKC.

Additionally, we collaborate with numerous townships, county offices, and health departments throughout Oklahoma. Beyond our state borders, students can engage in experiential learning with organizations like Phillips66 Company in Texas and institutions such as Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab in Maryland.

Whether it’s tribal health, community wellness, or cutting-edge research, our students make a difference!   

Public Health Certificate Exam

The National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) offers a credential for public health professionals, demonstrating mastery of core public health competencies and serves to assess mastery of the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)competencies. 

  • Master of Public Health students are required to take the NBPHE CPH exam as part of the degree requirements after completing the first 21 hours including all five (5) core courses.
  • The exam is administered year round at the PSI Assessment Center OR online. 
  • No-cost exam preparation material is available in all five (5) core areas. 

All public health students are eligible and encouraged to become Certified in Public Health.   For more information >> https://www.nbphe.org 

Learning Competencies

The Hudson College of Public Health has developed sets of competencies for each of its degree programs that describe the knowledge, skills and abilities that graduates will achieve.

The development of the competencies was informed by national consensus models such as the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) Core Competency models. The competencies are periodically reviewed by each department as part of an ongoing continuous improvement process and assessed regularly by outside peer evaluators through the accreditation process.  

Summer Undergraduate Research Programs

Looking for a summer opportunity to dive into hands-on research and explore careers in biomedical sciences or health-related fields? The OU Health Sciences offers five competitive, full-time summer research programs designed to introduce motivated undergraduate students to the world of biomedical research.

View All OUHSC Summer Undergraduate Research Programs 

Cancer Research Immersion Summer Program (CRISP) for Undergraduates

Jumpstart Your Career in Public Health with CRISP!

Are you passionate about cancer research and health equality? Do you want to make a real difference in American Indian communities? The Cancer Research Immersion Summer Program (CRISP) is your chance to dive into hands-on cancer health equality research, build connections with top mentors, and gain valuable experience that could shape your future in public health!

2021-2022 CRISP Logo FINAL

What is CRISP?

CRISP is a prestigious, full-time, nine-week summer program in Oklahoma City, designed to give undergraduate students the unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge cancer research. You’ll work alongside experienced researchers, exploring topics ranging from basic laboratory science to clinical and community health research. CRISP emphasizes cancer health equality in American Indian populations, making this program perfect for students passionate about addressing health disparities.

Why CRISP?

  • Gain Real-World Research Experience: Collaborate with expert researchers and contribute to groundbreaking work in cancer health equality.
  • Formal Mentorship: Receive guidance from established mentors who are dedicated to your professional growth.
  • Make an Impact: Present your research findings at the program’s conclusion, showcasing your contributions to the field.
  • Explore Diverse Research Areas: Focus on topics that matter—from laboratory science to community health initiatives—shaping a healthier future for American Indian communities.

2025 Program Dates

May 19 – July 22, 2025
Final banquet: July 22, 2025, in Oklahoma City.

Applications open starting October 1, 2024. Deadline for completed applications is January 22, 2025.

Eligibility

We’re looking for passionate students who:

  • Are members of a federally recognized tribe (preferred).
  • Have completed at least 2 years of undergraduate study at a U.S. institution.
  • Show strong academic performance, particularly in science coursework.
  • Have research or health sciences experience (preferred).
  • Are excited to contribute to American Indian cancer health equality research.

CRISP Application

How to Apply:
Submit your application, including a personal statement and transcripts, through our easy online form. In your statement, tell us what drives you to be part of CRISP and how this program aligns with your career goals in public health or biomedical research.

For more information and tips on applying, check out this video.

Benefits of CRISP

  • $5,000 Summer Salary: This competitive stipend can be used to cover living expenses in Oklahoma City.
  • Location: You'll work at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, gaining access to state-of-the-art research facilities.

Join CRISP and be a catalyst for change!

Native American Research Center for Health (NARCH) Student Development Program

Since 2004, Cherokee Nation and OU have partnered together to host the Native American Research Center for Health (NARCH) Student Development Program to support undergraduate students with hands-on research and mentorship. This nine-week summer research program offers Native American students mentorship and hands-on research experience as well as the opportunity to present their research at the conclusion of the program. The NARCH research project topic areas range from basic laboratory science to clinical and translational research to public and community health.

Funded by the National Institute of Health (PI: Sara Vesely, S06GM146122, PI: Sohail Khan, S06GM127983)

Eligibility

  • Must be a member of any federally recognized tribe.
  • Have completed 2 years of undergraduate study (by the program start date) at an institution in the United States and be currently enrolled in good standing.
  • Record of high academic achievement in science coursework and experience in laboratory research or health sciences is desired.
  • A statement of career goals that includes a brief discussion of the applicant’s interests and future goals

Application

The NARCH application can be found on the OUHSC SURP website. The program is 9 weeks of full time (40 hours per week) hands-on research experience with a mentor (May 20 - July 23, 2024).

Complete the online application form.  Within the form the following information will be included:

  • Personal Statement: Please include a one to two page, Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, personal statement via the online application. The personal statement should include the applicant's reasoning for wanting to participate in NARCH, highlights any research experiences, and highlights of the applicant's strengths and career goals. Please discuss how participation in this program will help meet that objective. You can also include information that describes any challenges you have faced and ways you worked to overcome these challenges. Your personal statement helps set you apart from the other applicants.
  • Submit Transcripts: Submit college transcripts to the application as a PDF. Unofficial transcripts are allowed.

Benefits

All NARCH students will be compensated $5,000. You can use this compensation to cover living expenses in Oklahoma City Metro for our 9-weeks. Participants are responsible for housing. Please contact the SURP office for assistance.