The Applied Practice Experience (APE) is a degree requirement for all students in the MPH program, including dual degrees. The APE, typically completed during a student's last semester in the MPH program, is an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in the classroom in a professional public health environment. Governmental, non-governmental, non-profit, industrial, for-profit settings or appropriate university-affiliated settings (those that are focused on community engagement) are all potential sites for the APE. Students are welcome to apply to formal internships and fellowships that allow them to meet the APE requirements.
For the APE, the student will work, under the supervision/mentorship of a preceptor at their site, on a project that results in the creation of at least two practical, non-academic work products that demonstrate the attainment of five competencies. The APE is meant to be mutually beneficial to the project site and the student.
Practice Experience Course Requirements
Students are required to register for SPPH 6070: Applied Practice Experience and earn 4 credit hours towards graduation.
For more information about the APE, please contact Austin Taylor at austaylo@utmb.edu.