Navigating Public Health Internships in Maryland: A Comprehensive Guide

Public health internships offer invaluable opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and gain practical experience in the field. In Maryland, a variety of programs cater to diverse interests and academic backgrounds, providing pathways for students to contribute to the health and well-being of communities.

Maryland Department of Health's Public Health Internship Program

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) offers a Public Health Internship Program, formerly known as the Public Health Workforce Development Internship Program. This program is designed for undergraduate and graduate students with a strong academic standing and a specific interest in public health.

Program Structure and Timeline

The Spring session spans 12 weeks, typically running from February to May. For example, the Spring 2026 cohort will run from February 11 - May 5, 2026.

Application Process

Interested students are encouraged to apply, keeping in mind the following key points:

Supplemental Questionnaire: A supplemental questionnaire allows students to indicate their preferred subject areas, interest in in-person or hybrid opportunities, and desired county or counties for the internship.
Application Limit: Students may be considered for multiple openings but can only be hired for and accept one position.
Application Deadline: All student applications must be submitted by the specified deadline. For the Spring 2026 cohort, the deadline is November 17, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
Evaluation: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will undergo further evaluation based on their education, training, and experience as they relate to the position requirements. Complete and accurate information is crucial.

Benefits for Contractual Employees

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract, and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits.

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Application Submission

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application (and supplemental questionnaire) may be submitted to MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload. If you are unable to upload, please fax the requested information to 410-333-5689. Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment.

Selection Process

Qualified applications will be shared with hiring managers for each vacancy. Managers will review candidates and select applicants to interview.

Internship and Fellowship Opportunities Beyond MDH

Beyond the MDH program, numerous other internships and fellowships are available in Maryland, catering to various specializations within public health.

Fellowship Programs

APHL and CDC Fellowships: Fellowships focusing on food safety for laboratory professionals with the APHL and CDC.
APHL-CDC Ronald H. Laessig Fellowship: Fellowship focusing on translating research into public health practice.
Residency in Laboratory Animal Medicine: Residency in laboratory animal medicine that blends veterinary science with public health concerns.
Fellowship focusing on post-doctoral research: Fellowship focusing on post-doctoral research in global HIV and TB control.
Fellowship that trains public health professionals: Fellowship that trains public health professionals focusing on informatics systems used in governmental health agencies.
Fellowship for students focusing on public health: Fellowship for students focusing on public health in maternal and reproductive health.
Various fellowships focusing on public health research and training: Various fellowships focusing on public health research and training in governmental agencies.
Residency program: Residency program for students interested in public health dentistry.
Fellowship: Prestigious program that places fellows in epidemiology positions to investigate public health threats.
Leadership development program: Leadership development program focusing on laboratory sciences in public health.

Government and Service Programs

Presidential Management Fellows Program: Highly competitive government-wide program for recent graduates to work in public health and other sectors.
AmeriCorps: AmeriCorps program that provides opportunities to serve in public health settings.
CDC Evaluation and Technical Assistance (ETA) Fellowship: A two-year paid fellowship that places associates in state, local, and tribal health departments.

Diversity and Inclusion Programs

Inclusive program: An inclusive program focusing on increasing public health opportunities for diverse populations.
Program focusing to enhance diversity: A program focusing to enhance diversity in health professions, offering a summer internship experience.

St. Mary's County Health Department (SMCHD) Opportunities

The St. Mary's County Health Department (SMCHD) offers various opportunities for students and volunteers interested in public health.

Student Academy in Public Health (SAPH)

SMCHD’s Summer Student Academy in Public Health (SAPH) provides rising high school seniors with an immersive experience in public health.

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Student Internships

SMCHD works closely with local academic institutions to provide interested students with hands-on experience in the field.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers have the power to “inspire by example.” They encourage those they help and motivate others to serve. All volunteers must submit a completed Volunteer Application.

Contact Information

For more information about job and volunteer opportunities, call SMCHD’s Office of Human Resources at 301-475-4313!

University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Internship Resources

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) provides resources for students seeking public health internships.

Internal and External Opportunities

UMBC provides a list of internship opportunities. This page also contains the application for internal internships. You must be logged into your UMBC profile to access them. UMBC is not affiliated with many of these sites, but we encourage students to apply to any of them that are of interest.

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Student Experiences

Read about UMBC Public Health Students’ experiences interning at Kennedy Krieger Institute.

Meaningful Community Services Program

Student trainees in the Meaningful Community Services program spend a semester gaining professional skills related to community-based public health services.

Opportunities for Organizations

Are you interested in offering public health internship positions with your organization?

Academic Credit for Internships at UMBC

UMBC offers courses for students to receive academic credit for their internships.

SOCY 396: Community Service and Learning Internship

This is a pass-fail course (1-3 credits) and does not count towards the minor or major. This course is offered through the Shriver Center and permits students to participate in the delivery of social services to the elderly, disadvantaged youth, the mentally and physically challenged, the homeless, the environment, or illiterate adults.

SOCY 399 or ANTH 399: Independent Study

This course is taken for credit (1-3) and does count towards the major or minor. You should find a faculty advisor who will agree to work with you on an internship. In this course you will complete additional work, such as a term paper, beyond the SOCY 396 internship requirements. The additional work involved will be specified by the advisor.

Public Health Science Program Internship Sites

The Public Health Science program maintains relationships with a variety of public health and healthcare organizations in the greater Washington D.C./Baltimore metropolitan area. However, you are not restricted to using one of these pre-approved sites. You are encouraged to find an organization that aligns with your career goals. You can request a new organization be reviewed for approval by PHSC administrators. The list of pre-approved PHSC Internship Sites can be found in the PHSC Major ToolKit in CANVAS. All students in the program should have access to this space. Note that the organizations listed do not necessarily have a guaranteed open internship position at this time. When completing this form, please include as much information as possible to formally request the use of a proposed internship for academic credit (PHSC399).

Additional Resources

The Public Health Science program hosts a variety of professional development events for students at all stages of career planning.

The Value of Public Health Internships

A Public Health internship, as a core component of the curriculum, should allow students to apply their academic knowledge in professional settings.

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