Experiential Learning

When you learn by doing, you learn more. Hands-on experiences inform, transform, and unlock the true potential of higher education and prepare students to succeed in a field that requires flexibility and resilience.

At UGA CPH, our programs provide a variety of hands-on learning including community collaborations, project-based training, internships, service learning, and research. Our students not only deepen their understanding of core public health competencies through real-world applications, but they also make meaningful impacts on the lives and health of the populations we serve.

Opportunities to engage –

Additional resources –

UGA’s Office of Experiential Learning

Field Experience

The UGA College of Public Health offers students rich field experience opportunities that bridge classroom learning with real-world impact. Both undergraduate and graduate students can engage in internships, research, and service-learning projects across diverse settings, including local health departments, non-profits, and international organizations.

APPLIED PRACTICE EXPERIENCE

UGA Master of Public Health students will complete an Applied Practice Experience (APE) in the form of a practice or research internship. CPH has established partnerships with many sites that reflect the current public health job market and include agencies such as the Georgia Department of Public Health and District Health offices, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the Carter Center, as well as local and international hospitals and non-profits. Students also have the opportunity to propose a new and unique site. Learn more about the APE.

RESEARCH

Find an Expert
Are you interested in a specific research topic and want to know who is working in that area? This page filters CPH faculty by research areas of specialty.

CPH Faculty Labs
Find a listing of faculty research lab websites and principal investigators.

Interdisciplinary Research Groups
These centers and research groups represent a commitment to multi-disciplinary funded research, with opportunities for student researchers.

Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO)
UGA CURO facilitates sustained, progressive, faculty-mentored undergraduate research during any of your undergraduate years.

SERVICE

Community Engagement Map
Learn where in Georgia CPH is currently engaged in community work.

Public Health Service Learning Courses
UGA CPH offers a growing list of service learning courses which connect our students to public service.

CPH Student Organizations
Most CPH undergraduate and graduate organizations have a service mission. Find one that suits you.

Service Learning

Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. The UGA College of Public Health offers a growing list of service learning courses which connect our students to public service and allow them to engage in important public health issues in a scholarly way. Find a course below then connect with your advisor to get started.

Service Learning Courses

Environmental Health Science

EHSC 4950S – Environmental Health Issues of Croatia (part of Maymester study abroad program)
EHSC 7950S – Integrative Environmental Health in Croatia (part of Maymester study abroad program)

Health Policy and Management

HPAM 4700S – Service Learning Policy Challenge
HPAM 8010S – Advanced Service Learning in Health Policy and Management

Health Promotion and Behavior

HPRB 3020S – Foundations of Health Promotion Professional Practice and Service
HPRB 3050S – Service Learning in Health Promotion
HPRB 3480S – Practicum in Health Promotion and Services
HPRB 8050S – Advanced Service Learning in Health Promotion

At the University of Georgia, service-learning is a priority, and can be found in all undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, from First Year Odyssey Seminars to doctoral coursework. Visit the Office of Service Learning to learn more about service learning opportunities at UGA.