DPH Internship
DPH Internship Program
The Division of Population Health (DPH) Internship Program provides short-term, time-limited internships to undergraduate and graduate students studying public health or related fields. While some projects may require specific coursework or skills, advanced degrees are not required or preferred for all placements.
Interns support the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in advocating for, supporting, and serving individuals and communities across Utah, while advancing efforts to ensure all Utahns have fair and equitable opportunities to live safe and healthy lives.
The DPH Internship Program offers project-based learning opportunities across multiple programs within the Division of Population Health. Internship placements vary by semester and are determined by program needs, intern interests, availability, capacity, and available funding. Placement in a specific program is not guaranteed.
Compensation, if offered, is determined by the program in which the intern is placed. All paid internship opportunities within the department are posted on the State of Utah Job Opportunities website as they become available. Applicants are encouraged to use the ‘Internship’ job type filter when searching for available positions.
The DPH Internship Program does not include clinical work or direct patient care rotations.
Benefits
Interns will gain experience working in public health at a government agency focusing on the 10 Essential Public Health Services and learn how publicly funded services operate. Interns will also gain experience applying Utah's DHHS core values including: accountability, connection, efficacy, empathy, equity, impact, innovation, and support. Other skills will be developed depending on project assignments, these may include:
- Ethics and professionalism
- Communication: technical, interpersonal
- Program planning
- Data analysis
- Research
- Evaluation
Application Process
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. However, students are encouraged to apply at least 2 months before the start of the semester to ensure consideration. Internships begin in early January (Spring), early May (Summer), and early August (Fall). Applicants who are not selected may remain eligible for future semester placements.
Applicants who are not selected may be considered for future semesters. Occasionally, internship opportunities may arise outside of standard semester start dates, and the internship workgroup may reach out to applicants if these opportunities become available.