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
DPH Offers a limited number of internship placements each semester. Opportunities depend on program needs, available projects, staff supervision capacity, intern qualifications and interests, and available funding. Submitting an application does not guarantee an internship placement.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For the best opportunity to be considered, students should apply at least two months before their preferred semester.
What to expect after you apply
- You will receive confirmation that your application was submitted.
- Applications are typically reviewed and matched with potential DPH programs about 1-2 months before the requested semester begins.
- If your experience and interests align with an available placement, the internship team or a prospective mentor may contact you about next steps or an interview.
- Applicants will receive a status update before the requested semester begins, generally no later than approximately three weeks before the standard semester start date.
- Because internship opportunities are limited, we encourage students to continue exploring internships and practicums with other organizations while their DPH application is under review.
- Applicants who choose to be considered for future semesters may be contacted if an appropriate opportunity becomes available.