Health Sciences Applied Learning
At Worcester State University, we understand that the best learning includes doing. That’s why we offer practicums that give you hands-on field experience. We partner with dozens of Worcester-based organizations where you can hone your skills in challenging, real-world settings and have a positive impact in the local community. As a public health student, you will complete at least 120 hours of community-based service at one of approximately 30 sites in Worcester. If you minor in health fitness, you may complete an optional practicum of at least 40 hours.
Sample Practicum Sites
- 15-40 Connection
- Abby’s House
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/MetroWest
- Boys & Girls Club of Worcester
- Girls Inc. of Worcester
- Lutheran Social Services
- MetroWest Medical Center
- UMass Medical School’s Quantitative Science Department
- Worcester Division of Public Health
- YMCA
- YWCA
In addition to this valuable and rewarding field work, you also may take part in faculty-led research or complete an independent study on a topic of interest. We recognize these remarkable student-faculty collaborations at our annual Celebration of Scholarship and Creativity. Recent projects include:
- Evaluating Dietary Intake: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Fruit Consumption and the Effects of External Cues
- Obesity Prevalence and Parents’ Perceptions of Eating Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder