Summer Epidemiology Internships: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Summer epidemiology internships offer invaluable opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and medical students to gain hands-on experience in population health and epidemiology. These programs not only expose students to potential career paths in the field but also provide a strong foundation for future leadership roles in healthcare and research. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of summer epidemiology internships, including program structures, application processes, and available opportunities.

Program Overview and Structure

Summer epidemiology internships typically connect students with experienced faculty mentors in an immersive and supportive environment. Interns have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research projects, gaining practical experience in various aspects of epidemiology.

Key Components of Summer Epidemiology Internships:

Hands-on Experience: Interns actively participate in research projects, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Mentorship: Experienced faculty members provide guidance and support, fostering professional development.
Networking: Internships offer opportunities to connect with professionals in the field, building valuable relationships.
Skill Development: Interns develop essential skills in data analysis, research methodology, and public health practice.

Types of Summer Epidemiology Internships

A variety of summer epidemiology internships are available, each with a unique focus and structure.

Research-Focused Internships

These internships emphasize research skills and provide opportunities to contribute to ongoing research projects.

CanSUR Program: A National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded program focused on cancer research for undergraduate students at Washington University School of Medicine.
Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) Summer Internship: This program offers opportunities to explore careers in cancer epidemiology, biostatistics, and genetics. Interns work under the supervision of a DCEG researcher on various population studies and analytic techniques.

Public Health Practice Internships

These internships focus on practical experience in public health settings, such as health departments and community organizations.

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Local Health Internship Program: Offered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), this program connects students with local health departments across Massachusetts.
Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) Funded Internship Program: Hosted by DPH, these paid internships provide exposure to state-level public health.
Ingham County Health Department (ICHD) Summer Epidemiology Intern Role: This unpaid academic internship focuses on epidemiologic surveillance, public health informatics, inferential statistical analysis, and data-to-action strategies.

Fellowship Programs

These programs usually provide mentored, applied learning opportunities for early-career professionals holding master’s and doctoral degrees in public health.

ASPPH/CDC Public Health Fellowship Program: A collaborative effort between the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Application Process

The application process for summer epidemiology internships typically involves submitting an application, resume, and transcripts. Some programs may also require a personal statement or letters of recommendation.

Key Steps in the Application Process:

Identify Programs of Interest: Research available internships and identify those that align with your interests and career goals.
Review Application Requirements: Carefully review the application requirements for each program, including deadlines and required materials.
Prepare Application Materials: Prepare a resume, cover letter, and any other required documents.
Submit Application: Submit your application by the specified deadline.
Follow Up: After submitting your application, follow up with the program coordinator to ensure that your application has been received.

Important Deadlines:

Application Deadline: Many summer internship programs have application deadlines in late March.
Decision Notifications: Decision notifications are typically sent out in early May.

Securing a Global Field Experience (GFE) Award

For students interested in completing a summer field experience in a low or middle-income country, securing a GFE award can significantly enhance professional development and career prospects.

Steps to Secure a GFE Award:

Secure an APE Experience: Use 12Twenty to find GFE-eligible opportunities and connect with faculty for guidance.
Experiential Learning Hub Process: Start early to discuss your project with your faculty guide and supervisor.
Complete the Supplemental Application: Upon completing the previous steps, you will be invited to complete the GFE award application.

Specific Internship Opportunities

Ingham County Health Department (ICHD) Summer Epidemiology Intern Role

The Ingham County Health Department (ICHD) is seeking a motivated academic student to join the organization in the Summer Epidemiology Intern role. This position offers exposure to epidemiologic surveillance, public health informatics, inferential statistical analysis, and data-to-action strategies.

Location: Lansing, MI (with potential for remote work)
Duration: Summer
Compensation: Unpaid
Application Deadline: March 27th or until a suitable candidate is identified.

Food Fortification Initiative (FFI) Graduate Research Assistant

The Food Fortification Initiative (FFI) at Emory University is looking for a graduate research assistant to support a mixed-methods research study among recipients of federal food and nutrition assistance in Georgia.

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Location: Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University
Responsibilities: Support a mixed-methods research study.
Application Deadline: February 15th, 2026.

HRTP: A Public Health Internship Program

The NYC DOHMH hosts students through the HRTP: A Public Health Internship Program. The HRTP program is open to current undergraduate, graduate and professional school students of public health, health education, laboratory sciences, medicine, social work, environmental engineering, public administration, accounting, mathematics, computer science, law, nursing, the social sciences, and many other majors.

Application Period: January 15 - February 15, 2026.

Summer Institute for Statistics and Modeling in Infectious Diseases (SISMID)

The 18th annual Summer Institute for Statistics and Modeling in Infectious Diseases (SISMID) will be held this summer at Emory University Rollins School of Public Health in Atlanta, GA.

In person: July 13-24, 2026, at Emory University
Online Modules: Available to learners in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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