Key points
- People interested in public health law can benefit from a fellowship, internship, or externship with CDC's Public Health Law Program.
- Candidates can apply with the information below.
- Internship and externship applications are open until May 13, 2024.
Overview
Law can be used as a tool to protect and promote the public's health. It has been critical in achieving public health goals and serves as the foundation for governmental public health practice in the United States.
Interested in gaining firsthand experience in public health law? Consider a fellowship, internship, or externship with CDC's Office of Public Health Law Services. Learn more about each of these opportunities below.
Eligibility
Educational Opportunities
CDC's Office of Public Health Law Services (OPHLS) and ChangeLab Solutions fellowship, internship, and externship are designed for current graduate students (e.g., MPH, DrPH, MPA, PhD) or law students (JD), as well as recent graduates of these programs (within the past five years), interested in careers in public health law or policy.
Participants will be matched with host sites at CDC or in the field at state, tribal, local, or territorial health departments, other public health law organizations that support work in the public health law and policy fields.
The Public Health Law Fellowship offers fellows on-the-job training to prepare them for careers in public health law or policy. The program aims to strengthen the public health law workforce by increasing diversity within the field and preparing the next generation of public health law professionals to respond to critical issues.
Ideal candidates will have a strong commitment to:
- The role of law in public health and positive community impact
- Improving health equity
- Strengthening emergency response capacity
Successful fellows will bring:
- Experience with diverse perspectives
- Creativity
- Cultural awareness and inclusivity
- An innovative approach to problem solving
How to apply
Fellowship applications for the spring 2024 cohort are now closed. Fellowship candidates who applied through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) program by October 2, 2023, will be considered for the spring 2024 cohort.
Deadlines regarding fall 2024 cohorts will be released soon.
Appointment Start Dates
Start dates are flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length
The appointments will vary in length.
Compensation
The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.
Level of Participation
The appointment is either full-time (40 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours per week).
Citizenship Requirements
This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the ORISE Guidelines for Non-US Citizens web page for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.
Application Questions?
Email PHLFellowship@cdc.gov for more information.
Upcoming Application Deadlines
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. A completed application includes the online application, transcripts, and at least one letter of recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted. Deadlines regarding fall 2024 cohorts will be released soon.
Email PHLFellowship@cdc.gov for more information on the full application periods for future cohorts.
Education and training
Internships & Externships
PHLP offers unpaid internships and externships as an alternative to the fellowship. Internships and externships are designated for students who would otherwise be eligible for the fellowship, but a barrier prohibits compensation. Externships are designated for students seeking academic credit as authorized by schools. Internships are not tied to academic credit. Candidates are selected by completing the fellowship application. Please email questions to PHLFellowship@cdc.gov.
Upcoming Application Deadlines
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. A completed application includes the online application, transcripts, and at least one letter of recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted. Deadlines regarding fall 2024 cohorts will be released soon.