The Applied Practice Experience (APE), while a degree requirement, provides degree-seeking students with an opportunity to gain real-world experience while applying skills and knowledge from their academic training. The APE must be competency-based and provide the student with the opportunity to attain a combination of foundational and concentration/department-related competencies.
When starting the process for identifying an APE, students should consider their career/professional goals and interests. It is important that students begin the process early and understand that they will need to use a combination of job search tools to secure an APE, including but not limited to RSPH Career Connection job postings, networking events, career fairs, LinkedIn contacts, external events, information sessions and workshops, career coaching appointments, and other resources. Students also have the opportunity to complete their APE at various industries, including research, proprietary, non-profit, government, healthcare, and others.
As a reminder, an APE is required to be approved by the department APE Advisor prior to starting the position to ensure it meets the requirement. It is also the student’s responsibility to secure an APE prior to graduation and ensure all approvals and documents are submitted on time.
This page is one of several resources to help students with the planning process and provide examples of APE that may be appropriate for meeting the requirement.
