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Experiential Learning

Through a thoughtfully designed curriculum, Public Health Sciences and Administration majors gain access to diverse experiential and individualized learning opportunities. Core courses are enriched with applied activities that connect classroom learning to real-world public health and healthcare administration practice. Students engage in research, data analysis, policy evaluation, and community-based projects—both locally and globally—while working closely with faculty. These experiences help students build practical skills, apply course concepts, and prepare for impactful careers in public health, healthcare systems, and beyond.

Explore Experiential Learning Opportunities

Students in the Public Health Sciences and Administration programs benefit from hands-on experiences that enhance classroom learning and support career readiness. Through faculty-led research, independent studies, internships, and study abroad, students gain practical skills, explore global and local health systems, build professional networks, and apply public health and administration principles in real-world settings.
  • Faculty-Led Research & Independent Study in PHSA

    With faculty devoted to exceptional learning experiences, and as part of a university that offers boundless research and grant funding opportunities, our students are able to participate in paid faculty-led and independent research in their specified area of study. Students participating in research also have the chance to publish and present their findings at local, regional, and national conferences. Interested students are encouraged to reach out to faculty to express an interest in assisting with research. Students can earn repeatable course credit towards their Public Health degree for serving as a research assistant.

    Examples of research topics studied include:

    • environmental exposure to man-made chemicals and resultant health effects involving two study populations: bottlenose dolphins and college-aged students.
    • assessing the effectiveness of a substance use and mental health service usage educational campaign among college students.
    • development and evaluation of community health programs to increase physical activity and healthy eating.
    • effects of heat index in the southeast among occupationally exposed populations.
    • developing and pilot testing a smoking cessation decision aid that includes an in-depth focus on e-cigarettes.
  • Internships in PHSA

    With strong local, national, and international ties to public health organizations, our students are exposed to internship opportunities with organizations such as MUSC, the Green Heart Project, Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Centers for Disease Control, the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, and Planned Parenthood, among many others. 

    Interested public health majors should contact our Internship Coordinator, Dr. Becky Kyryliuk, for more details about this experiential learning possibility.

  • Study Abroad in PHSA

    Through several class offerings, such as Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Health Communication, Immigration and Public Health, and Global Health, students have the opportunity to participate in faculty-led student abroad programs where they can put their academic knowledge to practical use. Past programming has allowed our public health students to travel to Barcelona, Lisbon, Amsterdam, France, and Switzerland.

Maya Pai with her Park Equity Policy Scan research poster. Accent Image

Learning Beyond the Classroom

From public health research and faculty mentorship to study abroad in Portugal, Maya Pai has embraced hands-on learning at CofC. Her work in park equity, community health, and women's advocacy showcases the power of experiential education.

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