Health Sciences & Policy Track

Be Part of Boston's Thriving Health Care Industry

Boston has a long history of firsts in health care. Doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital pioneered the use of anesthetic in 1846. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology partnered with the Shriner's Burn Institute to develop artificial skin. In 1832, Brigham and Women's Hospital opened one of the country's earliest maternity clinics. And today, the tradition of medical excellence continues, which is probably why the health care industry is one of the largest—and fastest-growing—segments of Boston's economy.

Students gain valuable background in subjects such as biology, physiology, sociology, and ethics in relation to the health industry, pursuing internships in local health care organizations.

Summer 1: The Academic Phase (May 22 - June 29, 2012)

You'll spend your first six weeks of the Summer Study Internship Program taking two 4-credit courses chosen from the following offerings in applied health sciences. The course section has descriptions and schedules.

Select Two:

Summer 2: The Internship Phase (July 9 - August 17, 2012)

For the second six weeks of the program, you'll be placed as an intern in a Boston-area organization or business that matches your interests and experience. You should expect to work five days a week for a minimum of 35 hours.

Health Sciences & Policy Internship Opportunities

Internship placement opportunities are available at health care organizations; educational institutions; non-profit organizations; occupational therapy and physical therapy centers; counseling services; and social service providers and policy institutes.

Internship Placement

  • Guaranteed internship placement for 35 hours a week
  • Internship matches are based on your interests, abilities, and experience, as well as employer and industry norms (Please note: Opportunities within research laboratories are dependent on student experience and lab requirements)
  • All internship sites are accessible by public transportation
  • Visit our Placement Process page for additional information

Summer Study Internship Course (May 25 - August 17, 2012)

The Summer Study Internship Program's 2-credit Internship Course meets on Fridays throughout Summer 1 and on three evenings in Summer 2. The primary emphasis of this course is to explore links between your academic track and your on-site professional experience, and to provide support and guidance as you prepare for your placement.

Internship Profile

Student: Lauren Gregerson

Courses: Human Anatomy, Sociology of Aging

Internship Site: Health Resources in Action

On the Job: I got great exposure to the field of public health because my internship gave me the opportunity to work in many areas. I did everything from statistical analysis to preparing proper tables and graphs for reports, participating in environmental research for a nearby hospital, helping create a survey on health and nutrition for middle school children, and conducting reviews of scholarly literature.

Perspectives: I can truly say there are few programs like this. What's not to like about getting course credits, a six-week internship, and improving interviewing and résumé skills all while making new friends in the heart of Boston?