Health Sciences & Policy Track

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.

"The courses I took were among the best I've ever taken. I know what I learned this summer is relevant to my field. As my first experience in a professional setting, I learned a great deal about not only the healthcare field, but how a workplace operates."
Chelsea Tisosky, Cornell University
Intern, National Patient Safety Foundation

Summer 1: The Academic Phase
(May 21 - June 28, 2013)

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.

Select Two:

  • CAS AN 102 Human Biology, Behavior, and Evolution
  • CAS BI 106 Human Anatomy
  • CAS BI 107 Biology I
  • CAS BI 203 Cell Biology
  • CAS BI 303 Evolutionary Ecology
  • CAS BI 327 Cancer Biology
  • CAS BI 421 Biochemistry I
  • CAS PH 251 Medical Ethics
  • CAS PS 332 Behavioral Medicine
  • CAS PS 338 Neuropsychology
  • CAS RN 239 Religion and Science
  • MET SO 302 Women and Health in the 21st Century
  • SAR HS 251 Human Nutrition Science
  • SAR HS 342 Exercise Physiology
  • SAR HS 450 Non-Infectious Diseases

Summer 2: The Internship Phase
(July 8 - August 16, 2013)

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. Most internships are unpaid.

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 24 - August 16, 2013)

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: Graham Miller

Career Track: Health Sciences & Policy

Courses: Biology 1; Human Biology, Behavior, and Evolution

Internship Site: East Boston Neighborhood Health Center

On the Job: I did an array of things, ranging from answering phones and dealing with patients, to data entry and survey making. I learned a lot about how a hospital works on the non-medical side, which will allow me to be more knowledgeable than other potential doctors.

Perspectives: I really liked my placement. I thought it was the perfect environment for me this past summer, and that the program did an amazing job recognizing this and putting me there.