Applied Practice Experiences
Applied Practice Experiences for Students
All BSPH-Internship Option, MPH, MHA, and DrPH students at the School of Public Health are required to complete an applied practice experience (APEx) as part of their curriculum. The APEx provides an opportunity to practice public health outside of the classroom. Applied practice experiences occur in a variety of settings and have happened across the globe. Graduate students must complete a Pre-APEx Orientation Training. The training modules are located in Canvas. All students are enrolled in the APEx Community (note: not a class) after the fall census date (about two weeks after fall classes start).
APEx Resources
- TAMSPH Applied Practice Experience Manual for Graduate Students
- TAMSPH Applied Practice Experience Manual - Department Addendums
- Foundational and Concentration Competencies for MHA, MPH, and DrPH Students
- Email Template: Inquiry to Possible Preceptor Site
- Links to Online Student Resources
- ePortfolio Instructions
- International APEx Packet
APEx Portal
Students have access in the portal to upload fully approved work plans and access various documents related to their APEx.
Access to the Applied Practice Experience Work Plan Template (used to build work plans) is granted by the Office of Public Health Practice once required trainings are completed. Do not upload a work plan without a fully approved work plan draft that contains all required signatures.
Department APEx Coordinators
Students should consult with their department APEx coordinator on all matters related to their applied practice experience.
Environmental and Occupational Health
Adam Pickens, PhD, MPH (MPH and DrPH): apickens@tamu.edu
Health Policy and Management
John J. Buckley, MBA, FACHE (MHA): buckley@tamu.edu
Elena Andreyeva, PhD (MPH): andreyeva@tamu.edu
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Shaida Kalbasi, PhD (MPH and DrPH): shaida@tamu.edu
Health Behavior
Sara Mendez, DrPH (MPH and DrPH): spmendez@tamu.edu
Preceptor Applied Practice Experience Guidance
SPH Professional Networking Events
Stay tuned for information on our 2025-2026 Professional Networking Events!
APEx Development Resources
- Applied Practice Experience Description Details and Example - PDF
- Practicum Experience Description Template - DOC
Applied Practice Experience Development Assistance
Do you have a project idea for students but are not quite sure how to turn it into an APEx? Let us help you. Please fill out the following form and submit to the Office of Public Health Practice.
APEx Development Assistance Form
Affiliation Agreements
If your organization requires an affiliation agreement for students to participate in a practicum experiences, please email the Office of Public Health Practice.
Applied Practice Experience Forms
In order to type on the forms, click "download". Any handwritten forms, with the exception of signatures, will be rejected.
CPT Forms for Students on F1-Visas
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorization for F-1 international students to receive further training that is designed to achieve an established academic objective directly related to degree level and major. CPT includes practicums and internships.
SPH student on F1 visas must:
- Complete the student request in Terra Dotta
- Have their APEx preceptor complete the employer form
Completed forms must be submitted to International Student Services and a copy of all completed forms must be provided to your department APEx coordinator.
For more information or questions related to CPT, please visit the International Student Services website.
For any additional questions regarding the applied practice experience or completion of these forms, contact your department APEx coordinator.