Latest Internships in USA-UK-Canada & Across Worldwide 2025
The opportunities in public health and government organizations have become a smart starting point for students who want to do something meaningful early in their careers. Whether you’re into science, healthcare, data, or policy, getting experience through a CDC internship while tackling real-world challenges is a big deal. Programs like these teach you how disease prevention works, how national campaigns are planned, and how health data plays a part in protecting entire populations. It’s not just about the technical side, either. Interns also learn how public health connects to communication, education, and equity.
That’s exactly why the internship at the CDC is such a popular search. Whether someone is looking for summer internships, undergraduate programs, or general CDC student placements, it’s always near the top of everyone’s list. It gives you practical experience with actual health projects. The idea of learning straight from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the most trusted names in health and science, makes it one of the most respected internships out there. If you’re serious about the health world, this is where a lot of students want to start.
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CDC Internship High School Opportunities | How to Apply & Requirements
CDC Overview
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also known as the CDC, is one of the most important health agencies in the world. It focuses on protecting people and communities from health threats, whether that’s through research, education, or disease monitoring. The CDC deals with everything from global virus outbreaks and emergency response to workplace health and food safety. It plays a huge part in keeping people safe, especially during health emergencies.
The agency does all this through a wide mix of departments and special units. There are teams focused on infectious diseases, chronic illness, environmental health, vaccine development, and more. A lot of the work is also based on communication, education, and helping other organisations or governments with the tools they need. That mix of science, data, and real-world action is why students from different fields explore center for disease control internships as a stepping stone into something meaningful.
Why Students Want to Join the CDC?
Ask any student who’s been thinking about a future in public health, and chances are they’ve already looked up public health internships at the CDC or fellowships. That’s because the center doesn’t just teach theory. Interns actually contribute to studies, support national health programs, and work with professionals who lead health strategies across the country. For students, it’s one of those rare chances where you feel like what you’re doing matters right now, not just someday in the future.
Another big reason people aim for these internships is the chance to work in Atlanta, which is the center’s headquarters. Students from science, policy, or healthcare programs all apply, hoping to land spots in programs that match their interests. Whether it’s data, lab science, or community health, there’s a real sense of purpose in the projects you are part of. That’s why so many students look at the internships here and try to grab one of the limited slots before they fill up.
CDC Summer Internships
The CDC summer internship programs give students a full look at how public health works from the inside. Interns usually get assigned to a department or project where they might help collect field data, run health promotion campaigns, support research efforts, or work in lab environments, depending on their background. Every intern has a different experience, but the common factor is how closely they work with CDC professionals, gaining real exposure to the daily work that keeps public health moving.
Most internships are held in Atlanta, but some placements or hybrid opportunities may happen in other locations, depending on the program. Some internships are full-time, while others are more flexible, especially for undergrads or students with ongoing classes. That’s why people constantly search terms like summer internships for students or even undergraduate programs, hoping to find the one that best fits their goals. Each one gives you practical skills, a real project to talk about, and a serious head start in any health-related career.
Top Internship Tracks at CDC
The CDC has all kinds of internship tracks that match up with different student interests and majors. Whether you’re into science, public health, communications, or policy, there’s probably a program that fits your goals. Some internships are built for undergrads, while others are aimed at grad students or even high schoolers who want an early peek into the world of health. You’ll find options tied to major research projects, global health programs, health equity efforts, and even direct disease response. Each internship track gives you something different, so it’s smart to explore what fits best with what you’re studying and what kind of impact you want to make.
CDC Internships for Undergraduates
Undergraduate students from all kinds of majors look at internship opportunities with the CDC for undergraduates because it offers more than just something to add to a resume. It’s a place where students can actually join national-level health projects. Many undergrad interns help with communications, education, or even entry-level scientific support in labs or data teams. Whether you’re majoring in biology, psychology, health education, or communications, there’s usually a place at the CDC where your background fits into something bigger.
One of the most rewarding parts of these internships is getting to work with real CDC teams on health projects that have direct public impact. You might be helping create awareness materials, contributing to research briefs, or analyzing survey data for national reports. Some interns are even involved in programs focused on community health outreach or school-based education. This early exposure makes a big difference for students who want a serious career in health, even before finishing their degree.
CDC Internships for Graduate Students
Graduate students in fields like epidemiology, medicine, environmental health, or policy are often the perfect match for specialized internships at the CDC. These tracks go a little deeper than undergraduate ones and often allow for more independence. Many grad students are brought in to work on data modeling, write sections of research reports, or assist with real-time disease tracking. You get to use the tools and skills from your grad classes in ways that actually help shape public health planning.
A big draw for graduate-level interns is the access to mentorship and direct policy involvement. Depending on the program, some interns are assigned to a research project that will eventually be published or used in public policy briefs. Others shadow scientists or analysts who work on global disease surveillance. Whether it’s analyzing trends or evaluating interventions, these internships are intense, but they give students the kind of hands-on practice that grad school alone cannot offer.
CDC High School Internship Opportunities
While a lot of people think internships are just for college students, the high school internship programs offered by the CDC prove otherwise. The center offers limited but valuable programs for high schoolers who are curious about science, health, or medical careers. These internships are structured differently and often involve shadowing professionals, joining workshops, or participating in supervised learning projects. It’s less about advanced responsibilities and more about introducing students to the world of health research.
For high schoolers, just getting access to CDC resources, seeing how departments function, and meeting professionals can make a major impact on their future plans. Some students get to assist in small admin or support roles within departments. Others join health education sessions or career readiness programs. These experiences often help students decide if they want to follow a public health path in college or beyond.
CDC Pathways Program
The CDC Pathways Program is a formal track that connects students with a clear route into federal careers. It’s more than just an internship. It’s designed as a long-term investment in future professionals. Students accepted into the program receive both internship opportunities and training that can lead to full-time federal jobs after graduation. It’s run in partnership with the federal Pathways system, so it’s not only for the CDC but also for other U.S. health and safety departments.
What makes the CDC’s version of Pathways stand out is mentorship and hands-on learning. Interns in the program are usually placed in departments that match their field of study, such as health communications, lab science, epidemiology, or health administration. In some cases, students who complete the program may transition into junior roles or full-time positions within the CDC, giving them a huge head start compared to traditional applicants.
CDC Internships Public Health Focus
Many students aim for public health internships because they want to work at the core of health promotion and disease prevention. These internships offer real involvement in health equity research, behavior change strategies, population studies, and even global health policy. Interns in this area often work with cross-functional teams that include scientists, policy experts, and education specialists to build better health strategies across different communities.
Depending on placement, you might help run surveys, develop public awareness materials, support data visualization, or track disease outbreaks in real time. Some students assist with CDC partnerships that involve global outreach, refugee health, or maternal care programs. Every role contributes to a bigger picture of protecting and improving lives, which is exactly why public health interns come away with such strong experience under their belts.
CDC Fellowships
Although not technically internships, CDC fellowships are commonly searched by students and recent grads who want to take the next big step in public health. These programs usually last longer than internships and are often focused on post-grad or PhD-level professionals. Fellowships allow individuals to lead projects, contribute to published research, or help shape ongoing programs related to global health, epidemiology, and prevention strategies.
Fellows may work across divisions like infectious diseases, chronic health, health policy, or environmental health. Unlike internships that are more learning-focused, fellowships offer more responsibility, often requiring independent work and high-level data or policy analysis. For students serious about a long-term career in public health, this is often the route they take after an internship or after finishing their degree.
When Do CDC Internships Open
Most of the internship roles at the CDC begin accepting applications in either the fall or early spring. If you want to land something for the summer, it’s a smart idea to start looking a few months in advance. Many of the summer programs open between October and February, depending on your school schedule and the department you’re applying. A lot of students try to stay ahead by searching phrases like CDC internships in the last week or summer internship opportunities to find the most recent openings. If you don’t want to miss out, it’s a good idea to turn on alerts, bookmark the official CDC internship portal, or check job sites regularly.
Eligibility Criteria
The requirements to get into an intern program at the CDC really depend on the program you’re applying for, but the good part is that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in high school, college, or graduate school, there’s a good chance you’ll find a program that matches your level and interests. What matters most is showing that you genuinely care about public health and want to learn. The center takes on interns who show potential, curiosity, and a strong work ethic, even if they’re just starting out.
Here’s what they usually look for:
- Education: You should be a current student in high school, an undergrad, or doing grad-level studies. Most programs welcome those studying health, science, communications, data, or similar areas.
- Skills: You need to be a strong communicator, have some basic research ability, and be interested in public health. Critical thinking and curiosity go a long way too.
- Experience: It’s okay if you don’t have a lot, but things like volunteering, school projects, internships, or leading a club on campus help show you’re ready to learn.
- Other Requirements: You’ll usually need to be a US citizen, be available for the full internship term, and be able to clear a background check since it’s a federal role.
Salary and Perks
Some internships are paid, and others aren’t, depending on the specific program. It’s best to check each listing for details, but in general, the internships that do offer pay usually land somewhere between $15 and $22 an hour. That’s not bad at all for getting real experience in the public health field. Along with pay, the perks are what make it worthwhile:
- You’ll get access to training and learning resources from one of the most respected agencies in the world.
- You get paired with mentors and professionals who guide you through the work.
- There are usually team projects, networking events, and exposure to federal-level public health programs.
- It also looks amazing on your resume and could lead to future CDC jobs or other government opportunities.
CDC Internship Application Process
The CDC internship application process is pretty straightforward but can feel different depending on what program or department you’re going for. The timelines vary, but they all start with making sure you’ve got your documents in order and know where to apply. Here’s what to do:
- Where to Apply: The best places to check are the CDC official jobs website and sometimes even university portals or fellowship pages.
- Documents Needed: Most programs ask for a resume, your academic transcript, and a short personal statement. Some might ask for references, so it’s good to have those ready.
- Interview Process: Some programs may require a video interview or a quick phone chat. It’s usually a casual conversation about your interests and fit.
- Tips to Stand Out: Focus on your public health passion, any research or volunteer work, and community experience. Be authentic and make it clear why the CDC matters to you.
Summary
Being offered a spot in an internship at the CDC is more than just adding something to your resume. It’s a chance to be part of real public health work that affects communities all over the country. You’ll learn from the experts, work on meaningful projects, and see how public policy and data play out in real life. Whether you’re into health communication, lab research, or policy work, the center can help shape your future career in a way that few places can. Just apply early, stay prepared, and let your passion show.
