The Texas Public Health Fellowship is a one-year paid, training program for individuals early in their public health careers or interested in starting a career in public health. Fellows will receive hands-on experience in public health, professional development, and career guidance. Fellows could come from a wide variety of backgrounds, levels of education, and have varied interests.

Applicants selected to be Fellows will be matched with Host Sites located throughout Texas based on geography, areas of interest, skills, and experience. Host sites will include local health departments, DSHS programs, and DSHS Regional Offices.

What is the Fellowship?

• A one-year training program for early-career public health professionals
• The fellowship year starts June 1, 2026, and ends May 31, 2027.
• Full-time, 40-hour per week, paid position
• Fellows are placed at Fellowship Host Sites - state and local health departments located across Texas. 
• Available fellowship descriptions will be posted when the application opens Spring 2026.
• Salary based on cost of living of Host Site location, and each fellowship's preferred level of education (Salaries: $46,000, $56,000, $66,150).
• An opportunity to shape your career in public health.

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2023-24 Texas Public Health Fellows pose in front of the main DSHS campus after their two-day fellowship development workshop.

Why be a Texas Public Health Fellow?

This program gives individuals early in their public health careers or interested in exploring a career in public health real-life, hands-on experience in public health. Fellows will be fully integrated into the Host Site workforce, and work side by side with public health professionals. During the year-long Fellowship, Fellows will receive professional development and career guidance. At the end of the Fellowship, Fellows will be ready to propel their public health careers forward.

Fort Bend County Fellows Aniyah Zaman, Brianna Middleton, Brittaney Davis, and Nini Pham pose with Program Manager Emily Herrington at the 2024 TPHA Conference.

What will I do during the Fellowship?

• Gain hands-on experience in public health
• Apply classroom knowledge and previous work experience to current public health issues
• Network with current and future public health professionals
• Receive mentorship and career guidance from public health professionals
• Work closely with local colleagues at the Host Site on relevant public health projects
• Perform various activities, and produce deliverables determined by the Host Site
• Participate in professional development and public health training at DSHS

If you have any questions about the Texas Public Health Fellowship program, please email TXPHFellowship@dshs.texas.gov