Internships

Internships are planned, structured, supervised experiences that enable students to develop skills for organizing information and solving routine problems expected of professionals in a given discipline. Internships offer an off-campus learning experience that engages a student in the practical application of academic knowledge. Communication, teamwork and leadership skills are often tested and honed within an internship/employment setting.

Some internships are already established and students design others. Internships are offered every term, including summer. When it is clear that the experience will require an integration of knowledge from the classroom with work experience, then academic credit may be earned. Past students have interned with state and national government agencies, local hospitals, veterinarians, doctors, newspapers, television stations, high-tech and finance companies.

Internship credit is offered by most college departments. Students may enroll for internship credit provided the following guidelines are observed:

  • As part of the application process, students first meet with CEL staff to determine their readiness for an internship opportunity and to discuss likely internship prospects. At that meeting the student will be provided with an application form.
  • After the student has located an internship host, the student finds a faculty member who is willing to supervise the academic portion of the internship experience. The completed application must be on file with CEL and the registrar before the internship begins.
  • Normally, no more than three credits may be earned with any one internship host. However, institutionalized, nationally recognized summer internships may be eligible for 6 credits with the approval of supervising faculty, departmental chairs, and the director of CEL. Year-long internships may also be eligible for 6 credits with the approval of supervising faculty, departmental chairs, and the Director of CEL.
  • Generally no more than a total of six credits are allowed in the undergraduate program. Where 6 credit internships have been approved, no more than a total of 9 credits are allowed toward the 124 credits required in the undergraduate program.
  • CEL will request a standardized written evaluation of the student intern from the host agency and provide a copy for the faculty supervisor's files. Some academic departments may request additional evaluation forms from the host.
  • Each student intern is required to complete both faculty and CEL requirements before a grade is posted.