Internships

About Internships

Independent Study with Field Experience (Internship) provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate imagination and resourcefulness in their educational growth. The study is intended primarily to enable students to develop skills and knowledge that cannot readily be acquired in the regular college curriculum but that are compatible with the educational mission of the university. In addition, the program may assist students in the assessment of personal commitments and the exploration of potential careers.

Independent Study with Field Experience consists of supervised off-campus educational involvement, such as an internship or related activity, in which there is a designated analytical or intellectual element resulting in an appropriate research paper or related project.

Students who choose to engage in Field Experience must be degree-seeking students with at least sophomore standing and should have achieved at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. There should be some indication that a student has done previous work in the area of the study project or that there has been some degree of special preparation. Advanced planning is required and should be completed during the preceding term. To assist in planning, students meet with the Field Experience Coordinator and an appropriate faculty sponsor who serve as advisors. The field experience contract, approved by the coordinator, stipulates the agreement between the student, faculty sponsor and on-site supervisor regarding the character and goals of the project.

During enrollment a course number is assigned by the Registrar indicating variable credit and reflecting the appropriate department. Upon completion, credit is recorded as either Pass or No Pass.

No more than six credit hours of Field Experience may apply toward graduation. Credits count toward general electives and will not count toward a student’s major or core requirements unless special permission is granted. When internship credit is pursued during special terms (outside the regular semester), a $100 transcripting and supervisory fee is charged.