Earning Credit for Internships

Frequently Asked Questions for Undergraduate Students

What does an academic internship OR earning credit for an internship mean?

An academic internship is when you are completing an internship AND enrolled in the internship class at the SAME time.  This course is supervised by a faculty member in your academic program that will require you to complete a number of assignments that will allow you to reflect on your experiences and evaluate what you have learned during the the internship.  The Career Services office strongly encourages students to complete academic internships.

Which academic programs require students to complete an internship for graduation?

All students should always be familiar with the requirements of their academic program or major. To review those requirements, consult the Undergraduate Bulletin.  Several academic programs do require students complete internships for academic credit and those are listed below:

• Business Administration
• Communication
• Education Program (student teaching)
• English Writing & Rhetoric
• Environmental Chemistry
• Environmental Science & Policy
• Forensic Science (research or internship)
• Global Studies (study abroad or internship)
• Graphic Design
• Kinesiology
• Political Science
• Psychology (research or field experience)
• Social Work (practicum)
• Spanish
• Theater Arts (pracitcum)

Who teaches these internship courses?

The faculty for in each academic program are responsible for teaching the internship courses.  For some programs, the same faculty member teaches the internship course every semester.   For other programs, a different faculty member may teach this course every semester.  Students should consult with their academic advisor or advising specialist in their school to determine which faculty member will be teaching the internship class the semester they plan to complete an internship.

What are the requirements for the internship course?

Generally students must intern between 120 and 150 hours at their internship site.  However, the requirements for each course will vary by program.  The specific requirements for each internship course are the discretion of the instructor. 

For specific requirements about competing internships for your academic program, consult with your faculty academic advisor or the advising specialist.

*Please note that student teaching assignments are coordinated through the School of Education and Social Work practicums are coordinated by the Social Work faculty.

Are internship courses offered online or do they meet in-person?

Whether an internship class meets in-person (as well as the frequency the class meets) or is administered online depends on the your academic program and instructors.  All students with majors in the School of Management and Business enroll in the same business internship class, which is offered online only.  

Who approves my internship site for credit?

The instructor of each internship course approves the internship site. 

How many credits can I earn?

Majors in the Schools of Behavioral & Social Sciences, Humanities, and Management & Business usually earn three hours.  Occasionally, students may request to earn more hours if they can consult with their academic advisor.  Majors in the School of Natural Sciences vary depending on the program.  Education majors should consult with their advisor. Please note that all these fees for these courses are consistent with tuition rates set for all other for-credit classes offered at St. Edward's University.

Do companies require that students earn academic credit to participate in their internship program?

Many companies, nonprofits and government agencies do require that students receive academic credit at the SAME time they participate in their internship programs.  This requirement is usually stated in the posting.  If not this is appropriate question to ask during the interview.  In most cases, students are responsible for ensuring their internship site complete all the required paperwork for the internship course.