Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Undergraduate Internships
Q: Can I receive credit for my internship?
A: Yes. You can complete up to 9 credit hours (3 credits per semester). Internships fall under skill area number four, “Production of Communication.” You will register for CMMU 3939.
Q: Are there prerequisites for this course?
A: You must be a declared communication major, with a g.p.a of at least 2.75. Also, you need to have completed at least 15 credit hours of CMMU coursework, including CMMU 1011.
Q: How many hours will I need to work?
A: Typically, students enroll in a 3 credit internship, which requires that you complete 135 hours of work during the course of the semester. (You can also enroll for less credit hours: 1 credit = 45 hours, 2 credits = 90 hours) Hours can only be completed during the semester in which you are registered. No credit for prior work can be awarded.
Q: Can I receive more than 3 credits for an internship?
A: Very rarely. The nature and scope of the internship would need to be unusually demanding in order for the department to approve more than 3 credit hours at a time. Simply working more hours at the internship does not merit additional credit.
Q: Can I earn credit for prior experience?
A: No. You may receive credit for an internship only during the semester in which the experience is being obtained.
Q: If I like my internship, can I just continue for another semester and get another 3 credits?
A: The department cannot grant credit for the same experience twice. However, in the past, some students have been able to find an internship within the same organization, but with a new job description. For example, in an advertising company, you might work on the creative side one semester, and then round out your experience working on the account side the next semester. In other words, you would need to be under a new supervisor, and in a new department for the internship to be considered.
Q: Can I receive credit for my current job?
A: It is extremely rare for the department to grant credit for a preexisting job. However, on occasion, if a student obtains a job that provides exceptional experience in a particular area of the communication field, a position may be approved. If you have a position that you would like considered, you will need to submit a one page proposal (two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester in which you intend to earn credit) to the internship coordinator that includes the following:
- name of company
- your title
- a description of your duties
- a description of an additional project that you will undertake during the semester in which you receive credit (must be approved by your direct workplace supervisor).
- your supervisor’s title, along with a description of his or her credentials in the field of communication.
The department chair and the internship coordinator will review your application and render a decision in a timely matter.
Q: Can I earn internship credit for working for an on-campus club?
A: No. Our commitment is to help students procure the very best internship experience possible. Therefore, we place our students in professional organizations or corporations, working under seasoned supervisors who will deliver excellent training, supervision, and advice.
Q: Can I intern at my family business?
A: No. In an effort to avoid any conflict of interest in terms of supervision, we do not approve internships at organizations run by the student’s family.
