Through an internship program, students establish and meet intentional learning goals through actual product development experience, while actively reflecting on what they are learning throughout the experience. The goals for the internship may include:
- Academic learning – applying knowledge learned in the classroom to tasks in the workplace.
- Career development – gaining knowledge necessary to meet minimum qualifications for a position in the student’s field of interest.
- Skill development – an understanding of the skills and knowledge required in a specific job category within the industry.
- Personal development – gaining decision-making skills, critical thinking skills, and increased confidence and self-esteem.
Since internships have a strong academic component, students are carefully monitored and evaluated for academic credit. Internships may vary in duration but generally last for one semester (3-4 months) and credit is granted based on 45 hours of internship per credit. For example, 4 credits (180 hours) and 3 credits (135 hours). Typically, students may replace two semesters of their respective program’s projects courses. Please refer to individual program requirements for more information. Students may not replace more than eight internship credits.
More detailed information about student internships can be found in the Internship Guidelines available in the Administration Office.