Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my internship qualifies for credit?
Many types of experiences can be utilized for internship credit as long as you meet the minimum work hour requirements and you are taking on a new learning experience that relates to your major or minor. Volunteer positions, shadowing, internships, co-op positions, and part-time or full-time work experiences have all been accepted for credit. Just keep in mind that academic internships require that you learn how to apply your major or minor to the workplace, so no previous positions or current work assignments will apply.
What if I don’t meet the minimum qualifications for the internship program?
Depending on your situation and the type of internship you have set up, we can request exceptions for students who don’t meet the minimum credit hour or GPA requirement. We recommend that you complete the placement form and when we meet we can discuss your options.
How do I set up an internship for credit?
You can get the process started by completing a placement form and attaching your position description. Once we receive your completed application, we will contact you to set up a quick 15 minute meeting so we can walk you through the requirements. If you decide not to pursue credit after you’ve started the process, don’t worry! You are under no obligation to complete the internship until you’ve registered for your internship class.
What if I don’t know all of the details ahead of time?
Submit your placement form with the information you know, and we will follow up with the steps you need to take to complete your application. We typically like to know the employer name, the position title, the start date (and end date, if possible) of your internship, your supervisor’s name and email, and how many credit hours you hope to fulfill.
What are my responsibilities during the internship?
After you submit your completed application, you will be required to get signatures from your supervisor at the internship site and a signature from your faculty sponsor. You must select a faculty sponsor from the department where you are majoring or minoring, and you must have taken a class or be taking a class with them currently. If you cannot think of any faculty sponsors, let us know and we will help you locate the proper person to oversee your internship.
Your faculty sponsor will tell you what assignments you will be required to do over the course of your internship. We will also ask you to complete a quick midterm evaluation and a final evaluation, and track your work hours on a weekly or biweekly basis.
How do I know when to turn in my evaluations?
Once you have registered your internship, you will receive reminders in your IU email when it's time to complete your evaluations. (Please note: Our system doesn't allow for you to receive emails outside of your IU account).
How do I track my work hours?
You will track your work hours by going to your placement form and clicking the Track Hours option. You will need to enter your hours on a weekly or biweekly basis so we can ensure you are meeting your total work hour requirement for the program. Please keep in mind that you may be asked to track your work hours at your internship site as well.
What if I don’t like my internship or I’m unable to finish my requirements?
As long as you give a proper notice or have a valid reason (such as family emergencies or medical issues) for leaving your internship before your requirements are completed, we will work with you to make sure you get your final grade. From the final date of the semester, you will have up to one year to find another internship opportunity to complete your work hours. You will not have to redo the work hours you’ve already completed, you will receive credit for the time spent.
How does this show up on my transcript?
The academic course number is school-specific, but the course title will include the word Internship. The faculty sponsor you choose will be responsible for submitting your grades at the end of the semester.
What if my internship starts in the middle of a semester? Which semester will the credits be applied to?
The internship program was designed to allow students and employers to begin and end internships at any point in the calendar year. The duration of your internship must overlap the beginning or the end of the semester in which you are receiving credit. For example, if you start your internship in the middle of the fall semester and it ends in the middle of the spring semester, you would have the choice of either semester to receive academic credit. For more specific questions, ask us!
Do I have to pay for internship credit hours?
Internship classes cost the same per credit hour as other classes, which also means they can be applied towards your flat fee for tuition during the fall and spring semester. Just make sure you keep your total credit hours between 12 to 18 credit hours per semester. For summer internships, you will be charged per credit hour.
Do you have any internship scholarships to help pay for credit hours?
We offer the Lee Hamilton Internship Scholarship Award to students who are completing a summer internship for credit. To apply, set up your internship paperwork appointment with your career coach. Upon approval of your internship, you will be asked to submit your application materials via email. Application packets must be submitted prior to June to receive scholarship funds.
