Communication Studies Internship Information

Communication Studies Program Internship (COMM 499) Policy

Purpose of a Communication Studies internship:

The purpose of COMM 499, Internship in Communication Studies, is to provide students with meaningful, professional experiences in a field where they are considering long term employment and/or graduate study. Internship activities should be clearly related to a student’s area of study (Communication Studies; Broadcasting and Digital Media; and/or Public Relations).

Procedures and Guidelines:

• Recommended Timing:  Whereas the purpose of the internship is to give students the opportunity to apply skills that they have learned in the classroom and also bring internship experience to bear in their final years of study, it is normally recommended that students complete internships after their sophomore year and before their final year of study.  No student shall be allowed to do an internship during their freshman year.
• Limitations:  Students may enroll in anywhere from 1 to 7 credits of internship.  They may do internships with multiple employers.
• Registration:  It is generally expected that students will register for their COMM 499 credits in the term immediately before, during, or after the time when the internship work will actually be completed.
• Contact Hours/Credit: A student may earn one credit for every 40 hours of work.
• Coordination and Supervision:  The internship program shall be administered by the current program coordinator.  All students should consult with the Program Coordinator about deadlines, documentation and any questions regarding the internship program.
• Student responsibilities: Each student is responsible for finding an appropriate internship, seeking approval from her or his faculty advisor, and submitting all required documents in a timely manner.
• Employer responsibilities:
  • Employers must comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and other federal legislation prohibiting discrimination in education programs on the basis or age, sex, race, creed, or disability.
  • Employers must complete the required Communication Studies program internship documents and submit them to the program coordinator on a timely basis.

Students must see the Program Coordinator to obtain internship forms and information regarding registration to begin the internship process.

For information about internships or to schedule an appointment to discuss internship paperwork, please email the program coordinator, Professor Mark Fokken.