The Sociology Internship program (SOC 444/644) helps students earn academic credit through a structured-work experience in the community.
Internships can help students . . .
Internship settings include business, government organizations, nonprofit agencies, educational institutions, treatment facilities and research groups. Factors to consider when choosing an internship, include learning goals and availability of field supervision.
Credit earned is based on the nature of the internship, time invested and learning opportunities. A 15-credit internship requires 562.5 work hours -- usually 40 hours a week over 14 weeks. For each academic credit earned, there must be 37.5 hours of work.
Before applying for a sociology internship, a student must have:
At least one semester before the internship, a student must:
The following courses are highly recommended, but not required. They can be taken concurrently.
To apply:
For best results, apply at least two semesters before you intern.
Discuss possible placements with your major/minor advisor and other faculty members. The department has developed a file of placements, but you know best what you want to do and where.
Become familiar with the areas in which you want to work or pursue graduate study. It is preferable to have classes, interests and experience in those areas.
Factor in scheduling conflicts and transportation issues when exploring placements. A motor vehicle is often necessary.
When interviewing internship prospects, consider special skills you have, such as research or a second language.
Many businesses and community organizations seek interns with strong writing, research, statistics, problem-solving and word-processing skills. Some want interns with basic accounting, marketing and community-organizing skills.
The learning contract is an agreement among the student, faculty members, internship advisor and field supervisor. It outlines tasks and responsibilities, evaluation criteria, credits, learning objectives and methods, and the sociological aspects of the project.
You will complete the learning goals portion of the contract twice:
The internship grade will be based on: