Internships and Professional Experiences

Matriculated students in good academic standing are eligible for internship placement if they meet departmental requirements for such placement. No more than 12 academic credits may be applied toward graduation. An internship is a form of experiential learning that permits a Worcester State matriculated student to convert theory into action. An internship may be undertaken with or without the expectation of academic credit. If credit is to be granted, however, the internship must be monitored and evaluated by the appropriate Worcester State department and a grade awarded at its completion. The internship can be constructed according to any of a number of models including professional apprenticeships, work experience, field research, career exploration, socio-political action and service learning. Because students must be actively involved in the development of an internship placement—by developing a resume, preparing necessary correspondence, or being interviewed—they should contact the faculty sponsor in the semester prior to the proposed internship. The internship contract sets forth the responsibilities of each party so that each understands his or her specific role in the educational field experience. Each program is designed to accommodate and articulate the personal goals of the student, the academic goals of the department, and the needs of the participating off-campus organization. Information about available internships is regularly relayed to, and publicized in, appropriate academic departments. The following conditions apply to all internships:

  • No more than 12 units of internship credit may count toward a degree.
  • Students undertaking internships must be in good academic standing.
  • Only juniors and seniors may undertake internships.
  • A copy of the student’s internship contract with the sponsoring department must be filed with the Registrar’s Office.
  • Students are responsible for providing their own transportation for off-campus learning experiences.