Looking to get academic credit for an internship? This independent study style course is supervised by Greene Center instructors, and is perfect for interdisciplinary or internships that don’t fit into a particular academic department.
There are no specific admission requirements for this type of internship, and any student can try to arrange one. These internships are available in the fall and spring semesters only and usually carry four credits. The internship must be completed in the same academic semester as when the academic credit is being received. Internships can be taken along with three other four-credit courses as part of a normal semester’s schedule.
The Greene Center encourages you to identify an internship faculty sponsor in your academic department prior to applying to CASC 394, as the connections you make to your studies will be richer through that sponsorship.
The Greene Center oversees CASC 394. Independent Internships are subject to independent study policies regulated through the College Center for Advising Services (CCAS). Note that if your internship is outside of your primary academic division, and you cannot find a faculty sponsor in an associated department, these will be considered elective credits that will count toward your graduation credits, but not toward your major or degree requirements.
Internship Requirements:
- At least 10 to 16 hours per week in a professional setting (for a 4-credit internship). Please note that Internships during the academic semester may NOT exceed 20 hours per week.
4 credit internship – 10 hours per week (min) and 7 journal entries
3 credit internship – 8 hours per week (min) and 5 journal entries
1-2 credit internship – 3-5 hours per week (min) and 3 journal entries
- Your internship must encompass non-clerical work, as the purpose of an internship is to acquire experience at the professional level. For international students, your internship MUST be related to your major.
- The academic component must be supervised by a Greene Center Advisor
How do I receive credit for my internship?
Step 1: Receive your offer letter
Below is a sample letter your employer can use as a template. For international students requiring CPT, ISO requires that you include specific information in your offer letter. For international students requiring CPT, ISO requires that you include specific information in your offer letter. This information includes:
- Official Employer Name (to be listed in SEVIS)
- Employer’s Address (street address, including US zip code)
- Address of employment, if different from Employer’s Address
- Start Date/End Date, and the expected number of hours per week
- Job title and description of duties
If your employer has already sent you an offer letter, you can compare the sample below to your letter to ensure you have everything needed. Otherwise, please feel free to send them the sample to fill in.
Step 2: Pre-Registration Process
- Complete the Pre-Registration Form
- Schedule an appointment with Kellie Hernandez through Handshake. If you can’t find a time that fits your schedule, please email her at: Kellie.Hernandez@Rochester.edu
- During your meeting, you will complete the Independent Internship Registration Form and complete any other necessary paperwork (i.e. CPT Request Form for International Students)
Course Requirements
Due to the higher number of course credits, you will be assigned reflective analysis journal entries and an end-of-semester paper. Assignments will be discussed with the instructor during your meeting and included in Blackboard.
