Credit Policies

In order to qualify for credit, an internship must meet the College’s criteria for an internship experience.

Students can participate in internships for credit and/or compensation. Academic credit is awarded for the faculty-assigned readings, projects, papers, etc., while compensation is provided by the employer for the work student performs in the internship role.

Internship Credit Options for Students

Students can receive credit for department and University internships, as well as Education Abroad Internship Programs.

Departmental Independent Internships – DEPT 394

There are no specific admission requirements for this type of internship, and any student may try to arrange one. These internships usually carry four credits and are taken along with three other four-credit courses as part of a normal semester’s schedule. It is not usually advisable to overload while doing an internship.

  • It must involve at least 10 to 16 hours per week in a professional setting.
  • The work performed may not be clerical. The purpose of an internship is to acquire experience at the professional level.
  • A full-time member of the teaching faculty must supervise the academic component that complements the direct work experience. The faculty sponsor and the student determine the exact nature of the academic work. See Course Requirements for information on expected content and grading.
  • In order to register for the internship course (394), students must submit a completed Internship Credit registration form.

Course Requirements and Grading for Departmental Internships

The faculty sponsor defines the course requirements and grading procedures of the internship course. Internship courses normally involve outside reading and a research paper or critical journal as the basis for evaluation. The reading for the internship is tailored to the particular needs of the internship, and the faculty sponsor of the internship determines the amount and specific content of the reading.

Normally, these internships are graded with letter grades, but the pass/fail grading system is possible with the approval of the department chair. The evaluation is based upon the student’s performance on the reading and written work, and may also include consultation with the supervisory personnel in the internship.

College Independent Internships – CASC 394 & CASC 394i

Special Internship – CASC 394i – Available year-round
This course carries a half credit and is graded pass/fail upon completion of the internship and an evaluation. This course satisfies the requirements for international students applying for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allowance (additional steps through the International Services Office required), as well as for students being asked to register for credit by their employer, including the University of Rochester Medical Center. Internships can be paid or unpaid, and there is no tuition charged for the half credit, regardless of academic term.

College Internship – CASC 394 – Available during academic year only
Similar to departmental independent internships, there are no specific admission requirements for this type of internship, and any student may try to arrange one. These internships carry four credits and are taken along with three other four-credit courses as part of a normal semester’s schedule. Registering for internship credit is suggested when a student’s internship is outside of their major academic department, or if a suitable faculty sponsor cannot be found.

This type of internship must:

  • Involve at least 10 to 16 hours per week in a professional setting.
  • Have the work performed not be clerical. The purpose of an internship is to acquire experience at the professional level.
  • Have a full-time member of the Greene Center supervise the academic component that complements the direct work experience. The sponsor and the student determine the exact nature of the academic work. See course requirements for information on expected content and grading.
  • Have a completed internship credit registration form, submitted by the student.

Course Requirements and Grading for College Internships

The Greene Center sponsor defines the course requirements, which may include additional reading, analytical journals, and student and site supervisor evaluations. The reading for the internship is tailored to the particular needs of the internship, and the sponsor of the internship determines the amount and specific content of the reading. CASC 394 is graded pass/fail. The evaluation is based upon the student’s completion of all on-site hours, readings, reflective journals, and a student evaluation at the end of the semester.

See the full College Guidelines for Internships for Credit for more information.