Internships
Overview
Internships are closely monitored work experiences that integrate degree-related knowledge to practical real-world experience. Typically, one-time experiences either during a semester or over the summer that have structured learning outcomes. Students gain valuable applied experience and make connections in their field of interest.
- Is supervised by an industry professional
- Is typically completed within one semester of the academic calendar
- May be paid or unpaid
- May be completed for academic credit
- Has clearly defined learning objectives
- Gain valuable work experience and skills add to your resume
- Explore potential career of interest
- Establish valuable network of professional contacts, potentially developing mentoring relationships
- Gain a competitive edge for employment or graduate school admission
- You may be eligible to apply for one of the following scholarships:
Academic Credit Internship
It is possible to get academic credit for your internship from your academic department. Departments offer credit, however, policies differ greatly from one department to the next. Your internship must relate directly to your major and will require you to complete a research project, reflective paper, or presentation as part of the internship course. Typically, internships are one-term experiences and can be paid or unpaid, full or part-time.
Please note that some employers may require students receive academic credit for an unpaid internship in order to comply with Federal Guidelines.
- In general, the requirements for internships vary.
- At a minimum a student must be an enrolled student at the University of South Alabama, including summer internships.
- A faculty member must monitor and approve your internship. This may require approval from the dean of college or the department chair. The instructor may assign written work, meetings with faculty sponsors, seminars, or other activities.
- A minimum GPA 2.0 is required, depending on the department.
- Internship courses are taken for a letter grade and may be required by your college or department.
The process for registering your academic internship varies by department. Students are encouraged to first determine if your academic department or program offers an internship course for credit. You may contact the Coordinator for Internship Programs, Rory Beaco (rtbeaco@southalabama.edu) or the appropriate academic department for more information.
To pursue academic credit with a department or program at South Alabama, you should review the bulletin to explore your options and contact the relevant academic department(s). If your department doesn't have any options, you may be able to complete an internship as an elective or with another department that's related to your field of study.
Below are links to departments providing internship information on their websites.
Career Development Internship Program
Registering your internship with our office is an official way to note your experience on your transcript. Students can register if their employer requires recognition by the University or internship credit is not available through your academic department.
- Students must be in good academic standing with the University
- Institutional GPA of 2.0 or higher and this GPA must be maintained for the duration of participation in the program
- A paid work experience in your major field of study
- All students must register for the appropriate Cooperative Education (COE) course each work term. Course listings are found in the USA Bulletin under Co-op.
- A $25 course fee will be added to your student student account when you register for the course.
Students receive academic recognition through a transcript notation for participating in the Internship Program, though they do not earn academic credit hours. Employers and students appreciate this official recognition because it reflects a student’s desire to obtain practical work experience while pursuing the degree.
- Although no credit hours are assigned to Internship courses, a grade of Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U) is assigned at the end of each work term and will appear on the official University transcript.