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How to Get Internship Credit

Students in good academic standing may earn credit for an internship that counts towards their major at the School of Communication.

For many students, an internship proves to be a highlight of their undergraduate studies. Not only is it an opportunity for you to apply what you've learned in the classroom to the real world, an internship may also open the door to a full-time job after graduation.

Students are responsible for finding their own internships through AU Career Center. To receive academic credit, your internship must be related to a communication field and appropriate to your academic program. The work must be more substantive than administrative, with non-administrative work comprising at least 85-percent of the work performed.

For undergraduate students, new Guidelines for Academic Credit will be updated shortly on our website and will follow the Academic Regulation for Internship (11.4). For graduate students, we have the Graduate Internship.

Deadlines for Internship Credit
Spring 2025: Monday, January 27

Learn More

  1. Complete the Internship Registration form. This form will be routed to your faculty advisor, internship supervisor and academic advisor.

  2. Submit the completed form by the appropriate deadline listed above.

It is recommended that you go and speak with your academic advisor about adding an internship course to your schedule first.

Our internships for credit are designed with the following outcomes in mind. These outcomes can be used when completing the Internship Registration form. Please note that each course and instructor may have more detailed learning outcomes, which will be listed in the syllabus for that particular course.

Once you complete an internship for credit, you should be able to:

  • Compare and contrast professional practices and what you have learned in the classroom.
  • Clearly communicate, both orally and in writing, your work and academic experience with confidence.
  • Reflect and choose superior ways to handle challenging situations in the workplace.
  • More clearly articulate your goals for a future career and understand the importance of utilizing your communication interests and skills to network and build relationships with professionals in your field.
  • Understand ways in which your internship experience will augment your classroom learning and how that experience can guide your career interests in the future.

If you earn credit for an internship, you are considered to be registered for an academic course. Like any credit-bearing course, there is a cost. During the fall and spring semesters, if a student's total credit hours are between 12 and 17, the internship will fall under the block tuition charge. However, if the internship causes your total credit hour count to go above 17, there will be a charge for every credit hour over 17.

During the summer, students pay courses by credit hour. Therefore, your total cost would depend on the number of credit hours in your internship.

More information about tuition and fees.

Deadlines for Internship Credit

Spring 2025: Monday, January 27

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Internship Credit Options

Undergraduate

This course is currently not on the Schedule of Classes because it is being updated to align with the Academic Regulation for Internship (11.4). You can still begin the application process by using the "How To Register" tab above. Please consult with your Academic Advisor.

This class is hybrid and meets in-person three times during the semester on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, February 5, 8:20-10:20 PM
  • Wednesday, March 5, 8:20-10:20 PM
  • Wednesday, April 9, 8:20-10:20 PM

Graduate

Permission of division director required.
Professional communication work in an off-campus organization appropriate to the student's academic program.

Requirements

  • Students will work 70 hours over the 14-week semester (5 hours per week) per credit, for a maximum of 3 credits (210 total hours).
  • Grades will be based upon the required coursework indicated in the syllabus and evaluations collected from your internship site supervisor. It is your responsibility to secure a syllabus for the class.