Many CSP academic programs require an internship for graduation. Use the information found on this page to help guide you as you prepare to complete an internship for academic credit
To learn the requirements for an internship for academic credit, please review the Academic Internship Guide.
Before you register for the internship course in your major or program, complete the Internship Pre-Registration Worksheet. When complete, this worksheet includes all the information you will need to register using the Internship Registration Form.
Internship Basics
What is an internship?
An internship is structured work experience that combines academic learning and career exploration directly related to your major field of study. You should be provided the opportunity to explore and apply academic theory in a professional work environment.
Internships bridge the academic world and the professional world, allowing you to apply concepts learned in the classroom to the world of work. Internships also provide a networking base, give you the opportunity to improve and learn new skills, and allow you to explore a variety of career options.
What is required to obtain credit for an internship?
Internship requirements vary by department, so be sure to understand those specific requirements. If your major requires an internship, or offers you to take an internship as an elective, that is considered an internship for academic credit. This means you will complete university assignments, have your site supervisor complete an evaluation, be given a grade, and the internship will appear on your transcript. Students obtaining an internship for academic credit pay regular tuition for the appropriate number of credits.
How many internships should I complete?
Completing multiple internships will give you several advantages. Not only will you improve your employability following graduation, but you will also expand your network and increase your professional skills. At minimum, you should plan to complete one internship during your college career. Ideally, you will complete one internship during your junior year and another during your senior year. Internship requirements vary by department, so be sure to understand those specific requirements.
Will an internship improve my chances for employment after graduation?
Yes. In addition to valuable work experience, professional contacts and personal growth, some students are offered permanent jobs with their internship employers after graduation.
Will I get paid, and what are the fees?
Internships may be offered as either paid or unpaid. Plan ahead so that you may be able to consider an unpaid experience. You will pay the tuition associated with the internship course credit.
Obtaining Academic Credit & Credit Structure
Will an internship affect my scholarship/financial aid?
You will need to maintain full-time student status for Federal and State financial aid.
What is required to obtain credit for an internship?
Internship requirements vary by department, so be sure to understand those specific requirements. If your major requires an internship, or offers you to complete an internship as an elective, that is considered an internship for academic credit. This means you will complete university assignments, have your site supervisor complete an evaluation, be given a grade, and the internship will appear on your transcript. Students obtaining an internship for academic credit pay regular tuition for the appropriate number of credits.
For each one (1) internship credit, majors require 35 hours of work. For example, if you plan to earn 8 internship credits, then you would need to work a total of 280 hours within that term/semester (this averages out to approximately 19 hours of work per week for 15 weeks).
Check with your academic advisor to register for the correct internship course and determine the number of credits.
What if my internship is at a healthcare facility?
Internships for academic credit at healthcare facilities require significant additional paperwork which is coordinated through Jacquelyn Magnuson (magnuson@csp.edu) in the College of Health and Science. Students interested in a healthcare facility as their internship site should be planning 3-6 months in advance to allow for the coordination involved in getting approvals. If this pertains to you, please coordinate with Jacquelyn and your Faculty.
What about grades?
Grades for the internship course are PASS or NO PASS and are based on evaluations and assignments determined by your university supervisor.
How many internship hours are required per credit?
Below is a breakdown of academic credits and internship hours needed. Work with your academic advisor to determine how many credits are needed for your program.
| Academic Credit(s) | Hours per Term/Semester |
| 1 | 1 credit x 35 hours= 35 hours/term or semester |
| 2 | 2 credits x 35 hours= 70 hours/term or semester |
| 3 | 3 credits x 35 hours= 105 hours/term or semester |
| 4 | 4 credits x 35 hours= 140 hours/term or semester |
| 5 | 5 credits x 35 hours= 175 hours/term or semester |
| 6 | 6 credits x 35 hours= 210 hours/term or semester |
| 7 | 7 credits x 35 hours= 245 hours/term or semester |
| 8 | 8 credits x 35 hours= 280 hours/term or semester |
What coursework is expected as part of an internship?
All internship coursework will be available in your Blackboard course. Assignments consist of journals, reflections, pre and post-internship student evaluations, and mid and post-employer evaluations.
Responsibilities of Parties Involved
Student/Intern:
- Researches and secures an appropriate internship within the academic field.
- Registers for internship credits before starting the internship.
- Pays internship tuition and fees according to posted deadline.
- Completes all required activities designated in the Blackboard course by posted deadlines.
- Communicates in a timely way with site supervisor and university supervisor.
University Supervisor:(the Concordia faculty member assigned as the internship course instructor)
- Serves as the instructor for the Blackboard course.
- Serves as a resource person who assists with problem solving and acts as a sounding board for new ideas and insights.
- Establishes due dates for the site supervisor to submit evaluation forms. Processes evaluation forms.
- Evaluates intern learning based on evaluations and Blackboard course assignments.
- Assigns and submits a final grade to the Registrar’s Office.
Site Supervisor:(the direct supervisor for the intern at the work place)
- Tells you how many hours you will work, the activities you will complete, and what you can expect to learn.
- Helps you learn new skills during the internship.
- Communicates with your university supervisor if there are internship questions.
- Completes the evaluations you provide at the halfway point of your hours (midterm evaluation) and at the end of your internship (final evaluation).
Academic Advisor:
- Guides you in selecting the correct semester, internship course, and number of credits.
Career Services
- Can work with you during the internship search (i.e., resume reviews, mock interviews, search strategies).
- Assists employers to post internship opportunities.
- Informs students and faculty of internship opportunities, job fairs and events, etc.
Internship Search Resources
Start your search in advance as many organizations post their internship positions 6-9 months in advance. After you have identified the type of internship position you would like obtain, update your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. If you aren’t sure what type of internship you are interested in, reach out to Career Services and schedule a career advising appointment.
When you are ready to start searching, we recommend the following resources:
- Handshake, CSP’s online job and internship board
- Professional association job boards
- Company websites
- Job and internship aggregator sites, like Indeed.com
Can I find an internship at a job and internship fair?
Yes! CSP Career Services participates in various job and internship fairs throughout the year. Please visit Career Services “Upcoming Events” webpage for more information.
How can CSP Career Services help?
You can work with Career Services to create a resume and cover letter, find resources for opportunities, establish your LinkedIn profile, and practice interviewing. To schedule an appointment (in person or phone) with Career Services, please call 651-603-6245 or email careerservices@csp.edu.
Internship Registration Process
What do I do once I accept an internship?
Once you accept an internship, you need to register online for the internship course.
What are the steps to register for internship credit?
To register for your internship credit, there is a handful of information you will need to know about your internship site, including contact information and learning objectives. We recommend you complete the Internship Pre-Registration Worksheet to gather all information needed prior to registering online.
When you are ready to register, follow these steps:
- Complete the online registration form https://registrar.csp.edu/internship-registration-form/
- This form will be sent automatically to your program chair or university supervisor for approval.
- You will receive an email from the registrar to notify you when you are officially registered for the internship course. If you do not receive an email, please communicate with your university supervisor immediately.
- After registration, look for your XXX498 Internship course in Blackboard two weeks prior to the start of the term for requirements and assignments to complete in order to pass your internship credits.
Deadline to register: The last day to register for an internship course within a given term is the same as the DROP deadline for that internship course.
Before you register, you must know how many hours you will complete throughout the semester, and the average number of hours you will work per week.
How do I justify my internship learning objectives?
CSP has established three learning objectives that an internship for academic credit must meet. They are:
- Apply academic knowledge to a field experience
- Develop and strengthen skills for professional growth in the field
- Explore professional opportunities within the field