Internships & Experiential Education

Internships & Experiential Education

NJCU Internship Program

The Internship Program enables students to combine classroom learning with practical experience and provides an opportunity to utilize skills and knowledge acquired in the classroom in a professional environment. As part of the Internship Program students earn academic credits through internships and part-time or full-time work experience.

Benefits of Completing Internships

  • Gain on-the-job experience in your career field.
  • Build connections with professionals who may support your future job applications.
  • Experience working in a professional environment.
  • Learn new career skills and knowledge.
  • Test out potential career paths.
  • Receive academic credit toward graduation.

Credits for Experience
As an undergraduate, you may earn up to 12 credits (up to 6 a semester) through either part-time or full-time work experience. The number of credits you receive is based on the number of hours you work per week:

8-14 hours a week (semester total of 120-224) = 2 credits

15-24 hours a week (semester total of 225-374) = 4 credits

25+ hours a week (semester total of 375-600) = 6 credits

Application of Credits: You must check with your department chairperson for how credits can be applied within your particular degree program.

Eligibility
The Internship Program is for undergraduate students in their sophomore, junior, and senior years of study. To apply, students must have a minimum of 2.0 cumulative average, declared major, and approval from the department chairperson.

If you do not qualify, we still encourage you to participate in a non-credited internship. Whether or not you receive the credits, an internship can provide you with the real-world experience that employers are seeking. These opportunities can also help you to grow your professional network while potentially getting compensated as well!

How to Apply

1. Obtain internship Offer Letter from the employer that includes:

  • title of the position
  • name of supervisor
  • email of supervisor
  • start and end dates
  • hours per week
  • location
  • compensation
  • brief description of the role and responsibilities.

2. Complete Cooperative Education Program Application Form (interning for credits)

  • Complete top portion
  • Bring or send application form and the offer letter from employer to your department chairperson for approval, assignment of faculty coordinator, and signature. c. Email the signed application form and the offer letter to your Career Advisor.
  • If the internship is approved, you will be sent a confirmation letter from the Center for Career and Professional Development which will inform you of next steps (registering for credits, internship course info, learning agreement, etc.)

3. Speak with your Academic Advisor to discuss how the credits from the Internship Program would be applied to your degree program and if it can replace any courses you are currently registered for.

FAQ’s - NJCU Internship Program

This is up to the discretion of your academic department. For many students the internship course credits may be applied towards general education credits or major elective credits. Please contact your department chairperson to determine how the credits will be applied to your specific degree program/degree plan.

No. You must be enrolled in the Internship Program during the same semester you are completing the internship. The course requires assignment of a faculty advisor and communication throughout the semester with the internship supervisor. Please make sure to complete the Internship Program documents/get registered for the course by the semester deadline you wish to receive credits for.

Yes, if the job duties are relevant to your major and the job is approved by your department chairperson as an internship experience.

If the overload credits are due to the internship course, you will not need to pay for the overload credits.

Students are typically expected to pay for these credits outside of financial aid, but you can speak with your Financial Aid advisor to discuss your options.

Students typically register for one Summer session (Summer II) for their summer internship.

We do not offer the Internship Program during the Winter Intersession because it is only four weeks long and would not make it possible for the student to complete the required credit hours. However, if given the opportunity to complete a short, non-credit bearing internship experience, it is recommended that you take advantage of the opportunity.

Yes, but you must take on additional job duties in your role. Please note that international students have specific requirements regarding this as well. International students should contact Dr. Craig Katz, Director, Office of International Programs (ckatz@njcu.edu), about any potential internship opportunities to make sure all requirements and rules are met.

It depends on the job and hours per week. The job duties must be related to your major to give you field experience in your area of study. This can be discussed with your Career Advisor and Department Chairperson on a case-by-case basis. However, we encourage students to seek opportunities outside of NJCU to expand your professional network and get you out of your comfort zone.

No. “PSYC 480 Field Experience (Mental Health)” is offered through the Psychology Department, not the Center for Career and Professional Development (however, Psychology majors are welcome to participate in the Co-op Program). For more information about the PSYC 480 course, please see the Academic Catalog for the Psychology, B.A. If you are interested in enrolling in the PSYC 480 course, please contact Dr. Linda Khatib who coordinates field experience for Psychology Majors:

Linda Khatib
NJCU Psychology Department
Science Building 431 
lkhatib@njcu.edu
201-200-3062