FAQs for Potential Interns
What are the requirements for a 4-credit internship?
Undergraduate Students: You must be a public relations major with at least a 2.0 COM GPA, 2.0 overall GPA, junior status, and completed CM331 (Writing for Mass Communication) and CM215 (Principles and Practices of Public Relations).
Graduate Students: You must be enrolled in COM’s Masters of Science in Public Relations with at least a 3.0 GPA.
How many hours a week will I be required to work?
Summer interns are required to work at least half time for 12 weeks or full-time for eight week. (You may opt to work more.)
Fall and spring semester interns are required to work at least 15 hours per week for 12 weeks.
If I am enrolled in CM 471 A1 for four credits, do we actually meet in a classroom?
Students DO NOT meet in the classroom for this course.
What are eligible organizations?
Students may choose to intern at a company, public relations firm, non-profit organization or governmental organization.
Do I get paid as an intern?
Sponsors are encouraged but not required to compensate interns for their services.
Is there any homework for the class?
Besides fulfilling your intern duties, each enrolled student will be required to fill out an internship report (please see link).
What paperwork is needed to enroll in CM 471 A1?
A signed add/drop form is required for course registration. Each student must also complete an internship contract with his/her supervisor. The contract must be signed by the student and the supervisor and approved by me before you can enroll in the course and begin work.
If I intern during the summer, how do I receive course credit?
Summer internship students are officially enrolled in the fall semester.
What determines my final grade for the class?
The internship report will be factored into the final grade. However, supervisors are also required to complete a detailed, formal evaluation at the end of the semester. The supervisor evaluation represents a major portion of the student grade. Final grades are awarded on a pass/fail basis.