What is an internship?
An internship is a hands-on learning experience that allows you to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world work environment. Internships can involve a variety of business activities depending on the company. This "learning by doing" experience enhances your academic training, making you more qualified for a future position in your chosen career.
Internships may offer:
- Academic credit
- Financial compensation
Why should I take an internship class?
- You can earn academic credit that counts toward your degree completion.
- At PSU, you can typically earn up to 12 internship credit hours toward your degree requirements. Check with your academic advisor to see how these credits can fit into your graduation plan.
Credit Guidelines Based on Internship Hours
You’ll earn credit based on the number of work hours completed during the 10-week term:
| Total Work Hours | Credits Earned |
|---|
| 30–59 hours | 1 credit |
| 60–89 hours | 2 credits |
| 90–119 hours | 3 credits |
| 120–149 hours | 4 credits |
Accounting internships may go up to 12 credits total with approval.
What Assignments Can I Expect in My Internship/Practicum Course?
Expect about 10 total hours of course-related work (about 1 hour per week) for your internship or practicum. The assignments will focus on career development and may include:
- Informational interviews
- Resume quantification (tracking achievements)
- Job search practice
- Documentation of technical skills and internship experiences on your resume
Assignments may vary by term, but they all center on career-focused development.
Undergraduate Students
Internship Registration Options & Requirements
- To earn academic credit for an internship or practicum course at PSU, you must follow the eligibility requirements and registration steps outlined below. Review the course options below to determine which one fits your needs.
- All internship classes require approval prior to registering for the class. If your registration request is approved, you will receive a confirmation email and will then be able to register for the course.
- The majority of the internship or stretch assignment you submit for approval must take place during the term you take the course, and the internship or assignment must have started by the end of week 3 of the term.
MGMT 404 – Internship
- Who can take it: Undergraduate Business majors
- Credits: 1–4
- Grading: Pass/No Pass
- Format: Online course
Requirements:
- Secure an internship position relevant to your major
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Be admitted to the School of Business
- Submit registration request and receive approval before registering for the course.
MGMT 409 – Practicum
- Who can take it: Undergraduate Business majors already employed
- Credits: 1–4
- Grading: Pass/No Pass
- Format: Online course
Requirements:
- Must be currently employed
- Complete a stretch assignment (a special project or additional responsibilities totaling at least 10 extra hours/week)
- Stretch assignment must be related to your major
- Submit registration request and receive approval before registering
ACTG 404 – Internship (Accounting Majors Only)
- Who can take it: Undergraduate Accounting majors
- Credits: 1-4 per term (up to 12 total credits for CPA licensure)
- Grading: Pass/No Pass
- Format: Online course
Requirements:
- Secure an internship in accounting
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Be admitted to The School of Business
- Submit a registration request for approval before registering
Registering for ACTG 404 & Earning Additional Credits:
If this is your first time enrolling in ACTG 404 and you are completing a full-time internship, you may earn up to 12 credits in one term by combining standard registration and additional credits “By Arrangement.”
Steps:
- After being approved for ACTG 404, register for 4 credits via the Registration Hub (this is all you’ll see on your schedule at first).
- Submit the By-Arrangement form online to request up to 8 additional credits.
- You will be responsible for paying for the additional credits.
Important Note:
Only the 4 credits will appear in your registration initially. The additional credits will be added later through the By-Arrangement process and reflected in your total by the end of the course.