Internships

Is an internship required?

The major in Social Science does NOT require an internship, but you should consider trying to work one into your schedule. An internship can be a rewarding experience that enhances your education. Students who are interested in an internship must meet with the program advisor and/or coordinator. An internship in Social Science must relate to the major and/or the student's career goals. All internships must be approved by the program coordinator. Please contact the Social Science Advisor (soscadvisor@csuchico.edu) for more information.

What are the requirements for an internship?

Student Responsibilities: 

• Student interns work a minimum of 135 hours in their internship for 3 academic units/credits (90 hours for 2 units; 45 hours for 1 unit) over the course of the semester or the summer.
• The intern and his/her Site Supervisor are to keep track of the intern's work hours.
• The intern will keep a weekly journal. The journal should contain details of intern duties, problems, ideas for improvements, and any other details that may help the intern in writing their final paper. The journal will be emailed to the Faculty Supervisor by Monday of finals week.
• The intern will turn in a four-page paper. The paper should be a reflection on the internship experience and how it relates to course concepts and career goals. The paper will be emailed to the Faculty Supervisor by Monday of finals week.
• Student interns are expected to report for the internship when scheduled, be on time, and follow any of the official guidelines about breaks, signing in and out, etc.  
• Student interns should discuss any requests for days off (e.g., Thanksgiving break, spring break, final exam week, etc.) with their internship supervisor as soon as their internship is established.  Supervisors are encouraged to be flexible in granting any time off (as long as the intern will complete his/her required number of hours), but it is understood that it may not be possible to grant the time off.
• Student interns are to dress professionally, behave in a professional manner at all times, treat co-workers, supervisors and the public/clients with respect, and follow the instructions and guidance of their supervisor.
• Student interns are to communicate immediately with the Social Science Program Coordinator, Dr. Diana Dwyre (ddwyre@csuchico.edu) if they have any concerns or questions about their internship.

Site Supervisor Responsibilities: 

• Intern supervisors are expected to give interns work that gives the intern a professional experience, one that introduces the intern to the responsibilities and expectations of the professional employees.  The intern should not do only clerical work, for this is meant to be a professional experience.  The intern may not be asked to do personal errands or chores for their supervisor or other office employees.
• Intern supervisors agree to contact the Faculty Supervisor on Monday of finals week to report on the intern's responsibilities and performance over the semester.
• Supervisors are encouraged to discuss any problems or questions about the intern or the internship with the Social Science Program Coordinator, Dr. Diana Dwyre (ddwyre@csuchico.edu) as soon as they arise.

Examples of Social Science internships:

Internship Searches

• Chico State's Office of Experiential Education(opens in new window) (Search the campus internship database)