What is an internship?

An internship is a career-related learning experience for students looking to develop hands-on work experience in a certain occupational field. It enhances a student’s understanding of their career field while offering a direct learning experience.

Students across all majors are strongly encouraged to gain career experience in their field of interest prior to graduation.

An internship for academic credit is a partnership between students, East Stroudsburg University, and companies or organizations. It is a way for students to connect the classroom learnings to the "world of work."

  • How long do internships last? - Most internships are temporary assignments that last approximately three to six months.
  • nursing studentsWhen do internships typically occur? - Some are full-time positions for a semester, while others are part-time and take place concurrently with a student's class schedule. Internship experiences may also occur over a summer or winter semester break.
  • Do I need to be a Junior or a Senior to have an internship? - The internship may or may not be for academic credit (this is strictly determined by each academic department – check with your academic advisor). For-credit opportunities are generally determined by the current number of credits you have obtained and differ by academic department. All paperwork and approvals must be completed prior to starting the internship. You can complete a non-credit internship at any time, as long as you meet the qualifications as established by the employer partner.
  • Do I need to complete an internship? - Some academic departments require internships while some are optional. Students across all majors are strongly encouraged to gain career experience in their field of interest prior to graduation.

Students across all majors are strongly encouraged to gain career experience in their field of interest prior to graduation.

An internship for academic credit is a partnership between students, East Stroudsburg University, and companies or organizations. It is a way for students to connect the classroom learnings to the "world of work."

  • How long do internships last? - Most internships are temporary assignments that last approximately three to six months.
  • nursing studentsWhen do internships typically occur? - Some are full-time positions for a semester, while others are part-time and take place concurrently with a student's class schedule. Internship experiences may also occur over a summer or winter semester break.
  • Do I need to be a Junior or a Senior to have an internship? - The internship may or may not be for academic credit (this is strictly determined by each academic department – check with your academic advisor). For-credit opportunities are generally determined by the current number of credits you have obtained and differ by academic department. All paperwork and approvals must be completed prior to starting the internship. You can complete a non-credit internship at any time, as long as you meet the qualifications as established by the employer partner.
  • Do I need to complete an internship? - Some academic departments require internships while some are optional. Students across all majors are strongly encouraged to gain career experience in their field of interest prior to graduation.

All departmental internship paperwork and approvals must be completed prior to starting the internship. The internship may or may not be for academic credit (this is strictly determined by each academic department – see your department below).

Art & Design

Internship will teach students how to be a successful designer in a graphic design, illustration, 3D modeling, rendering, 3D printing, product design settings an, invaluable part of their training.

Athletic Training

As an intern, you will gain invaluable knowledge as well as techniques in athletic training domains such as injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

Biological Sciences

Biology internships help to gain skills in research, organization, accountability, and problem solving. Biology students can explore several areas of the field, since there are so many paths in to consider and understand.

Internship Coordinator:

Business Management

Business Management students often go on to become competitive candidates in almost any professional field. With several fields to choose from, deciding on a career path can be challenging. Internships are the best way to figure this out, while gaining hands-on experience.

Chemistry & Biochemistry

Chemistry students have numerous internship opportunities at regional chemical and pharmaceutical companies such as Agrofresh, Lehigh Valley Health Network - Pocono, Sanofi Pasteur, BioSpectra, Minerals Technologies, Instrument Specialties, Kolmar Labs, Royal Chemicals, Vigon International, and McNeil Labs.

College of Education

Field experiences will involve your transition from a student to a beginning educator, as you will be applying what you have learned about effective practice while critically exploring the profession, as well as your identity as a teacher.

Communication

The Department of Communication's Internship Program is designed to provide students with real-life working experiences at companies and other organizations that offer such experiences related to the field of communication.

Communication Sciences & Disorders

All students will complete at least one full time semester of SPPA 586, Advanced Clinical Externship, at two different off-campus sites, typically in the last semester of enrollment. The department has affiliation agreements with more than 70 facilities in Pennsylvania.

Computer Science

The Computer Science Internship is a variable credit hour course that each Computer Science Major is required to complete. This program provides the student with an opportunity to experience the importance and relevance of ideas learned in course work.

Digital Media Technologies

Creativity, a robust understanding of digital media, and the ability to design content, are critical skills for this career field. Demonstrating your experience as a volunteer or an intern will add significant value to your ability to land a job in digital media.

English

Most students enroll in ENG 486 Internship in Written Expression when they do their internship. The department requires that the internship involve practical experience in writing, editing, researching, and/or publishing.

Exercise Science

All BS EXSC students must complete a professional internship as part of their program of study. We have approved sites across the nation in the areas of sport performance, collegiate athletics, physical therapy, occupational therapy, clinical exercise physiology, research, medical device, and wellness.

Health Studies

Internships are a requirement within the undergraduate programs in Community Health and Health Services Administration and the Master of Public Health Program.

History/Geography

History majors can benefit from an internship that engages the knowledge and skills acquired in classes that are typically are desired by employers.

Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management

The faculty-supervised HRTM internship provides an opportunity for each student to apply their coursework in a professional industry setting. Internships are available with local, regional and national hospitality organizations.

Mathematics

There are varieties of areas where mathematics students may intern. Most common internships include data science, risk modeling, research, finance & accounting, and education.

Modern Languages/Philosophy

Philosophy, language, & religion interns can be found in a variety of different industries including education, research and law.

Nursing

Clinicals help students navigate the theory-practice gap and apply their knowledge to their practice, providing a roadmap to patient care decisions and professional development.

Physical Education

PETE program requires field experiences for teacher candidates during each year of the program, gradually transitioning teacher candidates from interviews and observations to full planning and implementation of lessons.

Physics

Most physics interns work to advance their knowledge of the field by conducting lab and/or computational research, collecting/analyzing data, and reporting on their findings. Internships are available at universities & research institutes.

Political Science & Economics

Interns may work in a variety of national, state, and local executive and legislative offices, governmental agencies, political campaigns, party and interest group organizations, and law-related organizations.

Psychology

Interning is a great opportunity for students to get out in the field and put coursework into practice. The internship shows the essentials of mental health care, research, and human services. It is also a great breaking ground for networking with professionals.

Public Health

Internships are a requirement within the undergraduate programs in Community Health and Health Services Administration and the Master of Public Health Program.

Sociology, Social Work & Criminal Justice

All three degrees, Sociology, Social Work, and Criminal Justice offer the student the opportunity to go into their field of study and work alongside professionals, learning about the culture and expectations of the discipline.

Sport Management

The capstone course for all Sport Management students is the professional experience internship. Become immersed in the world of sports by interning for some of the most storied organizations in the country. Our internship network extends to over 250+ organizations and is growing each year!

Theatre

Theatre internships can be pursued in the areas of general production, stage management, theatre management, development, literary management, costume design, scenic design, lighting design, sound design, props, electrics, scenic art, artistic direction, company management, casting, marketing, producing, and general management.

Contact Us

For further information or assistance, please contact the Career Development Center at (570) 422-3219 or email careerdevelopment@esu.edu.

Contact Information

Campus Address
University Center, 2nd Floor
Phone:
(570) 422-3219
Fax:
(570) 422-3609 (Fax)
Title of Department Leader
Director Career Development
Name
Breanna Betarie
Phone:
(570) 422-3045