Science Program Internship

Currently Available Internships

Internship Forms

What is an internship?

An internship is a self-initiated, supervised work experience with appropriate private organizations, businesses, or government agencies and interaction with professionals in related fields. The purpose of an internship is to enhance a student's professional preparation through direct involvement in their field; to provide a learning environment where students apply knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom setting; to realistically prepare the student to enter professional positions.

BIOL 495: Internship in Biology. Variable credit (2-4 hrs). May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 hrs. Prerequisite: major in Biological Sciences. By interview only. Experience in work related to specific career interests.

ES/RP 495: Undergraduate Internship. Variable credit (1-6 hrs). May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 hrs. By interview only. Practical experience in appropriate agencies; for career students in environmental science.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What criteria is used to determine if a field experience is internship worthy?

  • A: The general institutional guidelines for all internships include the following:

    • should be related to the student's career/educational goals
    • should expand the student's technical or professional skills
    • should broaden the student's professional network
    • should require the student to draw upon classroom learning
    • should have a structure that includes supervision and performance evaluation

Q: What about pay?

  • A: Organizations are encouraged to compensate interns through an hourly wage or stipend. However, pay is not an institutional requirement for the internship experience.

Q: How long does an intern work?

  • A: The number of hours an intern is required to complete is dictated by the number of credits the intern registers for and the academic department sponsoring the internship. Science Program Internships require 50 hours worked for each credit earned.

Q: How will I be graded?

  • A: Internship courses are graded on a S/F basis. To achieve a Satisfactory grade the student will:
    • Complete the required number of on-site work hours (50 clock hours for each semester hour earned).
    • Fulfill requirements of the agency and work to achieve individual goals and objectives, as outlined in the Learning Agreement Form.
    • Complete all required written assignments and required paperwork

 

For more information contact:

Dawn Banker, Ph.D., Internship Coordinator
14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue
Vancouver, WA 98686
360-546-9478; FAX 360-546-9064
bankerd@vancouver.wsu.edu