The Communication Studies Department at Stanislaus State works with approved partners around the region, state and country to place students in academic internships. These internships provide students with vital opportunities to increase knowledge and understanding of their academic disciplines in professional environments.
An internship is a significant step in your educational journey, and should be regarded as both a challenging learning opportunity and a valuable professional-level experience.
When considering if you should seek an internship, consider these frequently asked questions:
No. Internship completion currently is not required for graduation. Any credit earned through an internship and by registering for COMM 4940 goes toward the 120 units toward graduation.
No. Internship completion is entirely voluntary and up to the student’s resolve. Any units earned through COMM 4940 go toward the 120 units required for graduation.
Yes. Completion of 9 upper-division units in Communication Studies, junior standing and/or consent of the Internship Coordinator.
Students interested in academic internships are responsible for searching and applying for available opportunities, as well as enrolling for the proper units and delivering the forms and assignments necessary to receive credit for the course.
For support and guidance in your search, consider reaching out to the Department of Communication Studies Internship Coordinator.
The Department of Communication Studies Internship Coordinator offers resources to support this process, including a list of new and recent internship postings. New and recent internship opportunities may be found through the Office of Service Learning website as well.
The CSU Stanislaus Career Center is another valuable resource for guidance on internships, with a range of both paid and non-paid opportunities offered through HIREStanState.
Academic internships for credit must be approved and offered through the Department of Communication Studies and CSU, Stanislaus. We work with community partners throughout the Central Valley and beyond. Once your internship is approved by the Internship Coordinator and the university, you will fill out an electronic Student Learning Agreement to set the location, terms, and learning outcomes for your internship.
Students can submit a new internship site for approval by the Office of Service Learning at CSU, Stanislaus by filling out this form and sending it to Dr. Veronica R. Dawson at vradevadawson@csustan.edu.
No. You may register for 1-4 units of COMM 4940, depending on how many hours you plan to work at the internship site.
One unit equals a minimum of 48 internship work hours per semester. Depending on how many COMM units you enroll for, the hour requirements break down as follows:
- 1 unit: 48 hours/ semester (roughly 3-4 hours per week)
- 2 units: 96 hours/ semester (roughly 6-7 hours per week)
- 3 units: 144 hours/ semester (roughly 9-10 hours per week)
- 4 units: 196 hours/ semester (roughly 12 hours per week)
No. For the sake of balance, and optimal learning, students are expected to apply the learning curriculum to their professional environment consistently throughout the semester. Two reflection papers (a midterm and final) and a supervisor evaluation will assess your learning throughout the semester.
Yes. If an approved academic internship partner site offers it, you may receive financial compensation in addition to academic credit toward your degree.
Enrollment in COMM 4940 happens by special permission from the Communication Studies Internship Coordinator. Students must have obtained an approved internship prior to registering.
Students should approach the process of securing an internship like they would a job opportunity. After selecting a few desirable opportunities, students should reach out to the organizational contacts listed and secure an interview. Students should be prepared to provide a cover letter and resume. The internship placement process may take anywhere from a week to a couple of months, so it is essential that students wishing to obtain an internship and register for COMM 4940 plan a semester ahead.
Yes. Students should consult the faculty member of choice and the Communication Studies Internship Coordinator to make arrangements in regards to course enrollment (COMM 4940 or COMM 4920).
No. Academic internships must be completed as part of your upper-division course work as a Stan State student.
No. The terms of internships arranged outside the purview of the Communication Studies Department are at the discretion of the student and the internship site. Keep in mind that an internship that offers neither financial compensation nor academic credit may be illegal under California law.
If an internship is arranged with the assistance of the Department of Communication Studies and is performed at a university approved internship site, students must register for COMM 4940.
No. An academic internship is defined by specific learning outcomes and specific supervisory conditions.
Communication Studies internships are assessed on “Credit/ No Credit” basis. To receive “Credit” students should earn a minimum of “C-“ passing grade. Grades are determined as follows: students must complete a midterm and a final reflection paper, meet the hours set at the beginning of semester, and provide satisfactory supervisor evaluation. It is the student’s responsibility to meet all deadlines.
The CSU Stanislaus Career Center offers advice and tutorials on cover letter and resume writing. Remember to work as far ahead as possible when planning internship applications in order to take advantage of Stan State’s resources and support.
You only get one chance at making a first impression, so dress professionally for your internship interview. Wearing appropriate business attire, such as a button down shirt or blouse, slacks or skirt, and a jacket will demonstrate that you take the internship opportunity seriously.
When you are hired for the internship, ask your supervisor about the appropriate dress code.
Contact the Department of Communication Studies Internship Coordinator, Dr. Veronica R. Dawson at vradevadawson@csustan.edu.
Updated: July 07, 2023