Learning with the professionals

All HDFS majors are required to complete a one-semester internship in their final regular semester before graduation (not including summer session). Enrollment is restricted to students who have officially been accepted into HDFS by the internship application deadline. Students must complete all of the HDFS major required courses, except 482 & 492 and at least 3 supportive courses prior to starting their internship. It is strongly recommended that students plan their curriculum to include taking at least 2-3 courses specific to their internship interest area prior to their internship semester. For example, students interested in early childhood education should take HDFS 331, ITE 415 & L, and ITE 417 at the minimum, and also ITE 416 if possible. These related courses can be counted as Support Courses or Recommended Electives. 

Students must apply for internship one semester prior to the semester in which they plan to do their internship. Orientation meetings for prospective internship students are generally held within the first two weeks of each semester. An application, 3 copies of a resume, 3 copies of UH System grades, a self-assessment survey, and a copy of the applicant’s preliminary graduation check form must be submitted to the Internship Coordinator by the application deadline. Placement in a cooperating agency will be made by the Internship Coordinator in consultation with students after they complete at least two interviews with assigned agencies. 

As part of their internship, students are required to spend 12 hours per week for 15 weeks (180 hours) in an agency setting and participate in a weekly 75-minute seminar. Therefore, students are advised to arrange their schedule of courses in their final semester to allow for blocks of time (e.g. two 6-hour or three 4-hour blocks) to fulfill their internship requirements. Student athletes are advised to plan their curriculum to complete their internship requirement in their off-season.

Students are also advised to take a lighter course load when enrolled in internship.

Students who generally work during the school semester should note that their work hours may be significantly affected, and they will need to make appropriate plans to handle their financial situation. Internships are not paid. Students are required to purchase professional liability insurance and health insurance during the internship semester.