Internships

Male student looking into a camera while outside in winterThe School of Communication at Western Michigan University is pleased to provide eligible communication and journalism majors and minors the opportunity to complete for-credit internship(s) to count toward their major or minor, or for general elective credit (overall hours needed to graduate).

Internships provide important hands-on experience in the field and create connections within the local community, while applying and expanding on what is learned in the classroom.

Eligibility

Specific guidelines must be followed when applying for and completing for-credit internships in the School of Communication. In order to be eligible for internship credits, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Have a declared School of Communication major or minor
  • Have accumulated at least 56 credit hours
  • Have completed the core courses in the major or minor
  • Hold a GPA of 2.5 or above

Finding an internship

Students are responsible for finding their own internships. Various resources are available to students looking for internships:

  • Job postings are always available through the WMU job board, Handshake
  • The Career and Student Employment Services Office has posted a list of helpful resources for finding internships
  • Internship opportunity. Download and fill out this application for WMUK Public Radio.

Applying for credit

Once you have been accepted to an internship, you may apply for internship credit through the School of Communication. Please complete and submit the internship credit application below.

Your eligibility will be reviewed and determined by the School of Communication. Questions regarding the application process or how an internship will impact your academics can be directed to the School of Communication advisor, Nate Robinson.

Earning internship credit

Internship can be earned during any term (fall, spring, or summer) or over multiple terms.  The following information outlines how students earn credit.

  • Credit must be earned in the same term during which the student is completing the internship
  • Students may earn one credit per every 40 hours at an internship, up to 12 credits total (up to 6 in a major)
  • Students will complete coursework reflecting on the internship experience as directed by the faculty internship supervisor over the term they are enrolled in internship credit
  • The internship grade is credit/no credit

Please contact the School of Communication academic advisor with any questions.