An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting. Internships provide students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths. Academic internships at Thomas Jefferson University aid students in professional preparation through a work experience directly related to their major and career goals. All academic internships must meet the NACE criteria for an experience to be considered an internship. Go to our Career Services' Internships page for details.

Academic internships are offered during the fall, spring and 12-week summer term, and they are taken for credit as an elective with a course syllabus focused on professional skill-building and written assignments. The undergraduate internship course, INTN-493, exists in 0.5, 3 or 6 credit options. Students may only enroll in an internship course during the semester of the internship experience; credit is not issued retroactively or for future experiences. Students may earn up to 6 credits of internship credit.

While the primary emphasis of the course is on the internship work experience, course assignments are incorporated to prompt reflection on the internship. This reflection is an integral component of experiential learning and students’ overall career and professional development. The Career Services Center and designated Faculty Internship Advisor (FIA) from the student’s major provide support and guidance during the semester of participation. Career Services staff is also available to assist students with internship search strategy prior to the internship.

At the conclusion of the internship semester, all students are evaluated by their employer and FIA, receiving a grade derived from successful performance as determined by the employer, the quality of academic assignments submitted to faculty, and completion of minimum required hours. All internships, regardless of credit registration, require a minimum of 12 weeks in length. The 0.5 and 3 credit internship courses require a minimum of 144 hours per semester on site, and the 6-credit internship course requires a minimum of 288 hours per semester on site. All required hours and coursework must be completed within the semester dates for which the student is enrolled in the internship course.

Internship course registration may only occur once an offer has been received and accepted from the employer. Several steps are required in order to register, and the Registrar’s Office ultimately enrolls each student in the internship course once all required paperwork is completed and submitted. The deadline to register for academic internships is the last day to add class for the semester of intended participation as established each semester by the Registrar’s Office. (Refer to the academic calendar for specific dates.) Students are strongly encouraged to apply early and to contact Career Services for assistance, which provides the best success in finding an appropriate experience in time to meet registration deadlines. To learn more about the registration process, visit our Career Services' Internships page. 

All full-time and part-time (except School of Continuing and Professional Studies students) are encouraged to participate in academic internships.

Undergraduate Minimum Requirements for Participation:

• Completion of 60 credits by the start of the internship experience (90 credits for Architecture majors)
• 2.5 cumulative GPA in the semester preceding the internship.
• If a transfer student, at least 15 credits earned at Thomas Jefferson University.
• Must be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• Visit our Career Services' Internships page for details.
• Students not meeting minimum requirements may be considered by submitting a formal appeal. Contact Career Services for additional information.

To learn more about academic internships at Thomas Jefferson University, East Falls Campus, visit our Career Services' Internships page or contact Career Services at TJU_EF_Intern@jefferson.edu or 215-951-2930.