Internships, Independent Studies
Internships and/or independent studies can be used to satisfy major or elective requirements for the baccalaureate degree.
Independent Study is a course designed by the student and a faculty member. Such study is intended to give the student the responsibility and freedom in investigating subjects of special interest, expand knowledge beyond the limits of a given course, or allow upper level research. It may take a variety of forms, such as readings, art projects, research projects, or work evolving from another course. Independent Study is not intended to complete other courses.
Internships give students the opportunity to earn academic credit in their majors while they participate in certain paid or unpaid work experiences. The number of credits available for internship experiences varies by academic division. Faculty must approve the internship job description as worthy of academic credit before a student may register for credit. Students are required to complete a minimum of 45 hours of work to earn one academic credit. Students are responsible for finding a full-time faculty member who is willing to serve as their internship mentor. Students must register for internship credits before the start of the experience to ensure that they are covered by the College's liability insurance. Internships are open to all matriculated Mount students who are in good academic standing and are compliant with the Student Code of Conduct, who have completed their freshman year and have earned 30 credits, are carrying at least six credits per semester and have earned a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (or a 2.0 cumulative GPA for programs of study in finance, human services, psychology, physical therapy/psychology, sports management, healthcare administration, Humanities at Work, and technology and digital media). Credit will not be awarded for work completed before registration for an internship. Grading will be on a Pass or Fail basis. Students must apply to participate in internships, volunteer and shadow experiences and may do so by completing Internship Orientation through the Career Center e-class link available on the MSMC portal, under the "office" tab, click on Career Center (https://portal.msmc.edu/ICS/Offices/Career_Center/. Students who have questions may stop by at the Career Center in Aquinas Hall to obtain further details.
No more than 18 credits in internships and independent studies combined can be used toward the degree. Of these 18 credits, a maximum of 6 credits may be applied to independent studies. At least 12 of the 18 credits must be used within the major. Divisions have the right to further limit the number of enrollments in internships and independent studies. Credit will not be awarded for work completed before registration for an internship or independent study.
In addition, students must meet the following additional requirements for independent studies: Have a minimum of 60 credits; have a minimum GPA of 2.75; develop and submit a proposed course outline to a faculty mentor; and meet the requirements of the division sponsoring the independent study.