academic affairs
Internships @ DePauw
DePauw defines itself as a place where the intellect is challenged by experience. DePauw has been nationally recognized among liberal arts colleges for its commitment to internships, as well as for its innovative internship programs. Internships are viewed not simply as a way of gaining experience in "the real world." Rather, for many students they are a way of discovering greater purpose and focus in their classroom studies. Through internships, off-campus study and research projects, DePauw students enrich the classroom with practice and application. Students return from internships knowing how important it is to become a good learner and how abstract discussions of values, aesthetics, ethics and knowledge come to matter outside the classroom.
The following is a general list of internship programs either sponsored by or affiliated with DePauw. Some of these programs award college credit or satisfy college requirements; others offer only experience (and sometimes pay). The links will take you to more detailed program descriptions, which usually include application information.
Off-Campus Internships
Off-Campus Study Programs with an Internship Component
Many of the off-campus studies programs approved for DePauw credit offer a significant internship component. Among these are the Philadelphia Program and the New York Arts programs. There are many other approved off-campus programs, both domestic and foreign, that offer internship opportunities. Application to these programs is coordinated by the International Center, which maintains a large database of approved programs.
Winter Term
Internships are an important component of DePauw's Winter Term. Following the procedures established by the Winter Term office, around 300 students arrange month-long, full-time internships each year. Typically these projects are unpaid, but earn DePauw Winter Term credit. Other internships for the month of January can be arranged through the Career Center. These do not offer college credit or satisfy DePauw's Winter Term requirement.
Departmental Internships
A few departments — Communication Arts and Sciences, Political Science, Modern Languages and the School of Music — offer academic credit for internship projects. Contact these departments for information about these departmental internships.
Independently Designed Off-Campus Internships
DePauw's independently designed off-campus internships consist of a semester-long internship worth two course credits and a readings course worth one course credit. This program provides opportunities for students who desire to have high quality active learning experiences as part of their formal education but for whom other available options are not appropriate or possible. Applications are reviewed and approved by the Office of Academic Affairs.
Information Technology Associates Program
During their third year, students in the ITAP program will have the opportunity to propose an independently designed off-campus internship with a leading employer in the IT field.
Summer Internships
Many organizations and companies sponsor internships for college students in the summer. These internships are usually awarded through a competitive application process; some summer internships are paid or offer a stipend or other support. Most summer internships are not counted for DePauw academic credit. The Career Center maintains information on summer internship programs and offers assistance in making applications.
UNIV 297 is a DePauw course that allows summer internship experiences to be included on the official student transcript. UNIV 297 is a zero-credit course, graded S/U, and does not earn credit toward graduation; there are academic expectations for the course similar to those for a Winter Term internship that must be completed in order to earn a Satisfactory grade. There is a course fee of $300.
Honors and Fellows Programs Internships
Three of DePauw's honors and fellows programs have internship components:
Management Fellows
Management Fellows normally complete a semester internship in their junior year, though some may do it in the first semester of the senior year. The internship itself counts for two course credits. Interns also take an online course, Business Writing, for another credit. Internship placements are arranged through the Management Fellows program.
Science Research Fellows
A component of the Science Research Fellows program is the opportunity to participate in a semester research internship during the junior year or fall semester of the senior year. Internships are tailored to the interest of the individual student. They take place off campus at a major research university, a government laboratory or a private research corporation. Some students elect to do their internship at a research location outside of the United States.
Media Fellows
Media Fellows participate in a semester-long internship during their junior year. This internship is set up by the student, in conjunction with the program director, and involves work in some facet of the media.
Information Technology Associates Program
In their second year, ITAP apprentices will begin semester or year-long on-campus internships working closely with faculty and IT professionals. Students will receive training, real-world experience and close mentoring in areas of their choice. Students are paid for these internships, but receive no course credit.
Fifth-Year Intern Program
The Fifth-Year Intern Program at DePauw University was instituted to enrich and extend the DePauw liberal arts experience for a select number of graduating seniors. Fifth-Year interns receive a stipend to carry out a project intended to benefit the DePauw community in some significant way, and are permitted to take a limited number of courses tuition-free. Project proposals from interested students are accepted.
Fifth-Year FITS Interns
The FITS Fifth-Year Internship offers DePauw graduates an opportunity to work and study in a team-oriented environment providing assistance to faculty using technology to enhance teaching and learning.
Last updated: June 5, 2007
