Introduction
At Dickinson, an internship is defined as "a closely monitored applied experience in a professional setting, with definite learning objectives incorporating reflection on and integration of theories and concepts with practice."
Internships and research experiences provide opportunities for integrative learning, which the Association of American Colleges & Universities defines as building connections across the curriculum and co-curriculum and synthesizing and transferring learning within and beyond the campus (AAC&U Value Rubrics). Internships and research experiences are an excellent way for students to explore and gain experience valued by employers and graduate schools. Students should be encouraged to register internships and research experiences through the .
Internship Program
Dickinson’s academic Internship Program (INP) fosters and creates intentional pathways for reflection, assessment, and goal setting. INP students develop clearly defined goals, practice professional and networking skills, provide written reflection and receive feedback, and articulate their experience into a plan moving forward.
Upon successful completion of an internship and the INP course (overseen by the Associate Provost for High Impact Learning & Fellowships), 0.25 credit is added to the official transcript through the INTR 7xx course number. The internship and INP course must occur simultaneously; therefore, retroactive credit is not granted. There is no fee/tuition charged for this program. For more information, visit the INP website. To register, students should complete the enrollment form through the Forms section in Gateway.
Several academic disciplines require or allow the internship credit-bearing program to fulfill their graduation requirements, including Africana Studies, Archaeology, Data Analytics, Educational Studies, Geosciences, International Business & Management, Law & Policy, Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies, Health Studies Certificate, and Food Studies Certificate.
"Credit Required" Situations
An employer may indicate that they "require" credit, some sort of paperwork, confirmation letter, or signed document from the College.
If a student inquires about a "Credit Required" internship, requests a confirmation letter, or needs a signature on any internship-related paperwork, please direct them to contact the Associate Provost for High-Impact Learning & Fellowships as soon as possible. Participation in the INP will normally meet an employer's criteria or we may have other paperwork already signed with the employer. The Associate Provost will work with the student and employer to ensure all requirements are met, provide requisite confirmation letters, and/or complete all necessary paperwork.
Other alternatives/exceptions
Independent study: A few majors allow students to complete an independent study in conjunction with an internship experience. The student would receive credit and a grade for the academic component of the independent study. In this case, students register using the Special Course Options form from the Registrar's Office. Tuition fees will apply.
International internships: Some study abroad programs integrate internships with an Intercultural Seminar or independent study, while others allow for the INP. If participating in a study abroad program (including the DC Program), check with the Associate Provost for High-Impact Learning & Fellowships and a Center for Global Study & Engagement advisor about internship options.
All other students should be encouraged to register internship experiences through the INP.
Research Experience (REXP)
The Research Experience Program (REXP) is different from the INP in that the principal activity and focus of the Research Experience is original investigation designed to create new knowledge in a recognized field of inquiry.
The Research Experience Program is intended to provide formal documentation of scholarly research experiences that take place under the supervision of a professional researcher at Dickinson or at another institution. The principal activity and focus of the research experience is original investigation designed to create new knowledge in a recognized field of inquiry. Examples include student-faculty research with a Dickinson faculty member (on campus or at a field site), or participation in a summer research project at another research organization (typically a college or university, private research foundation, or research and development division of a corporation). Upon successful completion of a research experience and the REXP course, 0.25 credit is placed on the official transcript through the REXP 7xx course number.
If students have questions about this designation, they should contact the Associate Provost for High-Impact Learning & Fellowships.
Resources & Deadlines
If searching for experiential learning opportunities like internships and research, students may meet with a career advisor and utilize resources in the Center for Career Development. Students should check the and Handshake for opportunities and watch for specific emails regarding announcements, opportunities, and application deadline dates.
For questions about registered experiences (internship or research) and the INP/REXP, internship grant funding, and confirmation/verification letters or forms related to internships, please contact the .