Undergraduate students have two different options for an internship course: a course for credit and a course for no credit. Students should speak with their Student Success Advisor to determine which option may be best for them.

IDST 4003: Seminar with Internship

• Variable credit based on hours of internship

Credit Hours	Hours of Internship
3	30
4	45
5	60
6	75

• Can count as an elective in a student’s program
• Financial Aid eligible

SKIL 3500: Undergraduate Internship

• Zero-credit course
• Cost $195

Requirements for Undergraduate Students

• Undergraduate students must have completed ENGL 1010. Walden recommends that students have completed 90 credit hours in their program before applying for the internship course.
• Students must be enrolled in a degree program
• Students must submit all documentation for approval at least 4 weeks in advance of the course.

 

Disclaimer: This internship course is not a part of a program designed to lead to professional licensure or certification including licensure as a professional therapist, counselor, social worker, or psychologist. Included are some example activities that may be acceptable as well as some activities that are not acceptable.

 

Acceptable

• Observation
• Resource referrals
• Case Management
• Community organization
• Education and activity coordination

 

Not Acceptable

• Psychotherapy or mental health counseling
• Individual, family, or group therapy
• Psychological Assessment
• Potentially dangerous tasks

For more information about optional field experiences courses and application documents contact Career Planning and Development at [email protected].

Graduate students without a required Field Experience component of their program can apply and register for SKIL 6500/650. The course does not fulfill program requirements, but provides the agreement between the internship site and Walden that many organizations require to accept student interns.

SKIL 6500/6501: Graduate Internship

• Zero-credit course
• Cost $195

Requirements

• Students must be enrolled in a degree program
• Students must submit all documentation for approval at least 4 weeks in advance of the course.

Disclaimer: This internship course is not a part of a program designed to lead to professional licensure or certification including licensure as a professional therapist, counselor, social worker, or psychologist. Included are some example activities that may be acceptable as well as some activities that are not acceptable.

 

Acceptable

• Observation
• Resource referrals
• Case Management
• Community organization
• Education and activity coordination

 

Not Acceptable

• Psychotherapy or mental health counseling
• Individual, family, or group therapy
• Psychological Assessment
• Potentially dangerous tasks

For more information about optional field experiences courses and application documents contact Career Planning and Development at [email protected].

Are you seeing advancement opportunities in your current organization or transitioning into a new field?  Take an Optional Internship Course to help you reach your professional goals!

Completing an optional internship course can help you gain professional or leadership experience, apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting, and expand your professional network.   Optional Internship courses are short, cost-effective, flexible, and specifically designed for busy professionals. Need ideas for completing an internship?  Read how other Walden students built upon their skills with an internship!

• A student working on her doctoral degree partnered with a non-profit in her area. She provided analysis of the organization’s strategic plan and performed research on the creation of an internship and mentorship program.  (PhD IO Psychology)
• A graduate student tutored youth at a women’s addictions center. Her goal was to implement workshops for children and learn about their struggles. (MS in Human Services)
• A public policy student partnered with an international social change organization to provide assistance during a major event. He also is assisting in creating partnerships with other agencies and using his knowledge of research methodologies to analyze opportunities and threats. (PhD Public Policy and Administration)
• An undergraduate student interned with a nonprofit where he interviewed participants in a pilot study to examine the effectiveness of the program. He then used this information to determine areas that needed improvement and components that were most helpful.  (B.S. Psychology)

What will I need to submit to be registered?

• You will need to submit a completed Learning Agreement. Your site supervisor will also need to sign additional documentation.

What is the deadline to sign up for an internship course?

• All documentation for the course must be submitted four weeks prior to the start of the term.

How do I find my internship?

• Students are responsible for locating their own internship opportunities in their local area.
• You can find resources here: https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/careerservices/internships

How much do the SKIL Courses cost?

• Each SKIL Course costs $195

How long is each course?

• All courses are six weeks in length.

What does the course look like?

• The IDST 4003 course is a combination of on-site experience and in-class discussion and assignments.
• The SKIL Courses, given they are non-credit, have much less classroom time required.

Do my internship hours need to match the dates of the course?

• The internship hours must take place between the approval of the Learning Agreement and the end of the course term.

Are there limitations on where I can do an internship or what I can do?

• There are some states that limit internship availability. Contact Career Planning and Development to check your eligibility.
• These courses are not designed to lead to licensure or credentials. Tasks involving direct counseling or dangerous tasks will not be approved.
• These courses cannot replace an established Field Experience requirement.

Can I take this course if my program requires a Field Experience or Internship?

• Optional internship courses are only available for students without a required internship/practicum as part of their program.