Internships provide structured, hands-on learning opportunities that bridge the gap between classroom theory and professional practice. Through our internship program, students apply the concepts, theories, and research methods they've learned to real-world challenges in community organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, and social service organizations. An internship can help you explore your career interests, gain the skills you'll need for future jobs, and build your professional network.
Course, Internship Hours, and Credits
Depending on the major (CHS or SOC), a student will either be enrolled in SOC 393 or CHS 393. They can complete a 3-unit internship for 135 internship hours or a 6-unit internship for 270 internship hours. CHS majors are required to complete a 3-unit internship to fulfill their academic program requirement for the major. SOC 393 is considered an elective within the Sociology major.
Along with the internship hours, there will be a limited number of assignments students will need to complete. These are meant to help students reflect upon their experience and deepen their understanding. Additionally, students will keep track of and submit internship hours through Brightspace. This course is pass/fail (S, P, F).
Eligibility Requirements
CHS majors:
- Junior or Senior status
- Must be in good academic standing (2.0 or higher cumulative GPA)
- Have successfully completed CHS 204 with a passing grade (D or higher)
SOC majors:
- Junior or Senior status
- Must be in good academic standing (2.0 or higher cumulative GPA)
- Have successfully completed 9 units of Sociology coursework, including SOC 101.
International students (SOC or CHS majors) must apply and be approved for a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) with UA International Students Services before engaging in an off-campus work/internship opportunity. Please meet with an international student advisor before applying for CPT.
Steps to Enroll in Internship Course
- Identify and secure an internship at an approved and reputable non-profit organization, company providing health services, or a government agency.
- Download and complete the Internship Work Plan Form with your potential internship supervisor. NOTE: Please make sure that the application has your supervisor's signature. Students will be unable to enroll in the internship without a fully completed application.
- Email the completed and signed workplan to the School of Sociology Internship Coordinator, April Ely-Black (elyblack@arizona.edu)
- The Internship Coordinator will follow up via email to confirm your approval or to seek clarity and/or revisions to your Internship Work Plan. You may be asked to set up a meeting (in person or Zoom) to discuss your plans. Once your Internship Work Plan is approved, a staff member will enroll you in CHS 393 or SOC 393.
Deadlines
The Internship Work Plan Form MUST be submitted no later than one week after the first day of classes each semester. It needs to be completed and signed by the agency supervisor as well as the student.
No retroactive internship credit will be granted. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RESTRICTION.
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Finding an Internship
Students are encouraged to seek out and secure their own internships, as the School of Sociology will not find and assign students to an internship location.
However, please feel free to use the resource listed below to get an idea about different agencies and organizations that may have an internship position available in the Tucson and Phoenix area. The lists are not exclusive, and we welcome and encourage students to seek internship opportunities that are not found in these pages.
The pages list potential internship sites and does not guarantee active internship openings. Please visit Handshake, visit the organization's website, or communicate directly with an organization to learn about internship opportunities. Remember that all information, especially contact information, is subject to change. Additionally, the Center for Career Readiness provides valuable information for students on how to find an internship.
Please reach out to School of Sociology Internship Coordinator, April Ely-Black (elyblack@arizona.edu) if you need further assistance.
Government
Internship opportunities deal primarily with societal issues related to local, state, or national government.
Healthcare
Internships may take place in a clinic or hospital setting. The organization may or may not be a non-profit organization.
Non-Profit SOC
Internships in a variety of settings that primarily deal with societal issues.
Questions
Internship Coordinator: April Ely-Black (elyblack@arizona.edu)
Academic Advisor: John McNeill (jmcneill@arizona.edu)