Internships for Credit Student FAQ’s

Q. What is an Internship?

• Students work in a professional environment and gain hands-on experience while learning
  directly from professionals in their field of study.

• An internship is generally a low-risk way to explore career options that you are considering.

• Internships also allow students to begin building their professional creative community before graduation.

• Internships may be paid (hourly), offer a stipend (lunch/metro card) or unpaid.

Q. Do I meet the requirements for participation in the College’s Internship for Credit program?

• Junior (as of summer before Junior year) or Senior. Graduate Students in participating majors.

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.

• A senior in your final semester who has completed all required courses for your degree.

• International students must be at SVA for a full academic year before their visa allows them to complete an internship.

• Note that some employers require students earn credit.

Q. How do I secure an internship and enroll in the Internship for Credit program?

• Search for an internship on the SVA Job and Internship Board (www.collegecentral.com/sva); a list of additional Web sites is available through the Office of Career Development; talk with a professor at SVA; or conduct your own research.

• Connect with the Career Development Office (before accepting an internship) to ensure your desired position meets the requirements of our “for credit” program.

• All Internships for Credit paperwork must be turned in by the Internship for Credit  registration deadline each semester.

• Intern’s Agreement Forms must be signed in this order: 1) by the student; 2) Employer; 3) Career Development Office; 4) then, by the Academic Advisor by the given deadlines.

Q.  How do I successfully pass my Internship for Credit?

• The Internship for Credit course will be graded Pass/Fail.

• If credit is earned, the 3 credit hours count as studio elective credit toward your degree; as with all credit-earning coursework at SVA, the student is responsible for any changes to her tuition or fees.

• Interns must complete a minimum of 150 hours at their internship during the semester they are enrolled in the Internship for Credit program.

• Interns must participate in a weekly discussion board on-line to pass the internship course.

• Intern’s attendance records, signed by their internship supervisor, must be turned in by the end of the semester.

Q.  Who receives Tuition Waivers?

• Tuition Waivers: If you are taking 15 credits before the internship for credit, and the internship is credit required, then you may request a Tuition Waiver from the Career Development Office.

• If your internship does not require that you earn credit, yet you choose to participate “for credit,” then you will be billed for the additional credits you are earning.