Students are encouraged to take internships or other experiential learning opportunities as much as possible. Internships can also be counted for credit in many instances. To qualify for credit, the internship must employ the student at least 240 hours during the term they are receiving credit (Fall, Spring, or Summer), have them do work related to their major or career interests, and be supervised by a creative professional related to their field. For Fall or Spring semester, 240 hours equals 15 hours per week.
Taking an internship for credit means the student must also complete a course component that structures and reflects their learning in the internship. This course is worth 3 credit hours. A student can take the internship course twice while at CCAD.
Employers interested in hiring CCAD students for internships can learn more here.
Students interested in applying for an internship can learn more here.
Co-op positions are essentially “full-time” internships, and must abide by the same qualifications, but with a higher hour requirement. In this case, the student is working at least 640 hours during the semester and can potentially replace classes in their major. Therefore, a student may receive up to 12 to 15 credits for a full-time co-op. The number of credits they receive is based on what classes they have yet to take and whether they line up with their responsibilities in the internship.
Co-ops must be initiated with Career Services, but also require approval from the program chair and dean before being finalized. Co-op students also must complete a course that structures and reflects their learning in the position. Co-ops can only be done once.