Earn Academic Credit

Domestic, abroad, and virtual internships may be eligible for academic credit. Arrange the academic component before you begin.

Credit Is Possible, But It Is Not Automatic

Meet with your academic advisor or internship coordinator to confirm the appropriate course, approval process, and how credits apply to your degree. A paid or unpaid host placement alone does not establish academic credit.

Through a USU Internship Course

Ask your department which internship course fits your experience and whether an instructor is available to supervise it. Agree on learning objectives, registration, credits, assignments, and assessment before starting. Check tuition and fees even if the placement is unpaid. Explore ArtSci internship courses, including POLS 5950 and POLS 5960. Ask about ARTSCI 2250/4250 if a department course does not fit.

Through a Study Abroad Program

USU faculty-led programs award USU course credit. For exchange, direct, and independent study abroad programs, coursework must be approved for transfer credit. Confirm the internship seminar or other academic component and how it fits your degree.

Review Study Abroad Credit Approval

Questions to Ask Your Advisor

  • Which course or transfer-credit route is appropriate?
  • Can the credit count toward my major, minor, certificate, or electives?
  • What prerequisites and approval steps must I complete?
  • How many credits can I earn, and what work and assignments are required?
  • Who will supervise and assess my academic work?
  • When must I register, and what tuition or program costs apply?

Academic credit approval and any required travel approval are separate steps. Confirm both for internships abroad.

Meet an HPI Certificate Requirement

Work with your certificate advisor before choosing a placement. Confirm the required experience, course, credits, learning goals, and whether domestic, overseas, or virtual work qualifies under your applicable catalog.

Certificate Where to start
Leadership and Diplomacy The international track specifies an international internship of at least 2 credits; the domestic track specifies a domestic internship. Ask your advisor what placements qualify.
Global Peacebuilding Ask the certificate advisor how the proposed internship meets the current experiential requirements.
Interfaith Leadership The program describes a practicum or community-based internship experience. Confirm the approved route with your advisor.
Other HPI certificates Requirements differ. Follow the certificate’s catalog and get approval for the proposed experience.

Can one internship count toward my major and certificate?

Ask both advisors before registering. They must confirm whether the course and experience satisfy each requirement and whether any credit-sharing limits apply. Keep a record of the agreed academic plan.