Real-Life Learning Opportunities
Penn State's Greater Allegheny campus offers credit-bearing internships across all 10 bachelor’s degree programs, providing students with invaluable real-world experiences that complement their academic studies.
To explore the full range of degree programs available at Penn State Greater Allegheny, click here!
A Successful Internship
A successful internship can be likened to a well-balanced three-legged stool, providing stability and value to all involved parties. These key elements include:
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Prepared and Dedicated Students: Students who have diligently prepared for and successfully applied for internships, demonstrating their commitment to learning and growth.
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Faculty Internship Advisors: The presence of dedicated faculty internship advisors who support and guide students throughout their internship journey.
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Supportive Site Supervisors: For-profit or nonprofit organizations that welcome and guide talented students, paving the way for their career success.
Even if a work site lacks experience in hosting interns, organizations should not hesitate to offer internships to students. Embracing internships opens doors to nurturing new talent and enriching the learning experiences of future professionals. The commitment of both the faculty and the organizations ensures the mutual success of the internship program.
Quick Checklist for Academic Internships
Employers requiring specific paperwork and/or contracts for internships should submit the paperwork for pre-review to the campus’ internship site supervisor at [email protected].
- Only credit-bearing (academic) internships are recognized by Penn State. Other work-related experiences (part-time, summer employment, etc.) are valuable but not equivalent to internships.
- Student's current employment can be considered in rare cases, provided a separate project is developed, distinct from regular duties.
- Academic internships are a three-way partnership among the College, employer/host site, and student, focusing on professional projects and skill application.
- Interns work a minimum of 40 hours per academic credit (typically eight weeks in a 15-week semester).
- Internships may be paid or unpaid and offered in fall, spring, and summer semesters.
- Some employers offer hybrid learning environments for internships, akin to their employees' work setup.
- Student-interns enroll for course credit under faculty guidance and are evaluated based on assignments integrating workplace experience with classroom knowledge.
- A formal internship proposal must be completed and approved by the host site supervisor and faculty member overseeing the internship before it begins.