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Off Campus Internships

An internship can be a great opportunity to gain real-world experience in your chosen career, and make connections that could lead to a job after graduation. The information below is for students taking internships that are not required for their degree.


If you're interested in taking an internship:

  1. Research internship opportunities. You may be able to find internships with pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, science advocacy organizations, etc.
  2. Review the policies for internships, below.
  3. Talk with your mentor and graduate program director about potential internships. You will need a plan for managing your research progress and GRA appointment during the internship.
  4. Apply for internships.
  5. When you have secured an internship, contact the Graduate College ASAP to coordinate your enrollment, internship agreements, internship evaluation, graduate assistantship, and international student approvals. 

View internship policies as a PDF

Download the policy on Graduate Students Taking Internships

Am I eligible for an internship?

To be eligible for an internship:

  • The student must have completed didactic course work, be in good standing, and be enrolled in research hours.
  • The internship must be related to the student’s degree program and career goals.
  • The student’s major advisor (thesis/dissertation committee chair) and/or program director must provide a letter explaining how the internship is related to the degree program.
  • The internship should be for no more than 3 months.
  • International students with F1 status must have approval from International Student Services before beginning an internship. Students may need to apply for pre-completion OPT unless the activity qualifies for CPT status in the student’s program.

Will I get academic credit for an internship?

In order to receive academic credit for the internship, students must enroll in an internship course:

  • The course director must be a faculty member in the student’s graduate program.
  • If the student is taking an internship course, an MOU with the agency offering the internship will be required.
  • The student’s internship supervisor must provide an evaluation of the student’s performance and overall score of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.

 

An internship may be completed without enrolling in an internship course:

  • If the internship is over 20 hours per week, a Leave of Absence should be considered for students who are not enrolled in an internship course. For internships up to 2 months in duration, consider a short-term leave of absence. For internships over 2 months in duration, consider a long-term leave of absence.

Tuition Waiver and Enrollment Policy

  • OUHSC graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who have been admitted to the program will receive a tuition waiver for PFF classes (4 credit hours). However, university related fees are the responsibility of the student. PFF Class Enrollment Policy 
  • Once admitted, students will be enrolled in the PFF classes (fall and spring semesters) by Anita Bennett, PFF Program Coordinator.