Internships in computer science are learning and work experiences that enable students to gain hands-on experience in the computing field. Such experiences provide students with an opportunity to gain relevant experience in computing and set themselves apart from others by having unique learning experiences beyond the classroom.

CSC 497: Computer Science Internship is a course that provides students with the opportunity to receive academic credit for a part‐time or full‐time internship in an off-campus facility. CSC 497 is taken as a pass/fail course and can be taken for 1-3 credits. Students must have completed CSC 229 and CSC 235 and receive departmental permission to be eligible to register for CSC 497.    Below are the steps that an eligible student must complete in order to receive internship credit for CSC 497:

1. A student seeking an internship  must have a paid internship offer letter from a company in computer science or a related field. The offer can be during the summer, fall or spring.
2. The student must meet with his/her immediate work supervisor for the internship and prepare a detailed description of duties that will be completed during the internship. One academic credit is given for every 45 hours worked. A 3-credit course would require a minimum of 135 working hours.
3. A student must next setup an appointment with the Chairperson of the Computer Science Department (Dr. Lancor) to discuss his/her internship offer to determine if the position qualifies for CSC 497 credit.  The contact information of the work supervisor and the description of duties are given to the chairperson at this time.
4. The Chairperson (serving as faculty supervisor)  will contact the work supervisor to discuss his/her role throughout the internship in evaluating and mentoring the student. The work supervisor must agree to regular meetings with the faculty supervisor and provide at least two evaluations throughout internship.
5. Once the internship is approved for CSC 497, the student must complete the Internship Application form of the School of Arts & Sciences, which requires the description of duties and permissions from the Work Supervisor, Faculty Supervisor, Chair of Computer Science Department, and the Dean of Arts and Sciences. 
6.  After receiving the approval from the Dean of Arts and Sciences, the student can register for the course and begin his/her internship.
7. During the internship, the student must regularly (e.g. bi-weekly during fall and spring semester) report to the faculty supervisor while also maintaining a detailed daily journal of work activities. The journal must also include a deep reflection of the work that the internship is involved in.  
   1. In the middle of the internship period, the faculty supervisor will meet with the work supervisor to evaluate the performance of the student.
   2. At the end of the semester, the student will produce a professionally written final report describing all internship activities. The final report should include a description of the company, details of the tasks assigned in the project and the accomplishment. The length and format of the final report is determined by the faculty supervisor.
   3. Additionally, a formal final presentation must be made to the faculty supervisor, other members of the computer science department and the work supervisor.
8. A grade of Pass or Fail will be entered.

If you are an employer and have openings (full-time, part-time, internships) for our students, please let us know!