Internships

Students in the Sanford School are encouraged to seek internship opportunities during the last two years of their degree program. Students can earn course credit (FAS/SOC 484) while gaining valuable practical experience working in community settings that relate to families, children, and occupational, diversity and urban health issues. These real life environments provide students with insight into the problems and issues that face contemporary families, individuals, and communities.

Internships provide students with opportunities to:

Apply theories and knowledge learned in the classroom to everyday experiences in the field.
Gain relevant professional skills and knowledge.
Expand their awareness of social issues and community needs.
Become familiar with organizations, services, and systems of care within the local community.
Explore potential career options.
Strengthen graduate school and employment applications.

Contact Internship Coordinator:

Stacie Foster
[email protected]

Steps to apply:

Complete a pre-internship orientation via Canvas. Self-enroll, or email Stacie Foster ([email protected]) from your ASU email address.
- Tempe Campus students: Pre-Internship Orientation
- ASU Online students: Pre-Internship Orientation
Submit a completed application online, and upon approval, may register for the internship course (FAS 484 or SOC 484).
Research and arrange your internship, with the assistance of the Internship Coordinator. The Pre-Internship Preparation Guide provides step-by-step guidance and resources for exploring and securing an appropriate internship placement.

Please note that you must complete the pre-internship orientation via Canvas by the application deadline in order to be allowed to register for the internship course (FAS or SOC 484).

Application deadlines:

For internships beginning in the fall: May 15

For internships beginning in the spring: November 30

Eligibility Requirements

To be approved for the Sanford School internship program, you must:

Be an FHD or SOC major or minor (other majors will be considered on a case-by-case basis).
Complete at least 60 credits by the beginning of your internship.
Complete at least 12 credits in your major by the beginning of your internship.
Be in good academic standing, with a current (at the time of application) GPA of at least 2.5.
Demonstrate a professional demeanor and positive interpersonal skills.
Complete the online pre-internship orientation.
Plan to complete an approved remote internship or in-person internship located in your local area.

Resources

Internship Handbook
- Download the Sanford School Internship Handbook for an overview of the program and course requirements.
Internship Selection Questions
- Download a list of questions to consider as you explore potential internship possibilities.
Internship Site List - Phoenix area
- Download a list of possible internship site placements, which includes community partners in a number of interest areas (e.g., child, youth, and family, government/legal, education, health, urban outreach).
  You must be signed into this site with your ASUrite ID to view this file.
Remote Internship Opportunities
- Download a list of possible remote internship site placements.
- You must be signed into this site with your ASUrite ID to view this file.
Pre-Internship Preparation Guide
- Download a detailed guide to pre-internship tasks and resources.

FAQ

Must I be a family and human development or sociology major to be an intern?

Preference is given to family and human development and sociology majors. However, if you are not a major, let's talk. You may have met our prerequisites through other coursework, and we'd be delighted to have you join the program.

How many credits is the internship course?

Students may enroll in 1-12 credits per semester, for a total of 12 across all semesters. Most students enroll in 3-4 credits per semester, but this depends on the needs of the student and of their placement site.

How much will I work during the semester?

Interns are expected to complete 45 hours of work at an internship site for each credit hour in which they are enrolled. For example, an intern enrolled in three credits would complete 135 hours over the course of the semester, or approximately 9 hours per week. (These hours fulfill a standard three credit course requirement.)

How do I become an intern?

You will need to complete an internship application online. If you have any questions about the online application, you can email Stacie Foster ([email protected]). You will also need to complete the online Pre-Internship Orientation and/or meet individually with the Internship Coordinator to discuss your internship goals and preferences. You can contact the Internship Coordinator, Stacie Foster at [email protected].

What internship sites can I choose from?

There are many local Arizona community partners and remote internship options on our site lists. You can also intern with an organization that is not on our lists as long as it is approved by the internship coordinator. You may even enroll in more than one internship and work at more than one site. We will help you think about internship opportunities that will best suit your educational goals and needs.

Does this course count toward my degree program?

Yes. An FAS/SOC 484 Internship is a graded course that counts toward your credits for a family and human development or sociology degree.