Frequently Asked Questions
What is an undergraduate internship?
IUP has a unique way to earn credits, while also gaining professional experience. FDNT 493, Internship, provides this opportunity.
Do I have to do an undergraduate internship?
Internship credits count towards “elective” credits in the Dietetic Track curriculum. A three-credit internship is required in the Nutrition Track.
What are the requirements to do an undergraduate internship?
A student must have earned at least 57 credits and have a minimum GPA of 2.0. Their experience and measurable objectives must be approved by the faculty member that is the coordinator of the FDNT 493 for the term that the internship is completed. A student
must work a minimum of 40 hours for each credit and must submit two objectives for each credit. Students must complete the documentation or projects that are included in the objectives.
An important aspect of obtaining an internship is that IUP must have an agreement with the internship site. Once the student and faculty adviser have agreed with a site representative that the student can obtain professional experience, the faculty member
will work with the Dean’s Office to have the agreement signed. Without a signed agreement, students may not go to the internship site under a credit-bearing relationship with IUP. Because of the time that it takes to have a contract signed, following
the deadlines are crucial. For more information, visit the College of Health and Human Service Internship page.
How much does an internship cost?
If students live 25 or more miles from campus while doing their internship, they can apply to have the health fee and activity fee waived. Learn more about tuition costs.
Depending on the internship site, immunizations or malpractice insurance might be required; student interns are responsible for these costs.
What are the advantages of doing an undergraduate internship?
.jpg)
- Assistance of department faculty member is securing a site
- Recommendations for specific and personalized objectives
- Professional and career-building opportunities
- Interaction with department faculty member during internship
- Formal evaluation by site supervisor appropriate for portfolio
- Statement of “Internship” on resume
- Credits towards Bachelor of Science degree
How many credits would I take?
IUP does not allow more than 12 credits to count toward an undergraduate degree. Students in the Department of Food and Nutrition usually enroll for a three-credit internship.
Can I get experience without paying tuition?
Absolutely! But you will not earn academic credit. Many students make their own contacts and have wonderful experiences. We recommend the following steps:
- Decide on the type(s) of experience that you would like to have and see your adviser.
- Obtain the name, title, address, phone, and e-mail information for the appropriate contact person at the agency or facility. This person should be the person that will approve and support your work. This is probably the dietitian or manager that is
the head of the department at the hospital or nursing home or the nutritionist of a community agency. This contact should be a professional contact, not the friend of a friend or some personal contact that you think can help you. Use the phone
book and call facilities to identify these people.
- Write a business letter to this professional. The Writing Center can help you construct a business letter if you need help.
- Follow up with professional contacts and in-person meetings if possible.
- Make a plan of your activities and have it approved by your supervisor. Keep a record of your activities, interactions, and projects. Keep samples and take pictures for your portfolio. Act as if you are an employee of the agency or facility.
- Develop an evaluation form for yourself and have it approved by your supervisor. Work to achieve high scores on this evaluation. Ask your supervisor if you can use them as a reference for a job or dietetic internship application when you are finished.
Have fun, and celebrate learning!
Offer to speak to younger students; offer your digital pictures to the department to feature you and your project on the department website. Help us help other students!
What should I do to get more information about undergraduate internships?
Each semester there is one faculty member that helps students arrange undergraduate internships. This person can be identified by asking in the department office.
What were some past internships like?