Internships and field experiences serve two purposes:<\/p>\n
Field experiences offer you direction, responsibility and the opportunity to demonstrate competence by applying theory learned from course work. You should expect supervision and evaluation of your performance by both a faculty supervisor and an on-site supervisor representing the sponsoring organization.<\/p>\n
Internships and field experiences should be compatible with your specific career objectives. You need to plan carefully for your hands-on, real-world experience. Conduct any necessary research on the agency you are interested in seeking your field experience.<\/p>\n
To start the internship\/field experience process, contact your advisor.<\/p>\n
Internships are required for exercise science, community health and sport management majors. By the time you graduate, you will have completed between 400-600 hours of hands-on experience in your field.<\/p>\n
Exercise science majors will complete a supervised field internship experience in an exercise, fitness and\/or wellness-related setting, including hospitals, corporations, private fitness-facilities and governmental agencies. Or, the internship may take the form of a special project or research on a topic relevant to exercise science. Prior approval must be obtained from the student’s internship advisor. A journal, written paper and\/or oral presentation is to be presented following the learning experience. The student is expected to enroll in 2-6 credits with 30 hours completed per credit.<\/p>\n
In their junior year, community health majors will enroll in a 30-90-hour experience in a local health facility in preparation for the application of previous course work.<\/p>\n
In their senior year, students will gain field experience in a health-related facility relevant to specific career goals. Opportunities will exist for you to apply the different concepts and theories from course work directly in the work setting through observation, planning, decision-making, committee participation, leadership, operation management and individual and group projects. Required: A minimum of 30 practicum hours per credit.<\/p>\n
Sport management students intern<\/a> at high school and university athletics departments, fitness clubs and professional and local sports organizations. The internship process allows students to gain industry experience as well as make connections for their future career. An internship will also assess career readiness and potential roles and jobs within the industry that will match best to the intern.<\/p>\n