Internships

An internship is a specific form of independent study rooted in practical learning. Internships are an excellent way to infuse your academic pursuits with experiential learning, get professional training, and explore the relationship between theory and practice. Participating in an internship may also help you put your values into action and gain the skills necessary to change or advance in your field (or enter a new field!).

HCP students are required to do at least 2 quarters (3 credits each) of internship, a specific kind that we call supervised field experience because it is accompanied by a required seminar. HCP students register for the Psychology Field Experiences seminar, which serves as a consultation and reflective practicum container. Liberal Studies students pursuing psychology have the option to take Psychology Field Experiences for one or more quarters.

If you have an interest in undertaking an internship, talk with your faculty advisor to explore possibilities—or Sara Beth Lohre, if you plan to take the Psychology Field Experience seminar. If you are designing an independent internship use the same registration form as for independent studies.

Service Learning & Community-Based Advocacy

Service learning and Community-Based Advocacy are forms of experiential education where learning occurs in cycles of action and reflection as students seek to achieve real outcomes for communities while developing new understandings and skills for themselves. Service learning & advocacy typically involve some elements of theoretical preparation through analysis of theories and ideas, coupled with pragmatic work on community-identified needs in collaboration with community partners, followed by structured reflection tying the service/advocacy experience back to specific learning goals. At its best, service learning & advocacy support students to deepen insight into social and economic injustices, increase appreciation for empowerment opportunities and strategies for meaningful change, and develop agency as a collaborator for change. Service learning and advocacy projects may initially be launched as part of class assignments, but often grow into independent studies.

If you have an interest in service learning, talk with your instructors or faculty advisor to explore possibilities. To design and register for a service learning or advocacy project, use the same registration form as for independent studies.