General Statements:  

MS-ARP students work in award-winning consortium firms as a degree requirement. The Research Practices (RP) internship is a paid position where you develop your research expertise, gain professional work experience hours and help bridge the knowledge gap between academia and practice.  

While you may state industry partner preferences, the program director will match consortium students with consortium firms based on a number of factors, including firm needs and the overall long-term success of the MS-ARP program and its Consortium for Research Practices. 

In the case of an industry downturn or extreme individual hardship, a directed study may be substituted for the RP internship requirement; discuss this circumstance and its expectations with the program director.  

Especially prior to the first day, and at any time during the semester, seek clear expectations by communicating directly with your practice mentor. Communicate with the MS-ARP program director as needed, e.g., if the internship is not meeting expectations and especially if any concerns you have raised remain unresolved.

Associated Coursework: 

MS-ARP students enroll in ARCH 5688 Built Environments Research Practices Colloquium (1 cr) during each semester of the MS-ARP program. International students will use ARCH 5688 for your Curricular Practical Training (CPT) application. The research practices colloquium structures MS-ARP degree requirements related to the RP internship. For example, as part of this course, you will develop a Research Project Work Plan that is specific to the research proposed and implemented as part of the RP internship. The work plan may also address whether the project is appropriate for broader dissemination. Refer to ARCH 5688 assignment prompts and/or its syllabus for details and specific milestone dates related especially to the RP internship.   

Written Agreements:  

An offer letter between the consortium firm, the firm mentor and each MS-ARP intern must be in your private student folder before the internship start date. The offer letter outlines the shared understanding of your general working relationship with the firm; it includes, for example: your meeting schedule, payroll information, expectations around minimum and/or maximum work hours, and how those hours should be prioritized relative to research activities or professional credential goals. 

Compensation: 

As a part-time employee of the consortium firm, you will be paid directly by the firm. The firm may require additional information from you in order to compensate you. Internship wages are subject to state and federal employment regulations, firm-specific expectations and fluctuations in the marketplace.  

Work Hour Limits: 

MS-ARP students are limited to working no more than 10 (sometimes 15 hours) hours at the internship during the academic semester. Some restrictions are modified during breaks in the academic term, and additional restrictions may be required or recommended depending on your individual circumstances, whether you are an international student and your particular degree progress plan. For example, international students will need to account for internship hours along with any work hours assigned as part of a graduate assistantship position; consult with ISSS as needed.  

International Students: 

International students are responsible for verifying individual eligibility and documentation requirements, as well as any limits to working in the United States, with governing authorities. For example, international students with an F-1 visa working in the U.S. must complete a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) form. The university’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office and its advisors are your main resource for help and official guidance.  Please note that you MUST NOT start an internship without this consultation and completed work permissions. Failure to do so has the potential to jeopardize your visa status.

Learn more about the RP Internship HERE (Policies and Expectations // Research Practices Internship).