COMP 391: Internship in Computer Science

Credits

(1-6)

Prerequisites

Undergraduate Program Director approval

Description

An opportunity to obtain experience in software development, design, or related activities in computer science in a professional setting.

Selection for Internships in Computer Science:

Students interested in internship first must find an employer/supervisor willing to provide them with a job. Internships are most advantageous to students if they already have considerable experience in upper level Computer Science courses. Skills from upper level courses are also going to help students be hired.
The student must make a formal request to the UPD, supplying a job description. The UPD is looking for positions where the student will use and extend knowledge from upper level courses.
The UPD reviews the student's performance in general and in relevant Comp classes, and either approves the request or suggests what further steps the student should make before securing an internship.
By the start of the internship the student must deliver the Internship Memorandum of Understanding (see below) signed by both the supervisor, student, and UPD, outlining the expectations of all parties.

Presently the standard expectation is 50 hours of work relevant to a computer science education for each unit of credit. Hence 150 hours are expected for 3 credits. Work may overlap semesters, and then credit is offered for the semester in which the internship is completed. For more formal details, please see the Computer Science Internship Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), in PDF format or in MS-Word format

Note 1: This is a course like any other where you need to be registered on time for the semester in which the internship will end. Many people have been denied registration for 391 because they tried to register late, concentrating on the job, not the registration. Also you must get the approval of the UPD first. Plan ahead.

Note 2: In order to get a grade recorded, the final reports of the student and the employer must be received by the UPD before the last week of the finals week. Make sure the end date on the internship is early enough to fit with that. You may continue with more hours in your job after the for-credit internship part.

Note 3: You do not need to be classified as an intern in your job. It can be a regular job. The internship only comes from the relationship to your academic credit and the supporting documents indicated in the MOU. The overhead for the employer is comparable to a letter of recommendation.

Internship opportunities that the Computer Science Department has received are posted in the department on the fourth floor of Lewis Towers. Another resource is the university career and internship center. Students may also find a position through their own contacts.

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COMP 391: Internship in Computer Science

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