Internship Program
The University of New Orleans' Sociology Internship Program gives students a unique opportunity to combine classroom activities with practical on-the-job experience.
The program accommodates a wide variety of needs and interests by placing students in many settings including criminal justice, health, family living, the environment, and government.
One need not be a Sociology major in order to take an internship. The program, under the course titles of Soc. 3096 and Soc. 3097, is open to any student who is pursuing any major. The only requirements are that a student must be eligible to take 3000-level courses and/or has completed 60 credit hours. (Exception: If a Sociology major wants a placement which includes data collection and analysis, then he/she is expected to have taken Social Research Methods – Soc. 2708 and Statistics – Soc. 2707). No specific grade-point average is required.
Vern Baxter
Professor and Chair
190 Milneburg Hall
Phone: 504-280-7312
vbaxter@uno.edu
Interns are not "gophers". Agencies are encouraged to use the intern in such a way that he/she can develop a broad understanding of them and the services they provide. Therefore, interns are able to function in a number of counseling, administrative, and service roles.
Students are allowed to take two internships for credit (six hours maximum credit). It is possible, then, to work in two different types of agencies in order to examine diversified interests or to work in related areas to develop a deeper understanding about a particular issue.
In order for an intern to derive the most experience from his or her placement, he or she must be willing to devote as much energy as possible to make the placement effective. An intern must be willing to ask questions, perform assigned duties, and fulfill all other requirements as completely as possible.
Basic Requirements
The basic requirements for the program are as follows:
- 120 hours of work in the agency.
- A detailed journal recording activities and observations.
- Attendance at two scheduled meetings during the semester.
More valuable than any grade in this course is the opportunity for a student to increase his or her knowledge in a practical setting. The University of New Orleans Sociology Internship Program allows students to aid in the functioning of the agency as well as possibly contribute to the improvement of the community.