The Practicum in Communication Studies is an excellent way for you to step out into the career workplace and to put your communication skills into practice. With department approval, the location of choice is YOURS!
We offer a database of employers, non-profit organization, and on-campus opportunities which you are welcome to browse. Many workplace opportunities are also available through partnerships with The Center for Service Learning and Social Entrepreneurship.
Our students have interned with:
- WAVY-TV-10/Fox 43
- United Press International
- Washington Redskins
- Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Traffic Safety Administration
- National Geographic
... to name just a few!
Furthermore, the university's Center for Career Planning is a strong resource if you would like to consider opportunities based upon broad career categories. Take a look at their comprehensive list of Internships and Experiential websites.
For another popular alternative, many of our students develop their own connection in the workplace and add to our department's growing contact list!
As a major in our Communication program, your internship will also focus on a quality academic experience, not just on the number of hours worked. To get more information, talk with our Internship Director, Prof. Mary D. Best.
Office: McMurran Hall 258
Phone: 757.594.8769
E-mail: mdbest@cnu.edu
In order to be eligible to enroll in COMM 491 Practicum in Communication Studies, you must first fulfill these requirements:
- have completed at least 60 semester hours in college
- have completed at least 12 semester hours in Communication
- have a minimum cumulative (university) GPA of 2.0
- have a minimum Communication GPA of 2.3
- be currently enrolled at CNU as a student in good standing
- display commitment to the field of communication
The next step is to submit these items to the Internship Director, Prof. Mary D. Best, for her approval:
1. a completed application form
2. a current, unofficial university transcript
Your application will be accepted during the advising period PRIOR to the semester in which you would like to complete the internship.
Further information is also available in our Communication Department office, McMurran Hall 261. Our Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Kathy Byars, is always on hand to answer your questions. She can be reached at 757.594.8732.
Once your application has been approved, you will be given a signed ADD form to take to the Registrar's Office. You cannot enroll online in COMM 491 Practicum in Communication Studies, nor register yourself in person, without the appropriate signature.
In order to receive Communication Department credit for internship experience, you will be required to fulfill both the academic and the employment responsibilities of this course.
Overview of Policies:
- You are required to complete 120 hours of work at your Internship for three hours of academic credit.
- The Practicum in Communication Studies is to be taken for a course grade only. Any pass / fail option which is academically recorded will result in a course failure.
- Student organizations on campus cannot be used to fulfill the obligations for COMM 491.
- Workplace supervisors must have no family or close friend relationship to the Intern.
The Practicum in Communication Studies students will meet once, as a group, at the end of the course. However, Prof. Best will be in regular contact with you throughout the semester. Your academic expectations for this class include the following:
1. Essay: Workplace Environment or Workplace Analysis
2. Development Plan and Resume
3. Self-Evaluation
4. Oral Presentation and Poster
5. Supervisor's Evaluation
Look over our Spring 2011 Syllabus for complete details, and let's get started on your future!
