Integrative Studies Internship Program

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The USA College of Education and Professional Studies Department of Integrative Studies offers an internship capstone course for students in the interdisciplinary studies. The internship course offers a unique, real-world opportunity for students to develop managerial and interpersonal skills, balanced between theory and practice.  

 

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Internship Opportunities

Recently approved internships have been with a variety of non-profits, local government agencies and local and regional businesses. Click below to view a list of current internship partners. 
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Apply for Internships

Internships provide on-the-job experience. Students must be a graduating senior and have completed the two required pre-reqs. Click below to learn about the internship application process.
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Internship Success

Sponsor organizations and internship supervisors provide valuable learning experiences for interdisciplinary studies student interns. Click below to read a few student internship success stories. 

 

▼   Integrative Studies Internship Opportunities

USA interdisciplinary studies interns gain experiences through a variety of organizations. Recently approved internships have been with non-profits, local government agencies, and local and regional businesses. The flexibility inherent in the internship program allows students to explore and secure a wide-range of internship site possibilities.

Examples of recent external internship sites: A5 Gwinnett Volleyball Club; Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles; Baker High School; Cardiology Associates; Cigna Health Spring; Citronelle High School; City of Gulf Shores; City of Mobile Probation Department; Cracker Barrel; Eastern Shore Lanes; Escambia County High School; Estes Heating & AC Inc.; Feeding the Gulf Coast; FitKits Food Company; Hawkins Elementary School; Indian Springs Elementary School; Kona Ice Coastal Alabama; Life Plus; Personal Fitness Training; Sinclair Communications, LLC (WPMI); Mobile Baykeeper; Mobile; Fire Rescue Department; Mobile Waterfront Rescue Mission; Perdido Bay Crossfit; Primerica; Shoemaker Drywall; Sinclair Communications; Singing River Health System; Smart; Home America, Inc.; Solomon's Jewels Christian Academy; Southern Gas and Supply; St Paul’s; Episcopal School; Sumlar Therapy Services, Inc.; USPS Springhill Office; Via Health, Fitness & Enrichment; Wiggins Police Department; Wings of Life Recovery

Examples of recent internships within the University: USA Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work; USA Football Strength & Conditioning; USA Women’s Basketball Strength & Conditioning; USA Wellness Coordinator; USA Recruitment Preparation; USA ACT Prep; USA Jaguar Sports Properties; Jag TV; Jag Productions; USA Art Department, Printmaking; USA Health Systems; USA Human Resources; USA Office of Student Recruitment; and USA Career Development.

 

▼   Internship Success Stories


Sheldonna Chappell

Sheldonna Chappell is an educational studies August 2020 graduate and recently completed an internship at the Waterfront Rescue Mission in Mobile.

“Moving from Fort Payne, AL., to Mobile was a very interesting experience because I came down here knowing absolutely no one,” said Chappell, who played basketball, volleyball and ran track at Fort Payne High School. “I knew of people on the track team at South, but I didn’t actually have a friendship or had never talked to them. To me, it is the best thing that I have ever done. I got to experience and make friends that I didn’t know I would.”

 


Katy Holt

Katy Holt (pictured above) graduated August 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and recently completed an internship with the City of Gulf Shores SPARC program. 

The SPARC concept is designed for Strengthening Potential through Arts, Recreation and Culture by providing youth a safe and supportive environment; fostering education, personal growth, character development and overall resiliency. Staff members are devoted to carrying out the SPARC mission while delivering fun, hands-on experiences for the youth in the community.



▼   Internship Application Process

The interdisciplinary studies online bachelor’s program contains two senior capstone courses  IST498-Internship and IST430-Senior Research Thesis. Both contain the pre-requisites of IST350-Advanced Verbal & Written Communications and IST495-Professional Leadership & Teamwork. Please view USA’s Bulletin containing course descriptions for details.

The IST498 Internship Application Process begins the semester prior to a student’s graduating semester. The secretary for the Department of Integrative Studies handles all communication with pending graduates for the internship application process until they have registered for the course.   

Since it can be a somewhat lengthy application process, emails from the Department of Integrative Studies secretary are sent early in the prior semester to all students who have applied for graduation.  Due to several deadline requirements, students must check their emails regularly to stay on track.  

The Internship Application Process begins with an email informing students the process has started with paperwork deadlines. Deadlines include (in order): application, required attendance to the internship orientation/information sessions, worksite paperwork completed and approved by the department and the agency agreement approved and completed by the worksite and the USA Attorney’s Office. Once all deadlines are met and approvals have been given, students are then allowed to register for the course, not before.