Information for Students (COM 490)

Internships are a valuable way to gain professional experience, explore career interests, and build your résumé. While students are not required to earn academic credit for an internship, some employers require interns to receive academic credit as a condition of employment.

Eligibility

COM 490 (Internship) is available to Communication majors only.

Students must register for COM 490 before the end of the first week of the semester in which they complete their internship, including summer internships. Credit cannot be awarded retroactively after an internship has ended. 

Credit Requirements

Students may earn internship credit based on the number of hours completed during the semester:

• 1 credit: Minimum of 60 internship hours
• 2 credits: Minimum of 120 internship hours
• 3 credits: Minimum of 180 internship hours

Tuition Considerations

For most full-time students during the fall and spring semesters, registering for COM 490 will not increase tuition costs.

Students enrolled part-time, including many summer students, may incur additional tuition charges when registering for internship credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to earn academic credit for an internship?

No. Many students complete internships without earning academic credit and still include those experiences on their résumés, portfolios, and graduate school applications. However, some employers require interns to earn academic credit, so you should verify requirements with your internship site. The communication curriculum does have a requirement area entitled “experiential learning.” Registration and completion of COM 490 (graded) can complete this area, but there are also more traditional courses that can also complete the requirement. 

Can I earn credit for an internship after it is finished?

No. Internship credit must be arranged and registered during the semester in which the internship is completed. Retroactive credit is not available.

Can I earn credit for a summer internship?

Yes. Summer internships may qualify for COM 490 credit. Students must register during the summer term in which the internship occurs.

I found an internship. What should I do next?

Contact Joshua Dexter-Wiens (jdexter@purdue.edu) to discuss eligibility, credit requirements, and the registration process before beginning your internship.

Questions?

For questions about internship credit or to register for COM 490, contact Joshua Dexter-Wiens (jdexter@purdue.edu).