Internship

The University of Portland follows the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) definition of an internship: a form of experiential learning that integrates classroom knowledge with practical application and skills development in a professional workplace setting. Internships may take place in-person, remotely, or in hybrid formats. 

Through internships, students gain applied experience, develop professional skills and networks, explore career fields, and build industry connections. Internships also provide employers with the opportunity to mentor and evaluate potential future employees.   

An internship should include a defined position description with clear responsibilities, as well as established learning objectives that support a student’s academic program. Interns should receive direct supervision from a professional with relevant expertise who provides regular feedback, guidance, and appropriate resources to support successful completion of assigned work.

Internship Types

Internships may provide academic credit, financial compensation, both, or neither. The four primary types are:

1. Credit-bearing and paid—the ideal scenario, advances degree progress while providing financial compensation. 
2. Credit-bearing and unpaid—provides academic credit toward graduation without financial compensation. 
3. Independent and paid—offers professional experience and compensation outside of a formal academic credit structure. 
4. Independent and unpaid—offers professional experience without academic credit or compensation. While not part of a formal program structure at UP, independent experiences may still support skill development, career exploration and professional networking.  

Students are encouraged to work with the Career Education Center to search for and secure meaningful internship opportunities and potentially coordinate academic credit.

Credit and site hour requirements for academic credit internships

For additional information, please visit the UP internships webpage or email internship@up.edu.