Sociology Internship Program

Overview

Internships can be useful for strengthening students’ understanding of ideas they have learned in Sociology classes and in shaping their career interests.  The Internship Program in Sociology is offered in fall, spring, and summer.  It allows students to obtain an internship that fits their interests and receive class credit for it.  Previous students have worked with a number of organizations.

Finding an Internship

Students find their own internships and there are resources on campus to help you do this.  Usually the internship is with an organization, agency, or business.

  • The UConn Center for Career Development has an extensive list of internship opportunities on their website.
  • Local Sustainability – For an internship in local sustainability, please contact Dr. Phoebe Godfrey. Internships options include working on a farm, learning about alternative  healthcare, and engaging in social justice / humanitarian work.
  • A Sociology faculty member can help you brainstorm ideas for internship sites.  Consider talking with one of your Sociology professors or your faculty advisor (if you have one).  If you’re not sure who to meet with, view our faculty areas of study page.
  • You can also use an Internet search engine or website such as indeed.com to find opportunities.  Reach out to places you are interested in working with by phone or email.
  • If you are doing a criminal justice minor, your internship must be in a criminal justice setting such as a police department, law firm, or prison. The State of Connecticut has internship programs with the Division of Criminal Justice and the Judicial Branch.

Some organizations where Sociology students have interned include:

Signing up

Professor Godfrey (phoebe.godfrey@uconn.edu) oversees Sociology Internship credits for Fall 2023. Please contact Prof. Godfrey to sign up for the internship classes and to obtain permission numbers. To sign up for the internship class, you actually enroll in two courses:

  • SOCI 3990. Sign up for between 1 and 6 credits of this class. This is the hourly component of the internship, and for each credit you need to do 42 hours at your internship. The number of credits that you sign up for is up to you. Grading is done S/U. Note: You must specify the number of credits when you register online. If you don’t, it will default to one credit. Students can only apply up to 3 credits of SOCI 3990 towards the Sociology major.
  • SOCI 3991/W. Sign up for one credit for this class. This covers the academic component of the internship program. This one credit is graded A-F. You will be expected to write a paper that analyzes your internship from the perspective of a sociological theory (you will get an assignment at the start of the semester). Paper lengths are 5-10 pages for 3991 and 15-20 pages for 3991W.
  • If, for example, you wanted to get three credits total, you would sign up for 2 credits of 3990 and 1 credit of 3991/W.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do students meet as a class?

You don’t. Everything is handled by email, though, of course, you’re welcome to meet with the instructor by making an appointment with the professor who oversees your internship classes.

How many credits can I take?

Between two and seven

How do I sign up for it?

Get permission numbers from the professors who oversee Sociology internship credits for SOCI 3990 and 3991 and submit an application form to Kathy Covey (katherine.covey@uconn.edu).

How many credits can I apply to a Sociology major?

You can use 3 credits of SOCI 3990 towards the Sociology major. There are no limits on how many SOCI 3991 credits count toward the major.

Can I get credit for an internship that I’ve already done?

No. You must be enrolled in SOCI 3990/3991 prior to starting your internship.

Can I earn W credit for my internship?

Yes! You can enroll in SOCI 3991W instead of 3991. When taking this course as a W, your paper will need to be 15-20 pages in length as opposed to 5-10.