Internships & Co-ops

Understanding internships and co-ops

Before you apply, it helps to know what counts as an internship, how it differs from a co-op, and whether you’ll earn academic credit for your degree requirements.

What is an internship?

An internship is a learning experience that connects what you learn in class with real-world experience in a professional setting. It lets you apply what you are learning while gaining hands-on experience. Employers also use internships to see your skills, strengths, and potential for future roles. Internships may be connected to your academic department or completed on your own. They usually last a semester or summer, can be part-time or full-time, and may be paid or unpaid.

What is a co-op?

A co-op (Cooperative Education) is a paid, full-time work experience that usually lasts 3 to 6 months and may take place during a semester or summer. Many co-ops follow a pattern where you alternate between full-time classes and full-time work, giving you extended professional experience.

At UT, you can stay a full-time student during a co-op through a “Co-op in Field” status with the Registrar’s Office. This is noted on your transcript and requires academic advising before you start, good academic standing, and no outstanding fees or fines. Co-ops usually do not earn academic credit and do not require paying tuition during the work term.

Department-managed co-ops

Some co-op programs are managed directly by your academic department.

• Engineering students: contact the Tickle College of Engineering’s Office of Engineering Professional Practice.
• Supply Chain Management students: connect with the Supply Chain Management internship coordinator at [email protected] to learn about available co-op opportunities, requirements, and next steps.

Credit-bearing (academic) internships

A credit-bearing internship allows you to earn academic credit while gaining professional experience through an internship. Requirements and guidelines vary by major and academic department. These experiences are typically overseen by a UT faculty or staff member who works with a designated supervisor at your internship site.

Academic departments and colleges at UT use a variety of internship-related models that award credit. Depending on the department, the internship may be one of the following:

• A requirement for graduation
• Count for credit toward your major
• Awarded as elective credit only

In addition to your regular work responsibilities, you may complete learning activities designed to support your academic and professional growth, such as observing meetings, shadowing employees in other departments, or completing assignments evaluated by academic or workplace supervisors.

Most often, but not always, these are 300 or 400 level courses and may or may not be repeated for additional credit, depending on the department. Below are some examples at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville:

• Internship Course
• Independent Study
• Field Work
• Practicum
• Clinical Work
• Student Teaching

Students are encouraged to review offerings in the catalog and speak with the advisor for their academic program to determine options and requirements.

Tuition and fees for credit-bearing internships are included in the semester in which you enroll. To receive academic credit for your internship experience, you must register and pay for the associated credit hours. If you want to participate in student activities, you must also pay the Programs & Services Fee. Review current tuition and fee information through One Stop to understand the costs associated with earning internship credit.

Non-credit-bearing internships

A non-credit-bearing internship is an opportunity you find and complete independently to supplement your education and gain practical work experience. These internships allow you to explore career interests, build professional skills, and apply what you are learning outside the classroom. While academic credit is not awarded, learning agreements, networking opportunities, reflection activities, and journals are strongly encouraged to help you get the most from the experience.

Non-credit internships may offer a variety of forms of compensation, including salaries, stipends, hourly wages, travel allowances, housing or food subsidies, or scholarships. Because you are not enrolled for academic credit, you do not pay tuition for a non-credit internship. If you are participating in a full-time internship during a semester, review the Co-op in Field option to learn how you may maintain your student status while gaining experience.