Service Learning Internships

Service Learning Internships

The Department of Urban Studies’ Service Learning Program fosters ongoing and mutually beneficial relationships between students, faculty and community partners. Going beyond the traditional internship model, we combine academic learning with meaningful and relevant work with local public service agencies. In this way, we maximize students’ abilities to integrate research, theory and practice, while preparing them for active civic participation and real-world careers in Urban Studies. The cornerstone of our program is Urban Studies 370/372: Service Learning Practicum (aka Fieldwork in Urban Studies). In this one semester, three-credit course students work a total of 70-100 hours at one of our pre-selected Community Partner agencies while attending class every other week. On successful completion of all aspects of the course, students earn three credits towards their degree. All students who wish to receive credit for a Service Learning Internship must enroll in and attend URBST 370/372. The course meets approximately every other week for two hours.

  • A list of current Community Partners can be found here.
  • This course is required for Environmental Studies and Urban Studies majors*** and is LIMITED to ENSTD and URBST students!
  • Typically students take the course during their senior year.
  • Students work 7-10 hours/week, over a period of approximately 10 weeks.

Coursework

  • In the course, students will read academic materials that are relevant to their Service Internships. This way they can see the direct connections between academic research, analysis and theory and real-world practice.
  • Through written assignments, students analyze their new experiences using urban studies research and theory.
  • The course also includes time for students to work on career development and skill-building and to collectively discuss, reflect upon and problem-solve issues that arise during their job placements.

FAQs can be found here