Oct 04, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

The Harrisburg Internship Semester (THIS)


E-mail: Dr. Rachel Sternfeld; ras@iup.edu

The Harrisburg Internship Semester (THIS) is available to an exceptional student from any IUP major each fall and spring semester. The program provides a semester-long experience at the policymaking level in the executive or legislative branches of state government as well as independent boards, agencies, or commissions. Students will earn 15 credits.

Requirements for eligibility are 45 or more earned credits at the time of application and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants will submit two letters of recommendation and a sample of their writing skills which must be a copy of an IUP writing assignment that has been graded by an instructor.

Of the 15 credits THIS interns earn, nine credits are for the internship placement experience, three credits for completing an individualized directed project involving substantial research and analysis, and three credits are earned for participation in a rigorous academic seminar. The program is directed by a Pennsylvania State System faculty member selected to direct the program in Harrisburg. This faculty member, the THIS Resident Faculty Director, will be the site supervisor and teach the seminar course. Grades and credits will be recorded on the students’ academic progress reports at IUP. See the course descriptions under UVWD 480 and UVWD 493.

Students in THIS are responsible for tuition and fees as in any normal semester. A stipend of $4,000 is provided to assist with living expenses. The Resident Faculty Director will help students find housing in Harrisburg. Students are responsible for their own transportation between their home and Harrisburg.

An IUP faculty member serves as the THIS Faculty Campus Coordinator and is responsible for the THIS student selection process. Please contact the Provost’s Office to get the contact information for the current THIS Faculty Campus Coordinator to learn more about the program and find out about coming deadlines.