This internship course provides students with invaluable experience in social services, government, non-profit, and related organizations. Students must secure an internship by the start of the semester of enrollment with an agency that provides services to marginalized or underrepresented communities and which can support supervision of the student for the required field hours. The tasks and responsibilities associated with the internship should enhance the student's educational experience. 

The instructor for this course will help students find a suitable internship and will ultimately approve internship assignments, but students are encouraged to independently pursue opportunities with an agency that is of most interest to their ultimate career goals. 

Once the internship is lined up, students will register for credit in SOC:4920. Students earn 1 s.h. of credit for 50 hours at the agency (e.g., 3 s.h. - 150 hours at agency).

Students are encouraged to confirm internship assignments and schedule prior to the start of the semester. Students receive orientation by agency staff. 

Professor Jennifer Haylett oversees the internship program and is the instructor for the course. 

Assignments:

Students are required to meet every other week during the semester of their internship to discuss their agency and interact with classmates to learn about common issues that may arise within social service organizations. Reflective writing assignments will be due weekly. 

This course is graded S/F. 

Example Sites:

• Crisis Center of Johnson County
• Domestic Violence Intervention Program
• Four Oaks
• Girls on the Run
• Shelter House
• United Action for Youth
• Iowa City Parks and Recreation
• Many more……

For a list of ideas, please start here.

The Washington Center (TWC) offers University of Iowa students the opportunity to work in a variety of fields in private, public, and non-profit organizations in Washington D.C.  All majors are welcome.  Students earn 12 academic credits during the fall and spring semesters and 6 academic credits during the summer.  Students have the opportunity to live and work in one of the most important cities of the world and to experience the professional arena of the nation's capital as well as its cultural diversity. 

Students interested in participating or learning more about the program can contact The Pomerantz Career Center as well as visit The Washington Center homepage.  The University of Iowa has sent over 800 students to TWC and will assist all interested students with their applications.

Examples of internship sites can be found here.

Former Sociology Majors who have participated in TWC program:

• "I am thankful the University of Iowa provided me with the opportunity to attend The Washington Center (TWC). I obtained professional insight, expert academic instruction, and access to social networks I still utilize today. More importantly, my internship with TWC helped me secure a career right after graduation!" - May 2014 graduate, Sociology-Criminology

• "The Washington Center was by far the best experience I have had in college. Before going, I had many doubts about the cost and time commitment, but I am very satisfied with the time I spent there. My internship allowed me to grow professionally and learn more about what I am interested in. I worked in crime analysis at the Metropolitan Police Department where I ended up creating my own detailed crime report about LGBT domestic violence in the district. My favorite parts about being in Washington, D.C. were the events that I couldn't plan to be there for, but they just came with the experience. For example, I got to go to the Supreme Court on the marriage equality ruling day. I also got to meet many diverse people from around the world throughout my summer. My experience was amazing, and I would go back in a heartbeat." - December 2015 graduate, Sociology-Criminology