About HDV Internships
Human Development internships provide opportunities to work with individuals, families, and communities in a variety of professional settings. Students gain practical experience while developing leadership, communication, research, and teamwork skills.
Students can explore potential placement ideas through the Oswego County Community Services Directory along with Job and Internship Searching – SUNY Oswego Career Services
Planning and Registering for an Internship
All students completing an internship for academic credit must follow SUNY Oswego's Experiential Learning registration process.
Visit the Internship and Co-op Student Information page for the complete university instructions and current registration resources.
1. Get Ready
Begin planning at least one semester before the term in which you intend to complete your internship.
- Meet with your academic advisor to discuss eligibility, course requirements, internship credits, and financial aid considerations.
- Confirm that you meet the university's internship eligibility requirements.
- Search for and secure an appropriate internship placement.
- Identify a Faculty Sponsor from your major. Your Faculty Sponsor will work with you on learning objectives, academic assignments, and evaluation of your internship.
- Complete the Prior Felony Questionnaire for each term you plan to complete an internship.
- Review your internship description and prepare three to five SMART learning objectives that align with your responsibilities.
Students should contact the Office of Experiential Learning for assistance with finding and securing an internship.
2. Get Registered
Students must complete an Internship Learning Agreement to begin the registration process.
Before completing the agreement, have the following information available:
- Type and number of internship credits.
- Your SMART learning objectives.
- Contact information for your Site Supervisor.
- Contact information for your Faculty Sponsor.
The completed agreement is routed to your Site Supervisor, Faculty Sponsor, and the Director of Experiential Learning for review and approval.
Important: You cannot begin accumulating internship hours until your Learning Agreement is completed, approved, and you are registered for the internship course.
Complete the Internship Learning Agreement
3. Get Experience
Once registered, students are responsible for completing all requirements outlined in their approved Learning Agreement.
These responsibilities include:
- Completing the required internship hours for the number of credits earned.
- Completing academic assignments provided by the Faculty Sponsor.
- Submitting monthly Experiential Learning timesheets documenting internship hours.
- Completing the midterm check-in survey when requested by Experiential Learning.
- Ensuring that the Site Supervisor completes the end-of-term evaluation.
Students should maintain communication with their Faculty Sponsor and Site Supervisor throughout the internship.
Internship Placement Opportunities
Human Development students have completed internships in a variety of community settings related to their individual interests and career goals, including:
- Public schools
- Nursing homes
- Teen pregnancy programs
- Physical therapy practices
- Mental health facilities
- Daycare and preschool programs
- Summer camps and recreational facilities
- Department of Social Services
- Head Start and Even Start programs
- District Attorney offices
- Liberty Partnership
- YMCA
- Salvation Army
- Domestic violence shelters
These examples are intended to help students explore possible areas of interest. Placement opportunities and availability vary.
Additional Internship Resources
For complete university policies, registration instructions, forms, and assistance, visit:
- Internship Registration Checklist
- Internship and Co-op Standards and Procedures
- Assignments Overview, Guidelines and Resources
Students should consult with their Human Development academic advisor regarding department-specific internship course requirements and sequencing.
