Loyola University / Communication Internships

InternInfo: Requirements

[MORE INFO: Why intern?Requirements for CreditGet Credit: CM421 Communication Internship]

In order to receive college credit for an internship you must take the communication internship course CM421. Permission to register for the course is granted on the assumption that student and advisor both understand the following:

  • It is Loyola College policy that only rising-junior, junior and senior students may receive academic credit for taking an internship.

  • The internship may be paid or unpaid.

  • One internship (and only one internship) may be counted toward graduation

  • CM421 can be counted as an Intermediate Course or a Free Elective Course for the Communication major or minor.

  • It is the student's responsibility to make the arrangements for the internship. Although there is some flexibility, internships average 120-150 hours (roughly 8-10 hours per week for 15 weeks) of on-site internship work. Faculty in the Dept. of Communication can give advice about places to do internships, but finding and arranging the internship is done by the student.

  • During the semester that the internship is taking place, there may be meetings with the intern coordinator, though most of the work is done via Blackboard.


Q: How much time must I commit to the internship?
A: You must complete at least 120-150 hours during the course of your internship. This is roughly 8-10 hours per week.

Q: Are there any restrictions as to where I take an internship?
A: No. If it's during Spring or Fall semester, the internship needs to be within commuting distance. Students have commuted to Washington, Alexandria, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Annapolis and other regional locales. By choosing a summer internship, you open yourself to other markets such as New York, Los Angeles, even abroad!

Q: Do I have to choose an internship in the Baltimore area?
A: No. You can intern just about anywhere as long as you work out your schedule (classes, internship, jobs, etc) and don't over-extend yourself.

Q: Can I intern anywhere I want?
A: An internship must pertain to your study -- somewhere within the field of communication. Interning as a clerk in a law firm doesn't cut it unless you're researching communications law. Working for McDonald's won't fly unless you're working in their advertising or public relations branches. Interning at Legg Mason makes no sense unless you're in their in-house graphics department. Of course, these are just examples. It's best if you think outside of the box when internship hunting: everyone applies for internships at the big media outlets (the Baltimore Sun, WBAL-TV, etc). Think creatively and you'll score a unique, quality internship!