The HDFS Department offers a range of internship tracks in order to accomodate students with varied professional interests. Each track requires that certain course prerequisites be completed prior to the student beginning their internship. Students indicate completion of the prerequisites by submitting an Internship Application Form two semesters in advance of the semester internship is to be completed. While the list of tracks provided below is extensive, it is not exhaustive. Students with other professional interests can work with their assigned academic advisor and the HDFS Internship Director to create a personalized internship track, or to select alternative prerequisite course options. It is essential that students complete courses that best prepare them for their desired internship and long-term career goals.
Click
on the tracks below to view the required course prerequisites and to access the
related Internship Application Form.
The Infancy/Preschool track is designed to
prepare students who are interested in working with children approximately 6
years of age or younger. Potential
internship possibilities include preschool/daycare teaching, administration of
early childhood programs, day care licensing, training, and consulting.
The Child Life track is designed primarily
for students who are interested in working with children and adolescents in a
medical setting. Students completing
this track will have the academic credentials to pursue certification as a Child
Life Specialist.
The Middle Childhood/Adolescence track is
designed for students who are interested in working with youth approximately 7
to 19 years of age. Potential internship
possibilities include residential treatment programs, prevention programs,
juvenile court, child protective services, teen pregnancy programs, and leisure
services, and camps.
The Adult Programs Services track is
designed for students who are interested in working with the adult population
approximately ages 20 and older.
Potential internship possibilities include adult social services,
battered women’s shelters, community crisis lines, mental health centers, and
substance abuse rehabilitation.
The Aging Programs track is designed for
students who are interested in working with elderly or geriatric
populations. Potential internship
possibilities include area agencies on aging, nursing homes, adult day care, senior
centers, rehabilitation programs, and Foster Grandparent programs.
The main objective of Cooperative Extension
is to take the knowledge of the university to the community. Students interested in Cooperative Extension
may pursue internships in areas such as 4-H, family life education, and
nutrition and health. In addition,
students may choose to work under the supervision of a current State Specialist
in an HDFS-related area.
The
Public Policy/Legislative track is designed primarily for students who are
interested in working for organizations that influence the laws and policies
that impact the well being of individuals and families. Potential internship possibilities include
the U.S. Congress, justice departments, state legislatures, local governments,
and political action organizations.
The Research track is designed for students
who want to acquire knowledge and experience in conducting research in an
HDFS-related area. This track can be
especially helpful in preparing students who plan to pursue graduate
studies. Interns typically work under
the supervision of an HDFS faculty member.