Internships Overview
Our internships, like our majors, are focused on engaging with timely issues and making a social impact. Internships are supported in numerous organizations across various sectors of society. Under the supervision of a professional in the field, students put theory into practice, explore potential careers, and build skills and networks valuable for future employment and graduate study. In some of our majors, internships are required; in others, they are optional. All internships carry academic credit and can be used in the major or as an elective.
Internships in Social Sciences Interdisciplinary
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Eligibility Requirements
Students must complete at least 50 percent of the coursework in their major to be eligible for an internship. The 50 percent of coursework must include the prerequisite courses for the major (with a grade of "C" or better) and at least two upper level courses from the major.
Health and Human Services
Students who select a concentration in Community Mental Health or Social Gerontology are required to complete two internships (HS1 and HS2). For the Child and Family Studies concentration, internships are encouraged but optional. Each internship is worth three credits and requires 120 hours per semester. In addition to the hour requirement at the internship site, during the first internship (HS1) students are enrolled in a corresponding class that meets once a week for career and professional development.
A group information session and 1:1 meeting with our internship coordinator are required the semester prior to the proposed internship so that students can successfully plan their internships and obtain necessary forms.
In recent semesters, our Health and Human Services majors have interned at a wide variety of organizations, including:
- Horizon Health Services
- Best Self Behavioral Health
- Community Health Center of Buffalo
- Erie County Medical Center
- People Inc.
- Erie County Department of Social Services
- Buffalo Psychiatric Center
- Hospice Buffalo
- Elderwood
- John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital
- WNY Children’s Psychiatric Center
- Buffalo Public Schools
International Studies
Students who major in International Studies have the option of completing an internship as part of their program requirements. Internships can provide exposure to careers in government or the nonprofit sector that focus on critical, timely issues including international relations, policy, and immigration as well as offer valuable experiences to develop core cultural competencies by engaging with individuals and communities from diverse racial, ethnic, national, and religious backgrounds. Internships are worth three credits and require 120 hours per semester.
Prior to the semester of the proposed internship, students must meet with our internship coordinator to discuss interests and options and complete required forms.
In recent semesters, our International Studies majors have interned at a variety of organizations, including:
- International Institute of Buffalo
- Journey’s End Refugee Services
- Buffalo Office of New Americans
- World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara
Legal Studies
Students who major in Legal Studies have the option of completing an internship as part of their program requirements. Internships allow students to explore first-hand legal contexts, processes, and implications in government, private, or nonprofit organizations representing a broad range of constituents. Internships are worth three credits and require 120 hours per semester.
Prior to the semester of the proposed internship, students must meet with our internship coordinator to discuss interests and options and complete required forms.
In recent semesters, our Legal Studies majors have interned at a variety of organizations, including:
- Lovallo and Williams Law Firm
- City of Buffalo
- Office of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
- United States Probation Office Western District of NY
- Volunteer Lawyers Project
Urban and Public Policy Studies
Students who major in Urban and Public Policy Studies have the option of completing an internship as part of their program requirements. Internships allow students to explore activities and roles associated with urban planning and development, policy research and implementation, and community-based work. Internships are worth three credits and require 120 hours per semester.
Prior to the semester of the proposed internship, students must meet with our internship coordinator to discuss interests and options and complete required forms.
In recent semesters, our Urban and Public Policy Studies majors have interned at a variety of organizations, including:
- Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus
- UB Center for Urban Studies
- Partnership for the Public Good
- Matt Urban Center of Buffalo