Internships Overview
Put what you've learned into practice
Internships give you the opportunity to apply what you've learned in the classroom while gaining valuable experience. Whether your internship is required or optional, you'll strengthen your skills, explore potential career paths and build connections that can support your future employment or graduate studies.
On this page:
Internships give you the opportunity to apply what you've learned in the classroom while gaining real-world experience under the guidance of professionals in your field. They help you explore career paths, build valuable skills and expand your professional network in preparation for employment or graduate study.
Some majors require an internship, while others offer it as an elective. All internships carry academic credit and can be used in the major or as an elective.
Student experience
“This internship has been one of the most valuable and memorable experiences I have had during my undergraduate years. I have changed through the course of this internship in a positive way and for the first time am confident in where I am heading.”
Internship site: Horizon Village
To be eligible for an internship, students must:
- Complete at least 50% of the coursework in their major
- Complete all major prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher
- Complete at least two upper-level courses in the major.
Internship requirements
- The Community Mental Health concentration require two internships (HS1 and HS2)
- Child and Family Studies and Social Gerontology students are encouraged, but not required, to complete an internship
- Each internship is worth three credits and requires 120 hours during the semester
Before you apply
Students must meet individually with the internship coordinator during the semester before the internship to discuss placement options and complete the required 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
Internship opportunities
International Studies majors may complete an internship as part of their degree requirements.
Internships provide experience with government and nonprofit organizations working in areas such as international relations, public policy and immigration while helping students develop cross-cultural knowledge and professional skills.
- Three academic credits
- 120 internship hours during the semester
Before you apply
Students must meet with the internship coordinator during the semester before the internship to discuss opportunities and complete the 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
Internship opportunities
Legal Studies majors may complete an internship as part of their degree requirements.
Internships provide firsthand experience with legal systems and processes in government, private and nonprofit organizations while helping students explore potential legal careers.
- Three academic credits
- 120 internship hours during the semester
Before you apply
Students must meet with the internship coordinator during the semester before the internship to discuss opportunities and complete the 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
Internship opportunities
Urban and Public Policy Studies majors may complete an internship as part of their degree requirements.
Internships provide experience in urban planning, community development, public policy research, policy implementation and community-based organizations.
- Three academic credits
- 120 internship hours during the semester
Before you apply
Students must meet with the internship coordinator during the semester before the internship to discuss opportunities and complete the 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
Have questions? Please contact us by emailing ssicdp@buffalo.edu or call our main office at (716) 645-2247