Internships are a form of experiential learning that provide students direct experience in a work environment. Being supervised and mentored by professionals in the field, applying what you have learned in a real-world setting, and giving back to your community are just a few of the benefits of an internship. You’ll also get course credit and be able to reflect your service experience in the classroom. Internships serve as excellent preparation for citizenship, work, and life in general.

Many of our students intern at local and regional organizations such as Department of Family and Children Services, Three Rivers Agency on Aging, and Families First, giving them the advantage of developing a career network well before they graduate. 

Your Major Matters!

Social & Behavioral Health majors are required to undergo an internship (for credit) for one semester. Internships are optional for Sociology majors.

Internship Prerequisites

In order to participate in an internship for credit, you must:

  • Have declared your major (either Sociology or Social & Behavioral Health)
  • Have completed nine hours of upper division courses in the major

Additionally, If you are a Sociology major….

  • Check with your academic advisor to make sure that an internship will help you advance toward graduation. 
  • Find a Sociology professor to recommend you to do an internship (Not required for SBH majors). Give him or her the Faculty Recommendation Form.  The professor (not you!) should return this form to Viviene Wood.

How to Begin Your Internship Experience

  • Fill out the Internship Application online.
  • Find a Sociology professor to recommend you to do an internship (Not required for SBH majors). Give them the Faculty Recommendation Form.  The professor (not you!) should return this form to Viviene Wood.
  • Meet with Professor Viviene Wood about registering for internship course credit.
  • Locate an internship site. Look for a site that fits your interests and skills, and is a place or type of place that you might be interested in working at in the future. Viviene Wood will help you with your search and must approve all internship sites.
  • Contact possible sites and arrange your internship. Some internship sites may require interviews, applications, and/or background checks. Some sites, particularly government agencies, may need time to process your application.  If you are interested in doing an internship at this type of place, you should begin preparations as far in advance as possible.
  •  Complete the Internship Agreement Form
  • Have it signed by your on-site supervisor and return it to Viviene Wood.
  • Fulfill the requirements for SOCI 4386 as described on the course syllabi. Enjoy your internship!

What Students Say About Their Internships

 "I feel like the option to intern and receive class credit is an excellent opportunity. I was offered a full time position with benefits before the internship even ended.
   - Intern at Douglasville Probation & Parole Office

"My time at the West Georgia Rape Crisis Center was an amazing and fulfilling experience for me.  I appreciate the opportunity to learn and get more familiar with the type of field and work I want to do in the future."
   - Intern at Carroll Rape Crisis Center

"When I was looking for an internship, I knew that I wanted to work with children and help improve their lives, but I wasn't sure how. I interned with Douglas County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and learned so much during that time. After my internship, I was offered a job.  My internship helped me figure out where I am meant to be and I am so grateful for that."
   - Intern at Department of Family & Children Services

"I thoroughly enjoyed my experience last summer at the Speech School.  The bonds I formed, the lives I touched, and the individuals I came in contact with were phenomenal."
  - Intern at Atlanta Speech School