Internships

SOCI 4997 (Internships in Sociology) is a 3 credit course that provides sociology majors and minors an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world settings. Through hands-on experience, students gain valuable insights into how sociological concepts, such as social behavior, inequality, and institutional structures, impact various aspects of society. Internships help students build professional networks, enhance their critical thinking and communication skills, and clarify career goals. By working in fields like social services, public policy, research, or community organizations, sociology interns not only contribute to meaningful projects but also gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing communities today.

Prerequisites

Sociology major or minor.
a minimum of the 30 credits
Successful completion (C or better) of Introduction to Sociology (SOCI 1010).
have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.

General Guidelines

Internships in Sociology is a 3-credit per semester course. The student may complete up to 6 credits over two semesters. The first three credits count toward the Sociology major. If students earn an additional three credits, they will count as an upper-division elective. The student must secure their internship placement before the upcoming semester begins. Beginning the process early also helps avoid delays in meeting deadlines and ensures that the student can fully focus on their academic responsibilities during the semester.

There are two available tracks:

Track 1: Student will be required to document a minimum of 135 hours of work in the “Internship Log of Hours” form. This means the student is expected to log approximately 10 hours a week during the 14-week fall or spring semesters. Summer Internships will mean a more condensed schedule, but still the same expected overall number of logged hours. The time sheet must be signed off by the site supervisor and submitted to the internship coordinator every month. This track requires a mid-term reflection and a final paper.

Track 2: Student will be required to document a minimum of 90 hours of work in the “Internship Log of Hours form. This means the student is expected to log approximately 6 hours a week during the 14-week fall or spring semesters. Summer Internships will mean a more condensed schedule, but still the same expected overall number of logged hours. The time sheet must be signed off by the site supervisor and submitted to the internship coordinator every month. This track requires a weekly writing assignment.

The student is responsible reviewing any additional requirements and guidelines for the internships they apply to. The student is responsible for collaborating with both the site supervisor and the internship coordinator to choose the most appropriate track.

Health and safety

Student interns cannot be required to perform in-person internship activities that potentially jeopardize their health and safety. This includes putting the student at health risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. If the intern or site supervisor determines that in-person internship tasks pose a health or safety risk to the student, the student may (a) continue to work virtually at the internship site or, if that is not feasible, (b) contact the Internship Coordinator in the Sociology Department to arrange for an alternative assignment in place of in-person internship hours. The agency must make the intern aware of all the policies and procedures for the site and be clear regarding the expectations of the student.

Supervision

Student interns will need someone to serve as their supervisor. Although the direct supervisor does not have to be always present, this person must have the opportunity frequently and regularly to observe the student’s work while on site because the supervisor will be responsible for filling out the student’s performance evaluation twice during the semester. In addition, if the supervisor is not in the area, there must be a qualified staff member immediately available to the intern for consultation or to deal with any problems which might arise and which are out of the intern’s realm of responsibility.

Possible Internship Placements

Sites to Find Internships

New Memphis Launch

Tiger Handshake

WayUP

Other Career Resources

Help with Resumes and Cover Letters

Interviewing Advice

University of Memphis Career Services

If you are interested in staying informed about current internship opportunities, please reach out to our Internship Coordinator, Dr. JoAnna Boudreaux. Email her at jbdreaux@memphis.edu to schedule an appointment.