Internships

Professional internships give Strategic Communication students the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom, build their portfolios and gain experience in advertising, public relations and related fields.

Students are encouraged to complete at least one internship before graduation. Internships may be paid or unpaid, and academic credit is available for eligible students whose internships are approved in advance.

The application for the Spring 2027 semester is now open.

Internship Credit Application

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Earning Credit Hours  |  Students: Getting Started  |  Employer Information  |  Internship Scholarships

Earning Credit Hours

While students can complete internships just for professional experience, those who wish to earn academic credit must:

  • Secure advance approval from the internship director.
  • Enroll in STCO 48300 Internship during the same semester.
  • Include documented work hours, supervisor evaluations, assigned coursework and a final portfolio.

May count for up to three credit hours per semester, with a maximum of six hours applicable as Strategic Communication electives.

Eligibility

To qualify for internship credit, strategic communication majors must have:

  • At least a 2.5 GPA both overall and in the major.
  • Completed at least 60 university credit hours, including.
    • At least 12 hours in the major, earning at least a C, including:
      • STCO 23113 Advertising and STCO 23123 Public Relations, with a combined GPA of at least 2.5.
      • Two additional STCO skills courses.

Review the STCO 48300 course description and prerequisites.

Hours and Coursework

Students earn one academic credit hour for every 75 hours worked, up to three credit hours per semester. Students must select their credit hours before the semester begins; credit hours cannot be changed once the semester starts.

For-credit interns must:

  • Complete the required internship hours and assigned job responsibilities.
  • Submit signed work logs documenting hours and activities.
  • Obtain supervisor evaluations at midterm and at the end of the semester.
  • Complete all coursework assigned by the internship instructor.
  • Submit a final portfolio documenting the internship experience and work completed.

Student Checklist: Getting Started

Before your internship

  1. Confirm that you meet the prerequisites for STCO 48300.
  2. Find an internship. Students must find their own positions; Career Services’ FrogJobs is a resource.
  3. Obtain approval from the internship director before beginning the internship.
  4. Have your supervisor complete the Internship Agreement Form and return it to the internship director.
  5. Request your enrollment permit, enroll in STCO 48300 and choose your credit hours before the semester internship begins.

During your internship

  1. Keep a detailed internship work log, recording hours and work completed each day.
  2. Ensure your supervisor completes evaluations at midterm and semester’s end.
  3. Complete the required internship hours and all assigned coursework.

At the end of your internship

Submit your signed work log and final portfolio for evaluation. The portfolio must include:

  • A description of the organization.
  • A description of your role, responsibilities and completed work.
  • Samples of your work, with an explanation of your contributions to each piece.
    • If you cannot provide work samples, you may submit an essay describing your work experience and projects, with the internship director’s approval.

Information for Employers

Thank you for helping strategic communication students develop their professional skills through internships.

Employers and supervisors of students earning academic credit agree to:

  • Designate a staff member to supervise the intern and evaluate their performance.
  • Provide appropriate facilities, resources and support.
  • Provide relevant professional work experience consistent with the required internship hours.
  • Complete student evaluations at midterm and at the end of the semester.
  • Communicate with the internship director about any concerns regarding the internship or the student’s performance.

Employer resources

Internship Agreement Form.  Internship Work Log

For questions, email stratcomm@tcu.edu.

Internship Scholarships

TCU’s Center for Career & Professional Development offers scholarships for students planning to accept unpaid or low-paying internships (less than $1,000). The program helps offset expenses and support students’ career preparation.

Apply through Center for Career & Professional Development. Scholarships are awarded by an advisory council.