Below is information about the parameters internships must meet to count for academic credit.

Internship Definition:
An internship is a structured learning experience that combines classroom knowledge with hands-on work in a professional setting, helping students build skills, explore careers, and make industry connections. It should include clear learning goals, supervision by qualified professionals, and tasks that support student development rather than replace regular employees. For more information on this, visit https://www.naceweb.org/internships.

Academic internships can be paid or unpaid.
Paid internships are defined as paying at least California minimum wage. Click here to view the current minimum wage.

If you’re having trouble finding an internship, attend a “How to Find an Internship Workshop” or schedule an appointment.

Watch this short Internship Parameters Video

All Internships Must: All Internships Cannot:
  • Be a business-related role
  • Consist of only administrative work
  • Be a minimum of 135 hours
  • Be your own business or your family’s business
  • Be done concurrently with the 498 internship class
  • Be at your current place of employment
  • Have a website
  • Be a start-up business under 1 year old

There are a few additional parameters for in-person and hybrid internships:

In-Person/Hybrid Internships Must:  In-Person/Hybrid Internships Cannot:
  • Be in California
  • Be in a home/residential location
  • Provide you a workspace
  • Consist of only administrative work
  • Be a business-related role
  • Be your own business or your family’s business
  • Be a minimum of 135 hours
  • Be at your current place of employment
  • Be done concurrently with the 498 internship class
  • Be a start-up business under 1 year old
  • Have a website

For more information about the policies and laws that have shaped the parameters above, you can review:
– CSUN’s Academic Internship Policy
– U.S. Department of Labor’s guidance on Internship Programs under the Fair Labor Standards Act