The course ED 975: Internship in Higher Education is required for all students who do not have at least one year of significant, full-time administrator experience in higher education.
The purpose of an internship is to gain practical experience in an area of higher education by working a minimum of 10-12 hours per week under the supervision of a college or university administrator or other higher education professional. In addition to working at the field placement site, interns participate in a biweekly seminar that addresses educational issues and skills development in professional practice. The seminar also examines the relationship of field experiences and projects to theory and research in higher education. A “Career Conversations” program provides opportunities for career discussions with alumae/i and other professional affiliates of the program.
Contact: Deborah Hirsch (Deborah.Hirsch.1@bc.edu) or David Fields (David.Fields.1@bc.edu), Campion 240, Tel: 617-552-4185.
[Scroll to the bottom of this page for current opportunities.]
Internship Information for Students
Students should refer to the internship opportunities list below to view available positions. Students are responsible for contacting the individual supervisor associated with each listing.
Forms for Internship Participants (PDF format)
- Graduate Student Profile
- Student Internship Description Form (to be completed when duties of internship are confirmed)
- Supervisor/Intern Agreement Form
Internship Information for Host Institutions
If you are interested in posting an internship on our website, please fill out and submit an Internship Opportunity Form. If you would like to attach the position description, please email it to Deborah Hirsch (Deborah.Hirsch.1@bc.edu) or David Fields (David.Fields.1@bc.edu).
Forms for Internship Supervisors
- Internship Opportunity Form (HTML)
- Supervisor/Intern Agreement Form (pdf)
- Supervisor Evaluation Form (pdf) (to be completed at end of semester)
Career Conversations
We invite you to come and share your knowledge, expertise, and advice with our students as part of our “Career Conversations” program. The program brings alumnae/i and other professionals to the internship seminar to discuss their career paths, significant experiences, observations on the current and future status of their field, the role of professional associations, behaviors and ethics in the workplace, and other general advice to those exploring careers in higher education. For more information, please contact Deborah Hirsch (Deborah.Hirsch.1@bc.edu) or David Fields (David.Fields.1@bc.edu), Campion 240, Tel: 617-552-4185.
2009-2010 Internship Opportunities
The Lynch School's Financial Aid Handbook is a frequently updated listing of available positions that can help finance your graduate education. Financial Aid Handbook (last updated August 10, 2009)
Contact the Office of Graduate Admission, Financial Aid, and Student Services at gsoe@bc.edu with questions.
Additional Opportunities Starting Fall 2009 (not listed in the Financial Aid Handbook)
Babson - MBA Alumni Relations Intern
Babson - Undergrad Center for Career Development
Emerson College - Operations Grad Assistant
Emerson College - Student Activities Grad Assistant
Fisher College - Institutional Research Intern
Harvard - Office of Alcohol & Other Drug Services Intern (paid $15/hr)
Harvard - Public Service Network
Lesley - Undergrad Academic Advising
Northeastern - ADVANCE Institutional Transformation Program Manager
Simmons - Graduate Community Engagement Intern (paid)
Tufts - Massachusetts Campus Compact Intern
Wentworth Institute of Technology - Office of Community Standards Intern
Wentworth Institute of Technology - Student Affairs Operations Practicum (unpaid)
Wentworth Institute of Technology - Student Affairs Programming and Development Practicum (unpaid)
Wentworth Institute of Technology - Student Affairs Residential Communities Practicum (unpaid)
Additional Opportunities Starting Spring 2010 (not listed in the Financial Aid Handbook)
Mount Ida - International Student Affairs Intern
The Steppingstone Foundation - NPEA Intern
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is the internship seminar (ED 975) offered?
A. ED 975 is offered during the fall and spring semesters. Many students elect to enroll in the course for both semesters for a longer, more extensive internship experience. Most, but not all, colleges require two semesters.
Q. Do I have to take the internship course if I already have experience in higher education administration?
A. If you have one or more year(s) of significant, full-time administration experience in the field of higher education, the internship requirement may be waived. The internship is strongly encouraged to gain first-hand experience on the inner operations of an existing office, to experience the development and ownership of one or more projects, to test potential career interests, and to develop self-confidence as a future administrator.
Q. How many credits will I receive for my internship?
A. Internships count as one course or three credits per semester (maximum total of six credits for two semesters) toward the requirements of the M.A. or Ph.D. programs.
Q. May I seek out my own internship?
A. Absolutely. Use your contacts, friends, professional resource people, etc. If desired, contact a particular institution for openings or seek out positions of interest in specific fields at several colleges. Professional associations can also serve as internship sites. Please note that all internships must receive approval of the Director of the Internship Program prior to final confirmation of the placement.
Q. Are internships offered over the summer?
A. Internships for credit are only offered during the fall and spring semesters.
Q. What forms of potential compensation and/or benefits exist for internships?
A. Approximately 60 percent of all opportunities have no compensation or benefits attached to them. The remainder may have benefits such as an hourly wage, a flat semester stipend, or support for professional development opportunities (e.g., a local conference, and/or a skills development program). Graduate assistantships in administrative offices may also qualify for internships.
Q. When should I begin looking for an internship?
A. Students may apply for internships following admission to the program. Most students begin the internship application process during the spring and summer before the fall semester.
