Internships

The School of Communication at Western Michigan University is pleased to provide eligible communication and journalism majors and minors the opportunity to complete for-credit internship(s). The internship may count toward their major or minor, or for general elective credit (overall hours needed to graduate).

Internships provide important hands-on experience in the field and create connections within the local community while applying and expanding on what is learned in the classroom.

Eligibility (must meet all):

Specific guidelines must be followed when applying for and completing for-credit internships in the School of Communication. To be eligible for internship credits, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

Have a declared School of Communication major or minor
Have accumulated at least 56 credit hours
Have completed the core courses in the major or minor
Hold a minimum GPA of 2.5 or above

Credit limit: You may earn no more than 6 internship credits under any circumstance.

Finding an internship

Students are responsible for finding their own internships. Various resources are available to students looking for internships:

Explore School-sourced internships (see current listings below).
Search regularly on Handshake (Bronco Jobs) — this is your primary, constantly updated job board.
See Dr. Chris Dobmeier (internship coordinator) or Career & Student Employment Services for search tools, résumé help, and internship resources.

Current school-sourced internship opportunities

The School of Communication has directly sourced the following opportunities, which are especially well-suited for our majors and minors. Details (hours, pay, semester fit, and application deadlines) are available on the internship opportunities list and/or Handshake.

View Spring 2026 internships here!

To express interest in any of these opportunities, please email Dr. Chris Dobmeier (christopher.dobmeier@wmich.edu) with subject line: "Interest in [Internship]."

Who to contact

Chris Dobmeier
Internship Director, School of Communication

Talk with Chris if you’re exploring internships for the first time, want help reading a posting, or are interested in School-sourced opportunities.

Paid internships (experience only, no credit)

If you secure a paid internship and don’t need it to count toward your degree, you can simply work, learn, and get paid—no internship credit form or enrollment required.

Search and apply through Handshake (Bronco Jobs) and other job boards
Gain skills, portfolio pieces, and professional references
Perfect option if you’ve already maxed out credits or don’t need more

Pro tip: Even for paid roles, talking with us can help you align the experience with your long-term goals.

Internships for college credit

If you plan to count your internship toward your degree, you must apply for internship credit through the School of Communication. Credit is optional—many students complete internships for experience only.

Step 1: Decide - Credit or no credit?

Once you have an offer (or a strong lead), decide whether you want to:

Earn internship credit (if you meet eligibility requirements), or
Complete it as a paid, no-credit internship if you just want experience.

Not sure which is best? Talk with Nate Robinson (advisor) about how credit fits into your major/minor and graduation plan.

Step 2: Apply for credit (if pursuing credit)

If you choose to earn credit and meet eligibility:

Secure the internship offer from your employer.
Complete the Internship Credit Application (Google Form).
The School of Communication will review your eligibility and the internship details.
If approved, you’ll enroll in internship credit for the same term in which you complete the hours.

Internship Credit Application (Google form)

Your eligibility will be reviewed and determined by the School of Communication. Questions regarding the application process or how an internship will impact your academics can be directed to the School of Communication Director of Internships, Christopher Dobmeier.

Earning internship credit

Internship credit can be earned during any term (fall, spring, or summer) or over multiple terms. The following information outlines how students earn credit.

Credit must be earned in the same term during which the student is completing the internship
Students may earn one credit per every 40 hours at an internship, up to 12 credits total (up to 6 in a major)
Students will complete coursework reflecting on the internship experience as directed by the faculty internship supervisor over the term they are enrolled in internship credit
The internship grade is credit/no credit

Quick Facts

1 credit = 40 internship hours
Up to 6 credits of internship allowed (maximum)
Credits must be earned in the same term you complete the hours
Internship course is graded Credit/No Credit
Internships can be completed in fall, spring, or summer