Graduate Internships
The Department of Architecture offers two internship programs for graduate students.
IAP Internship
Every January during the Independent Activities Period (IAP), the Department of Architecture, organizes an internship program for graduate students to work in local architectural offices. This experience provides students with valuable hands-on training, an opportunity to improve skills and an inside look at the workings of an everyday architectural practice.
Internships require full-time work for the entire month. Student interns earn six pass/fail units that can be used toward elective credit. All qualified students (4.123 is a prerequisite) are encouraged to participate. Participating students must register for 4.287, Graduate Architecture Internship, during IAP. An internship planning meeting takes place in November, prior to IAP.
The Department will support practical experience internships for professional, full-time work performed in an architectural, engineering, landscape architecture, or planning office, or directly related to an art, architecture or building technology project. The work must be performed for a minimum of six weeks during a summer break between the first year of enrollment and graduation. Three credit units are received the subsequent fall term upon registration for 4.190, Practical Experience in Architecture. (4.190 may not be repeated for credit.)
What to do to get clearance from Architecture and receive credit:
- Secure a job prior to applying for credit.
- Complete the Department Practical Experience Internship application form and have it approved by your advisor. Your advisor will review your application for appropriateness in relation to your degree program and will be responsible for submitting a final grade in the fall.
- Submit the approved application form to the Department of Architecture Headquarters (Annette Horne-Williams, 7-337) by May 1.
- International Students: The Department will issue a letter addressed to the International Students Office after verification of employment.
- Register for 4.190 (Practical Experience in Architecture) the fall following the internship. Three units of “G” credit will be given with a satisfactory grade.
- Submit the Practical Experience Internship Employer Evaluation form to your summer employer immediately upon completion of the internship. The required academic credit and grade will be largely based on the evaluation of your employer.
- Submit the signed employer evaluation form to the Department of Architecture no later than ADD DATE of the fall term. The Department will provide a copy to your advisor at the time that fall grades are due. If an evaluation is not provided, a grade will not be submitted.
International students:
- You must be in legal F-1 visa status for one full academic year before you may participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
- Make an appointment with one of the International Students Office Advisors (5-133) at least two weeks prior to the start date of employment and bring the letter provided by the Department HQ. This letter is kept on file in the ISO and government officials may request to see it.
- It is critical that you register and receive a grade and credit for CPT. Failure to do so will mean you have been working in the US illegally.
- After graduation, students are ineligible for CPT but may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Quick Links IAP
International Students Office
Practical Experience Internship Application form
Practical Experience Internship Employer Evaluation form
