Internship, Senior Thesis, Senior Project, and International Study Information

Most majors in Western Washington University's College of the Environment require experiential learning credits. Depending on your major, you can earn these credits through one or more of the following:

Not sure what your major requires? Look at DEGREEWORKS or contact a College of the Environment Academic Advisor to confirm your degree requirements.

Getting Started

Step 1: Explore your options

Before choosing an internship, project, thesis, or international study experience:

  • Meet with your faculty or academic advisor to discuss ideas and career goals.
  • Think about experiences that match your interests and future plans.

Looking for an internship?

You can:

  • Find an opportunity on your own by contacting organizations directly.
  • Create a Handshake account through WWU Career Services.
  • Watch for email internship announcements from your advisors and faculty.
  • Search government job boards such as:
    • USAJOBS (federal)
    • Careers.WA.gov (state)
    • County and city government websites
    • Tribal and First Nations government websites
  • Commercial Job Sites (Indeed, Career Builder, etc...)
  • Reach out directly to local organizations—even if they aren't currently advertising internships.
  • Talk with fellow students who may have done internships before
  • Attend Career Fairs

Local examples include:

  • Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association
  • Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group
  • RE Sources
  • Sustainable Connections
  • Whatcom Land Trust
  • Skagit Land Trust

Many organizations create opportunities specifically for interested students.

You may also benefit from joining professional organizations recommended by your professors. Many internships and networking opportunities are shared within these groups. Here's a listing from the CENV faculty: Recommended Professional Organizations

Looking for a Senior Project or Senior Thesis?

  • Talk with your favorite CENV faculty
    • Propose ideas for a project/thesis
    • See if they have any ongoing research you can participate in

Step 2: Complete the Required Paperwork

Once you've selected your experience:

Your completed paperwork must be approved (signed) before you can register for credits.

Step 3: Register for Credits

After your Learning Agreement/Contract is approved:

  1. Request an override code from:
    • Ed Weber (Internships, Senior Projects, and Senior Theses)
    • Your faculty advisor (International Study)
  2. Register for the course in Web4U.
  3. Update the course to the correct number of credits before registration closes by using the Change Variable Credit Option in WEB4U Registration.  

Internship Credit Requirements

You must be registered for internship credits during every quarter you are completing internship work, including Summer Session.

Internship credit is based on hours worked:

30 internship hours = 1 academic credit

If your internship spans multiple quarters, divide your credits according to the number of hours worked each quarter and register the appropriate credits in each quarter worked.

Example:

You complete:

  • 90 hours during Summer
  • 60 hours during Fall

You should register for:

  • Summer: 3 credits
  • Fall: 2 credits

What if my internship requires more hours?

Some organizations require more hours than you need for academic credit.

For example:

  • Your internship worksite requires 400 hours
  • You only need 5 credits (150 hours)

You can still complete the remaining 250 hours if you and your site supervisor agree. Those additional hours provide valuable experience but are not required for your degree.  We do not recommend registering the additional credits unless your advisor has specifically told you they can use the credits for your degree.    

Working Between Quarters

Hours completed during the break between quarters (intercession) may be counted toward either:

  • the quarter before the break, or
  • the quarter after the break.

Example:

If you work 60 hours between Summer and Fall quarters, you may register those 2 internship credits during either Summer or Fall.

Summer Tuition

Internship credits earned during Summer Session require tuition.

If you plan to register during the summer, contact Student Financial Aid early if you have questions about funding.

International Internships

Planning an internship outside the United States?

Before you travel, you must:

  • Work with the WWU Education Abroad Office.
  • Complete all required travel and approval steps before departure.
  • Coordinate your academic requirements with your faculty advisor.

After You Finish

At the end of your experience, submit your required report as a PDF.

General Instructions for your report are here:   Internship Report Instructions | College of the Environment | Western Washington University

Your faculty advisor may provide more specific instructions/requirements for your report.  

The College of the Environment requires digital submission for:

  • Internship Reports
  • Senior Project Reports
  • Senior Thesis Reports
  • International Study Reports

Some completed reports are available through the WWU Library's WESTERN CEDAR repository.

Questions?

If you have questions about internships, senior projects, senior theses, or experiential learning requirements, schedule an appointment with Ed Weber.