Internships (Undergrad and Grad)
Here at SCI, students are encouraged to apply the skills they learn in the classroom in a professional setting to complement their coursework. Pittsburgh hosts plenty of organizations of varying sizes to choose from and complete an internship with. Students can fill positions related to web design, app development, quality assurance, and more. If a position meets these guidelines, students can receive three credits for at least 180 hours of work throughout the semester.
Those seeking further internship advice can head to the Career Center to learn more about preparation programs and workshops.
Cooperative Education Program (Undergrad and Grad)
With the help of the Cooperative Education Office at the Swanson School of Engineering, students have the opportunity to rotate between four-month terms of cooperative education placement and traditional coursework. These experiences allow students to use what they’ve learned in school to gain valuable real-life experience by completely immersing themselves in a work setting.
Computer Science
Following the completion of their sophomore year, computer science students can enter a rotation system between four-month terms either with an employer or in the classroom. Students earn competitive salaries—during the 2013-14 rotations, the average monthly salary for a CS co-op student was $2,809.
Informatics and Network Systems
Students in the Department of Informatics and Networks Systems must complete at least 18 graduate credits across two full-time terms of study to pursue a cooperative education placement. Once placed, students will undergo at least one four-month rotation in a workplace setting. Students will have the opportunity to earn a competitive salary and complement their more traditional coursework by engaging with a new professional environment.
Field Experience for MLIS Students
Students pursuing a master’s degree in Library and Information Science can earn three credits following the completion of a field experience. The course is comprised of 130 hours of work at an information service host site alongside 20 hours of discussion and reflection with other students. Throughout the term, students will gain valuable experience in a professional environment that will further prepare them for a career in library and information science.
Practicum
Students are encouraged to apply for a co-op as opposed to a practicum, but these placements will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If a student wishes to enroll in a practicum, they will have the opportunity to partake in an apprenticeship that gives them concrete insight on the field they plan to enter. Students will work between 100-250 hours a term in order to earn three credits.