Applied Community Internships

Experiential Learning funding opportunities are available. Please review the EL website for guidelines and application deadlines!

Quick Info

Course: Applied Community Internship (HDFS 5910)
Credits: 6 (240 clock hours)
Plan Ahead: Begin at least 1 semester prior
Apply By: ~8 weeks into fall/spring semester
Required Prep: Complete HDFS 2400 

This program allows HDFS Majors to gain 6 (240 clock hours) credit hours through placements in a variety of community settings at the local, state or national level that allow students to meet the following objectives:

Departmental Objectives

  • Students will integrate and apply theory, research, and ethical practices to the understanding of human development and family processes.
  • Students will demonstrate and disseminate knowledge about social, cognitive, psychological, physiological, and emotional development as it relates to optimal individual and family functioning throughout the lifespan.
  • Students will critically and scientifically identify and evaluate the interconnected systems that impact the changing social environment in which individuals and families are embedded.

Course Objectives

  • Students will build upon their existing knowledge base in family science and/or Family Life Education to further develop their skills.
  • Students will apply their knowledge of family science and/or Family Life Education in a professional setting.          
  • Students will evaluate their performance as well as their strength and growth in the workplace.    
  • Students will learn the experiences of those who work in family science settings and /or Family Life Education settings. 

FLE Content Areas and CFLE Matrix will be used to review and approve your internship site.

What do I need to do now?

  1. Meet with your academic advisor.
  2. Enroll in HDFS 2400 Professional Development to explore career interests and prepare for internship placement.
  3. One semester prior, identify an Applied Community Internship site.
  4. Submit the HDFS Internship Application approximately 8 weeks after the start of the semester - distributed through the HDFS Major listserv.
  5. Upon approval, receive permission to register for HDFS 5910.

Where do students complete internships?

Below are examples of past internship placements based on students’ learning goals and career interests, but you are not limited to the suggested placements. These are also not guaranteed placements. All sites must be approved through the internship application process.

*Some roles may require a graduate degree or certification

Health and Wellness

Prevention and Intervention

Additional Opportunities

You may be able to receive research internship credit (HDFS 5950) through the London Program, so please ask your advisor for additional information and visit the Applied Research Internship page for additional information to plan for the required prerequisites for those experiences.

Resources

FAQ

  • To receive course credit, you must register for 6 credit hours of HDFS 5910 (see above for application and approval steps).

    Although most internships take place off campus, HDFS 5910 is an official university course with a designated meeting time listed in the course schedule, which you are expected to follow throughout the semester.

    Please be mindful of tuition deadlines. Because this is an internship course, some university fees may be waived.

    Internship Requirements

    • During the semester, you will:
    • Participate in your internship for the entire semester
    • Complete weekly assignments
    • Attend required meetings (in-person or virtual)
    • Complete a final project

  • The department does not place students in internships. You are responsible for identifying and securing an internship that aligns with the departmental and course objectives in Human Development and Family Science. You are expected to be proactive and intentional when selecting your internship site. While faculty and advisors will guide and support you throughout the process, they cannot secure a placement on your behalf.

    Important Policies and Expectations

    • There are firm deadlines in place for a reason. You must meet all deadlines as outlined in the schedule.
    • If deadlines are missed, you may need to adjust your internship timeline or plans.

    Application and Approval Process

    Students pursuing the Applied Community Internship (HDFS 5910) must complete an internship application. This application is used to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which is a required legal agreement through UGA Legal Affairs.

    • The MOU process cannot begin until a fully completed application is submitted.
    • A complete application requires both student and site supervisor information and approval.

  • Like other courses you register for, HDFS 5910 (Applied Community Internship) has academic requirements, including attendance, completing required clock hours, and submitting assignments.

    The course begins on the first day of classes and continues through the entire semester, ending on the final day of classes. Please refer to the UGA Academic Calendar for specific dates:

    • Fall Semester
    • Spring Semester
    • Summer Thru Session

    During your internship semester, you are required to follow all guidelines set by your:

    • Instructor
    • Site supervisor
    • University policies and expectations

  • Semester

    Credit Hours

    Average Weekly Clock Hours

    Total Clock Hours
    Fall or Spring

    6

    ~17+

    240
    Summer 6  ~30+ 240

    You must remain in your internship until the end of the semester.  Increasing the number of clock hours you work per week will NOT satisfy internship requirements. 

    When you register for HDFS 5910, you agree to complete these hour requirements and all other required work for the class. 

  • During your internship, the department recommends that you do not exceed 40 clock hours per week. For the purposes of this course, any hours beyond 40 per week cannot be counted toward your required total.

    Your weekly schedule will be determined in coordination with your internship supervisor. The suggested hours are averages, so your schedule may vary from week to week and may not require you to be on-site five days per week.

    For example, if you are taking classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, you might choose to complete your internship hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

  • University-designated holidays may be considered excused absences, provided that your site supervisor approves. Clear and proactive communication with your supervisor is essential. Examples of common holidays include:

    • Memorial Day
    • Independence Day (July 4th)
    • Labor Day
    • Thanksgiving

    Some holidays are already accounted for in the UGA Academic Calendar. When a holiday appears on the calendar, you will not lose an opportunity to complete your required internship hours.

    However, keep in mind that time away from your site may affect your ability to complete weekly assignments in HDFS 5910, particularly those tied to clock hours. Be sure to plan ahead and communicate with your supervisor to stay on track.

  • No. You cannot receive credit for any volunteer or employment hours completed before:

    • Submitting a completed HDFS internship application
    • Receiving approval and finalizing the MOU
    • Officially enrolling in HDFS 5910

    Your internship hours for credit begin on the first day of classes for the semester in which you are enrolled.

  • Yes, you may complete your internship outside of Athens or Georgia. However, you are responsible for planning and covering all travel and living expenses associated with your placement.

    Please note that the college and department do not provide financial assistance for internships. All costs related to your internship experience are the responsibility of the student.

  • You may be able to receive research internship credit (HDFS 5950) through the London Program, so please ask your advisor for additional information and visit the Applied Research Internship site for additional information to plan for the required prerequisites for that experience.

  • To be approved, your internship site must provide opportunities for you to apply HDFS departmental objectives, including:

    • Students will integrate and apply theory, research, and ethical practices to the understanding of human development and family processes.
    • Students will demonstrate and disseminate knowledge about social, cognitive, psychological, physiological, and emotional development as it relates to optimal individual and family functioning throughout the lifespan.
    • Students will critically and scientifically identify and evaluate the interconnected systems that impact the changing social environment in which individuals and families are embedded.

    In addition, organizations should be certified or licensed by an appropriate accrediting body, when applicable. Examples include:

    • American Camp Association
    • National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or similar agencies for childcare settings
    • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) or American Psychological Association (APA)

    Supervisor Requirements

    Internship supervisors must be qualified to provide appropriate oversight and mentorship. Supervisors must:

    • Hold at least a bachelor’s degree (B.S. or equivalent)
    • Have relevant professional experience in the field
    • If their degree was earned within the past year, they must have at least 3 years of related experience
    • Additional experience is especially important if the degree is not in Human Development and Family Science or a closely related field

    These requirements ensure that students receive high-quality supervision and professional guidance during their internship.

    Please note that relatives may not serve as internship supervisors.

  • Medical and hospital-based internships are permissible under certain conditions. Approval depends on whether your placement provides meaningful opportunities that align with HDFS objectives.

    Internship responsibilities should reflect your prior coursework, skills, and experience, ensuring that you are actively engaged in work related to human development and family science—not only observational or administrative tasks.

    Some educational outreach placements and other roles that involve direct interaction with specific populations may also be approved.

    If you are interested in a hospital-based internship, please communicate with your instructor early in the process to confirm that the site has an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the college and/or university. If an MOU is not already in place, additional steps and time may be required for approval.

  • Yes, a Child Life Practicum may count as your HDFS internship. If you are interested in this option, you should communicate proactively with your academic advisor to discuss requirements and planning.

    Please keep in mind:

    • If you are not accepted into a Child Life Practicum, or
    • If UGA and the hospital are unable to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU),

    you are responsible for identifying and securing an alternative internship placement.

    Are hospital-based Child Life internships allowed?

    Internship placements in hospital-based Child Life settings are not permitted for HDFS 5910.

    However, there are approved placements that provide Child Life–related experiences in non-hospital settings, allowing you to gain similar skills working with children and families.

  • Yes. Although most counseling and therapy internships require graduate-level training, there are many local, state, and national opportunities that allow you to explore these fields.

    These placements can provide valuable experience in areas such as:

    • Program support
    • Client interaction (when appropriate)
    • Educational outreach
    • Observational learning in counseling-related settings

    These experiences can help you build foundational knowledge and skills while preparing for graduate study or a career in counseling or therapy.

  • As part of your degree requirements in Family and Consumer Sciences with a major in Human Development and Family Science, your internship must provide opportunities to apply the knowledge you have gained in this program.

    Specifically, your internship must allow you to apply the following departmental objectives during your applied learning experience:

    Departmental Objectives

    • Students will integrate and apply theory, research, and ethical practices to the understanding of human development and family processes.
    • Students will demonstrate and disseminate knowledge about social, cognitive, psychological, physiological, and emotional development as it relates to optimal individual and family functioning throughout the lifespan.
    • Students will critically and scientifically identify and evaluate the interconnected systems that impact the changing social environment in which individuals and families are embedded.

    Course Objectives

    • Students will build upon their existing knowledge base in family science and/or Family Life Education to further develop their skills.            
    • Students will apply their knowledge of family science and/or Family Life Education in a professional setting.          
    • Students will evaluate their performance as well as their strength and growth in the workplace.    
    • Students will learn the experiences of those who work in family science settings and /or Family Life Education settings. 

    FLE Content Areas and CFLE Matrix will be used to review and approve your internship site.

  • No. Students are allowed to complete only one internship placement per semester. The internship is designed to provide a depth of experience within a single agency, rather than dividing time across multiple sites.

    Can I take HDFS 5910 more than once?

    • Yes. HDFS 5910 is repeatable for up to 12 total credit hours, but there are important guidelines:
    • You may earn credit for only one internship per semester
    • You must enroll in 6 credit hours per semester
    • To reach 12 credits, internships must be completed over two consecutive semesters

  • The department does not seek or provide paid internships. Students are responsible for all expenses related to the internship.

    Remember, funding opportunities are available through UGA's Experential Learning Office!

  • It is important to understand that the need for employment cannot be considered as justification for an internship placement. Remember, as an academic, applied internship, the focus is on learning, not employment. The following things will need to be addressed:

    • Internship activities must be separate and substantially different from the intern’s regular duties and work hours. In addition, internship activities should require a level of competence not presently within the intern’s skill base or areas of expertise.
    • The intern is to function as a trainee during internship hours.
    • There must be no ethical conflicts of interest.
    • The employer must be able and willing to recognize the intern as a professional-in-training and to provide him/her with tasks and activities that meet the goals of the internship experience.
    • The boundaries between regular work activity and internship tasks must be clearly spelled out in contractual agreements between the intern, employer, supervisor, and faculty advisor.

  • These requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis.  At a minimum, your duties during the internship (5910) must be substantially different from previous or current duties.

  • A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is required before you can begin your internship. The MOU is a legal agreement required by UGA Legal Affairs for you to receive course credit.

    The MOU process cannot begin until your internship application is fully completed, meaning both the student and supervisor portions have been submitted.

    What is the application and approval process?

    1. Student submits the HDFS Internship Application
    2. Supervisor submits their portion of the application
    3. The department reviews the completed application
    4. If approved, the application is used to develop the MOU
    5. The department coordinates with the site to process the MOU
    6. Once completed by the site, the MOU is routed through department, college, and university offices for final approval

    What forms and agreements are required?

    In addition to the MOU, the following are required:

    • Release of Authorization Form

      • Allows instructors to communicate with your site supervisor about your internship

    • Applied Learning Experience Agreement

      • Outlines expectations for your internship experience

    What additional requirements might my site have?

    Some internship sites may require additional documentation, such as:

    • Background checks
    • Immunization records
    • Physical exams
    • Drug screenings
    • Other site-specific requirements

    The University will inform you of these requirements, but does not review or certify the results. The internship site is solely responsible for determining your eligibility and acceptance.

    Who is responsible for costs and compliance?

    • Students are financially responsible for any costs associated with site requirements (e.g., background checks, screenings, insurance).
    • Some placements may also require you to obtain additional insurance, which is your responsibility.

    Failure to complete required doA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is required before you can begin your internship. The MOU is a legal agreement required by UGA Legal Affairs for you to receive course credit.

    The MOU process cannot begin until your internship application is fully completed, meaning both the student and supervisor portions have been submitted.

    What is the application and approval process?

    1. Student submits the HDFS Internship Application
    2. Supervisor submits their portion of the application
    3. The department reviews the completed application
    4. If approved, the application is used to develop the MOU
    5. The department coordinates with the site to process the MOU
    6. Once completed by the site, the MOU is routed through department, college, and university offices for final approval

    What forms and agreements are required?

    In addition to the MOU, the following are required:

    • Release of Authorization Form

      • Allows instructors to communicate with your site supervisor about your internship

    • Applied Learning Experience Agreement

      • Outlines expectations for your internship experience

    What additional requirements might my site have?

    Some internship sites may require additional documentation, such as:

    • Background checks
    • Immunization records
    • Physical exams
    • Drug screenings
    • Other site-specific requirements

    The University will inform you of these requirements, but does not review or certify the results. The internship site is solely responsible for determining your eligibility and acceptance.

    Who is responsible for costs and compliance?

    • Students are financially responsible for any costs associated with site requirements (e.g., background checks, screenings, insurance).
    • Some placements may also require you to obtain additional insurance, which is your responsibility.

    Failure to complete required documentation or meet site requirements may result in delays or inability to begin your internship.cumentation or meet site requirements may result in delays or inability to begin your internship.

  • If a student experiences extenuating circumstances that impact their ability to complete the​ir secured and approved internship as planned (i.e. submitted the required materials for approval), they may request that the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee review the extenuating circumstances for a change to their plan of study. The request must be made in writing to the instructor of HDFS 3110 at least six weeks in advance of the start of the internship and, if approved, the student will take the Service-Learning option to complete their degree. Students will not be allowed to change an applied internship site (from an approved site to a new site) once the MOU has been approved and fully executed.

    The student acknowledges that any changes to their program of study may impact their graduation timeline, and that completion will be based on available space in an HDFS Service-Learning courses. Overrides for course capacity will not be given due to a change from an internship to the Service-Learning option. 

HDFS Internship Fair

Contact

Melissa Kozak

Are you an agency rep looking for info?

Please review the HDFS Internship Overview document to see if your agency is a good fit!

Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor to begin planning your internship timeline.

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