Navigating university academics involves understanding how your experiences, like internships, can translate into course credit. At Rutgers University-New Brunswick, students have diverse pathways to earn academic credit for internships, and a key starting point is understanding what a program and career exploration course entails. These courses, particularly those offered through Rutgers Career Exploration and Success, are designed to help you strategically link experiential learning with your academic journey.
Many students wonder, “What do you do in a program and career exploration course to get internship credit?”. The Rutgers Internship and Co-op Course (RICC), managed by Career Exploration and Success, answers this question by providing a structured framework. This course, available to all eligible Rutgers-New Brunswick undergraduates, serves as a general elective, offering valuable credits towards graduation. While RICC enriches your academic profile with elective credits, it’s important to note that it is graded on a pass/no credit basis and does not fulfill core requirements, major-specific credits, or technical credit needs.
Before considering elective options like RICC, it’s crucial to identify your credit requirements. If your internship needs to satisfy a core, major, or school-specific requirement, your academic department is your primary resource. They can guide you to the correct course tailored to meet those specific academic obligations. Prioritizing these requirement-fulfilling courses ensures your internship directly contributes to your degree progression.
Remember, enrolling in these internship credit courses is a formal academic process. Just like any other Rutgers course, registration is necessary, typically before the add/drop week of the semester in which you undertake the course. Given the varying requirements of different courses and programs, proactive planning is key. Reaching out to relevant departments the semester before your intended course participation is highly recommended.
For students specifically interested in the Rutgers Internship and Co-op Course (RICC) as a general elective, Career Exploration and Success is your point of contact. You can direct your inquiries and concerns to [email protected]. Exploring options with your academic advisor remains a vital step to ensure your internship credit strategy aligns with your overall academic and career goals. This exploration ensures you maximize the academic and professional benefits from your experiential learning opportunities at Rutgers.
