Program Options:

Students pursuing full-time off-campus internships will receive eight ILR elective credits for the work component of their internship.  These credits are awarded on an S/U basis for a minimum of 30 hours a week devoted to the internship assignment. An additional 4 hours of ILR elective credit will be awarded for a project completed under the direction of an ILR faculty member. The project, which is usually based on the internship assignment, will be graded on an A-F basis.

In New York City & Washington, DC, students will also be required to take a supplemental course as part of their internship requirements.  These 4 credit seminars meet once a week, bringing the semester's credit load to 16 hours. In NYC, the course is "The Labor History of Old New York," and mixes in class lecture with off-site field trips utilizing the city as a living classroom. In Washington, DC, our course focuses on current public policy issues and mixes class lecture with off-site trips and regular guest speakers.

Students also have the option of pursuing internships in a wide-variety of locations across the U.S. and international locations.  Outside of New York City and Washington, DC, students will receive 12 advanced ILR elective credits. Some students choose to register for a course at a nearby college or university to receive additional credits.  Students should discuss any transfer course with the ILR School Registrar before leaving campus. All students are considered full-time for financial aid purposes at 12 credits, therefore, additional course work is not required. Student may also choose to complete an independent study for additional credit. Students must meet certain eligibility requirements and independent study proposals must be approved by the Office of Student Services.

Finally, for students who are unable to leave the Cornell campus, a student may pursue internships at approved sites in the Ithaca area, although only four credits can be earned through such an arrangement. Interns will devote no more than 12 hours a week to the internship assignment.