MSIM Internship Process

The following outlines the requirements and policies needed to successfully complete the internship process:

 1.  Attend the MSIM Internship Information Session

Students must attend an MSIM Internship (IMT 590) information sessions before they pursue an internship (normally autumn and winter quarters of the student’s first year in the program). Students must also thoroughly review the MSIM Internship Web pages prior to this session.  

2. Prerequisites prior to internship

Prior to registering for IMT 590, a student must have completed (as a minimum) the following required courses in the MSIM program:

  • IMT 500
  • IMT 510
  • IMT 520
  • IMT 530
  • IMT 540
  • INFX 542 or 543
  • IMT 580

3.  Set appointment with the Academic Advisor

Students must meet with the MSIM advisor (arranged at the internship info session) for facilitating the placement process.  Prior to the appointment, students must complete the Internship Application and Course Checklist.  Students bring those completed documents, plus their resume to the appointment with the advisor.

4.  Minimum of 4 credits of IMT 590 to complete internship

Students in the Day MSIM program are required to complete a minimum of 4 credits of IMT 590 in order to meet graduation requirements.   Generally the Day MSIM students complete an internship experience during a minimum of 2 quarters (Autumn and Winter).  However, students may also elect to register for and complete their internship experience a quarter early, during Summer quarter, with a full time position.   The curriculum is designed so that the internship experience can lead directly into the student’s Capstone experience (IMT 595) during their Winter and Spring quarters prior to graduation.  Students must register for IMT 590 during the actual quarters in which they pursue their internship.  No retroactive credits will be given.

***For internship placements that do not have start/end dates that coincide with the academic quarter start/end dates, please take note of the following policy if you will be enrolling for IMT590 credits.

  • For internship placements that do not start at the beginning of any given quarter you have until the 5th week of that quarter to get registered for IMT590.  For part time positions, you may only enroll for 2 credits as you will have less hours worked due to the late start.  As for completing the necessary paperwork, be sure to plan ahead, especially for international students who need work authorization.  ISS requires at least one week for processing CPT authorization requests, and international students CANNOT work until they have authorized CPT.  There is also a late fee charged for registration in addition to the associated tuition and fees for IMT590.
  • For internship positions that continue into the following quarter but end sooner than the end date of that quarter, you will have to work through at least the 5th week of that quarter, in order to be eligible for enrolling in IMT590.  You may only enroll for 2 credits in this case as you will have less hours worked.  International students will need to make sure their work authorization will cover the continuation of the position, and it is the student’s responsibility to request an extension with the MSIM Academic Advisor, if necessary.  Again, ISS requires at least one week for processing CPT authorization requests, so plan accordingly.

5. Flexibility in credit amounts (2-4 credits)

IMT 590 may be taken for 2-4 credits, depending on the number of hours the student plans to devote to the internship for the given quarter.

  • Two (2) credits require 200 hours
  • Three (3) credits require 300 hours
  • Four (4) credits require 400 hours* 

*Effective for internships beginning summer 2010.  Those who're completing internships prior to summer 2010 should contact the MSIM Academic Advisor for credit and hours information.

Choose one of the following options:

6.  Confirming internship placement

Both the student and supervisor agree to the general guidelines for the internship, as outlined in the primary activities and/or projects part of the internship confirmation form and detailed in the MSIM Internship Learning Objectives Agreement. In addition, the Supervisor confirms with their signature that they have been provided with the “MSIM Internship Information for Supervisors” summary sheet (either by the Student or the MSIM Academic Advisor). 

There are two internship confirmation forms located on the forms and templates page.  Depending on whether you are a first or second year student, you will choose the appropriate form for your circumstances.

7.  For International Students

Please visit this link for information about maintaining your visa status and obtaining work authorization that is required for your internship:  http://www.ischool.washington.edu/msim/intl_resources.aspx