COMMS 496R/399R
GETTING ACADEMIC CREDIT FOR YOUR INTERNSHIP
We want to make the internship process as easy as possible for you. Look below for information: on prerequisites for internship courses, the requirements for academic credit, tips for starting your internship, common questions about the internship class, and more!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I know if my internship counts for credit?
In short: your internship must be related to your emphasis (not sales), supervised by someone with a communications background, provide you with the hours necessary to receive credit, and not be directly with relatives. The graphic below outlines the exact requirements. If you’ve looked through this and still aren’t sure, feel free to email comms_internship@byu.edu to ask or schedule a time to meet with Nicole.
*Due to COIVD-19, remote work will also qualify for credit. Additionally, the minimum required hours to pass COMMS 496R is 168, not 280, and 42 hours to pass COMMS 399R, not 70.
What if my internship starts mid-semester?
You can start an internship at any time during the year. If you will not be able to complete the required number of hours (168 for COMMS 496R, 70 for COMMS 399R) during the semester you begin your internship, you may be eligible to receive a T-Grade (scroll up to “T-Grade Information” see the guidelines!). Be sure to reach out to our office through comms_internship@byu.edu to make the necessary arrangements.
What are the prerequisites for COMMS 496R?
Each emphasis has different prerequisites for COMMS 496R. Look at the graphic below to see what your emphasis requires!
Why won't the internship application let me apply for spring-summer when my internship will extend over both terms?
The system is set up so that you can only apply for spring OR summer. If your internship will extend over both semesters, register for spring term and talk to Nicole about getting a T-Grade so that you can continue the class through the summer.
What is the difference between Comms 496R and Comms 399R?
In short, COMMS 496R is required for graduation for NM, AD, and PR students. It’s a 4-credit class that requires 168 hours of work over the semester/term. COMMS 399R is required for graduation from the Comms Studies major, but is also available for students in any emphasis who may not yet be eligible for COMMS 496R. It is only 1-credit, and it requires 42 hours of work over the semester/term.
COMMS 496R
Quick Facts:
- This 4-credit class is designed for students who are nearing graduation in the Journalism, Advertising, or Public Relations emphases.
- Students must have completed the pre-requisites specific to their major.
- Students must be able to complete 168 hours at their internship.
- 20 hrs/wk during a semester
- 40 hrs/wk during a term
Typical Assignments:
- Learner’s Permit quiz about syllabus
- Seven internship reports detailing the things you are doing and learning.
- Read a book specific to your emphasis
- Final reflection paper
- Employer Evaluation
- Self Evaluation
- Portfolio/Resume
COMMS 399R
Quick Facts:
- This 1-credit class is designed for:
- Students who are graduating in Comms Studies (required).
- Students of any emphasis who are looking for internship experience early on.
- There are no prerequisites.
- Students must be able to complete at least 42 hours at their internship.
- 5+ hrs/wk during a semester
- 10+ hrs/wk during a term
Typical Assignments:
- Learner’s Permit quiz about syllabus
- Five internship reports detailing the things you are doing and learning.
- Final reflection paper
- Employer Evaluation
- Self Evaluation
FACULTY ADVISORS
SUMMER 2021
JOEL CAMPBELL
COMMS 496R SECTION 1
Journalism
JAMIE CURTIS
COMMS 496R SECTION 2
Advertising
AMEE ROCK
COMMS 496R SECTION 3
Public Relations
NICOLE NORRIS
COMMS 399R ALL SECTIONS
THINGS TO KNOW DURING MY INTERNSHIP
Notice: T-grades are given at the discretion of the department.
T-Grades are for students who are unable to finish their internship during the semester in which they started, typically because they started their internship late and aren’t able to complete their hours in the time. They are not a handout, and students needing them must take initiative to work with the internship coordinator and their faculty advisor to arrange it.
The internship guidelines provide great advice for how to get the most out of your internship! Turn to it before and during your internship to understand how to adapt to your new office, gain trust in the company, create opportunities, and solve problems.
For assistance with any of these procedures or forms, please contact us:
Internship & Career Services Office, 280 BRMB
Front Desk: (801) 422-5836 | comms_internship@byu.edu
Nicole Norris, Coordinator: (801) 422-6846 | nicole_norris@byu.edu
