Experiential Learning
Academic Internships
CSUN's Undergraduate Academic Internships provide students with exciting opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world applications. The program offers placements across a wide range of industries, allowing participants to gain hands- on experience and develop essential professional skills. Each internship is thoughtfully aligned with the student’s academic major and career aspirations, offering meaningful engagement, valuable networking opportunities, and a strong foundation for success in a competitive job market.
Academic Internship Policy (Undergraduate)
Internship Forms
Internship Learning Plan and Internship Waiver
Both the Internship Learning Plan and Internship Waiver should be completed by students. The learning plan is to be signed by the student intern, site supervisor, and faculty/course supervisor.
Internship Agreement Request Form
This is an electronic form for faculty to complete to request Procurement to initiate an Internship/Service Learning Agreement.
Internship Site Self Assessment Form
This form is to be completed as soon as possible once the student has selected an internship assignment.
Internship Orientation Confirmation Form
This form is to be completed as soon as possible once the student has participated in an internship orientation.
Open the Internship dropdown list and select "Completed" to view a list of approved organizations.
Faculty can complete the Request to Initiate an Internship Agreement form to start the process of establishing a new internship site.
Academic Internships not using the S4 Database
CSUN encourages students to participate in meaningful internships in the community that are directly related to their course of study. While these student placements come with associated risks, campus departments can help ensure students enjoy safe and rewarding off-campus learning experiences by following certain risk management procedures.
An effective internship plan is designed to enhance the student’s fieldwork experience and provide best practices that minimize risk and liability. To achieve such a plan, departments should:
- Ensure that faculty and students understand their roles and responsibilities.
- Select and contract with the best fieldwork sites available.
- Understand and apply risk reduction techniques. Credit bearing internships taking place at approved sites allow for Student Professional Liability Insurance to be included in the package.
CSU S4 Database
California State University, Northridge has adopted the CSU S4 Database for managing off-campus activities for Biology and Geology Field Trips, English 494 Internships, and Service Learning courses. S4 manages students' off-campus placements, processes the approval of community organization, and collects students risk management forms and evaluations.
Currently, English 494 faculty and students are successfully using the S4 Database. Faculty interested in using the S4 Database for their academic internship courses can contact Micah Alvord at micah.alvord@csun.edu in Undergraduate Studies for more information. Early adopters of the database will have the opportunity to offer vital feedback on the pros and cons that will have direct impact on improvements in version three of the S4 Database, set to be implemented in 2021.
Academic Field Trips
Information on Academic Field Trips (AFT) that are not using the S4 Database can be found on the Risk Management Page.
Academic Field Trips using the CSU S4 Database
California State University, Northridge has adopted the CSU S4 Database for managing off-campus activities for Biology and Geology Field Trips, English 494 Internships, and Service Learning courses. S4 manages students' off-campus placements, processes the approval of community organization, and collects students risk management forms and evaluations.
Currently piloting the use of S4 are faculty from the Biology and Geology departments. Faculty interested in becoming a participant in our pilot program, please contact Micah Alvord, S4 Database Analyst, at micah.alvord@csun.edu.
- Login to S4 to view your placements/options/forms to complete. Use your CSUN user name and password.
- S4 Student Guide (.pdf). - how to use the S4 Academic Field Trip system
- Login to S4 to view your field trip classes, make placements, and view student forms. Use your CSUN user name and password.
- S4 Faculty Guide (.pdf) - how to use the S4 Academic Field Trip System
- Field Trip Site Approval Form (.pdf) - required if site has not been approved previously
- Field Trip Guidelines
- Trip Leader Checklist
- Field Trip Driving Requirements
- Transportation Requirements
- Field Trip FAQ's
Service Learning
Also known as Community-Based Learning, CSUN’s Service Learning program integrates academic coursework with meaningful community engagement, fostering a reciprocal relationship between students and local organizations. Founding on the four core principles of Community Empowerment, Civic Responsibility, Reflection, and Experience, this innovative approach to education allows students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world challenges, thereby enhancing students’ experience to not only be academically proficient but also socially responsible and equipped with practical skills to make meaningful contributions to their communities. By combining rigorous academic study with impactful service, Service Learning at CSUN prepares graduates to lead with empathy, engage with diverse perspectives, and drive positive change in a rapidly evolving world.
Want to make an impact while earning academic credit? Visit our Student page to explore service learning courses, opportunities, and how to get involved!
Looking to incorporate Service Learning into your course? Visit our Grant Opportunities page to get started!
Ready to make an impact together? Apply to partner with us!