Consult the Practicum Overview and Key Responsibilities and Practicum Success Plan webpages to successfully enroll in and complete the Practicum Program.
This page provides the answers to some additional frequently asked questions about the Practicum Program and related topics.
In order to participate:
- You must be a declared major in either the College of Arts and Sciences, Weatherhead School of Management, or the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing.
- You must have a GPA of 2.5 or greater and be in good academic standing.
- You must have completed 60 credit hours before starting your assignment (30 completed credit hours for a transfer student).
- You must be able to work full-time or part-time for a minimum of 11 consecutive weeks (six consecutive weeks for early identification programs and first-year international students).
- You must be eligible to work in the country of placement.
- International students are eligible to work via curricular practical training (CPT).
By participating in the Practicum program, you can sharpen your skills, develop a professional network, assess your strengths and test classroom theories in a real-world setting. There will never be a better time in your life to explore your intended career path and reflect on your academic learning. Students who participate in the Practicum program:
- Gain practical knowledge
- Enhance academic knowledge
- Explore and clarify career goals
- Develop written and oral communication skills
- Promote personal and professional growth
- Acquire job search skills
- Establish professional connections with employers
- Improve career possibilities upon graduation
No. The Career Center will provide guidance and resources for you to consider as you search for an opportunity. There are ways to maximize your chances of gaining a position participating in this program, such as producing a high quality resume and perfecting interviewing techniques.
Review the steps included on the Practicum Success Plan webpage.
Take full advantage of your Handshake account. You can review employers and job postings in Handshake, create a search alert based on your career interests, view upcoming events, and connect with your peers. Use the Alumni Career Network and LinkedIn to start developing your professional network and set up informational interviews. Unsure how to get started? Schedule an appointment with a career consultant to discuss your search strategy.
Your practicum faculty advisor will meet with you to discuss program requirements, assist you with developing your learning objectives, and offer guidance and support throughout your practicum. Your practicum faculty advisor should be someone whose guidance and advice you trust. Also, consider someone that could provide helpful insight into your field or career path. Consider courses you've enjoyed and faculty you've interacted with at events in your major, college or school.
We have a script available to help you reach out to a prospective faculty advisor for your practicum.
You are not charged tuition for Practicum. You are charged an administrative fee of $150 for a part-time opportunity and $300 for a full-time opportunity. The fee will be billed directly to your account.
Merit scholarships are deferred until you return to campus for credit-bearing coursework. Need-based aid is canceled for the term(s) of your Practicum and you apply for aid for the semesters of regular enrollment following the application requirements and deadlines listed on the University Financial Aid website. No financial assistance from any source is available while on your Practicum assignment.
You are encouraged to meet with the Office of University Financial Aid prior to registering for Practicum to discuss your unique scholarship and financial aid situation.
If you have your own insurance coverage, you may elect to waive the CWRY Medical Plan by completing and returning the Medical Plan waiver form to University Health Services. While on practicum, you are considered a full-time student and are automatically eligible to use the services provided by University Health and Counseling Services. If you have questions about the CWRU Medical Plan, please contact University Health Services.
While enrolled in Practicum, students may live at home, remain on-campus or find housing near their assignment. If you choose to live on campus, the Office of University Housing will bill you for room and board. The Office of University Housing prepares mailings twice a year for practicum students that are on assignments. The information pertains to on-campus housing arrangements when you return from your practicum assignment. Generally, this information is sent out in February and November.
Review the information on the Practicum Overview and Key Responsibilities webpage and follow the step-by-step instructions on the Practicum Success Plan webpage.
*Enrollment is defined as registering for the course on SIS by the semester enrollment deadline (dates listed below).
Students interested in Practicum should enroll during the semester prior to the semester in which they wish to work. To begin enrollment contact the Practicum Coordinator at least 3 weeks prior to internship/practicum start date. Enrollment must be completed no later than the late registration and drop/add deadline or at the Practicum Coordinator's descretion. If this is your first time enrolling in practicum, you must meet with the Practicum Coordinator prior to starting the enrollment process.
Check webpage for updated deadlines
To start your Practicum search, make an appointment with a career and internship consultant or contact the Career Center at 216.368.4446.
When you receive your offer and are ready to start the enrollment process, please make a Practicum appointment in My Journey with Emily Weaver, International Student Career Specialist.