Internship FAQ

A: SOCI 410 is an option for the capstone required for all students majoring in Sociology. The mandatory classroom seminar complements the applied field component and includes discussions of organizational models, conflict resolution, ethics, confidentiality, career options, resume writing and interview skills. Discussion themes incorporate a multidisciplinary perspective.

• Class meets weekly online on Friday morning from 8:15 to 9:30 am.
• At least 100 hours of field work must be completed
• SOCI 410 is taken in your senior year at Montclair

A: This course is an option for the required capstone course. It provides you with experience in the field. It gives you experience in a setting consistent with your course of study. It helps to build your resume with related experience. It provides you with the ability to network in a professional setting.

A: SOCI 410 is taken in your senior year at MSU. SOCI 410 is offered during the Spring semester.

A: The following deadlines are firm as it takes significant time to process and place applicants. Failure to submit on-time will most likely result in having to take SOCI 410 the following semester. It is encouraged to submit your application early.

• The application deadline for this course is November 15th.

A: There are several requirements for SOCI 410.

Students must complete the core courses and achieve a C- or better prior to their placement semester in order to be eligible for SOCI 410:

• SOCI 201: Foundations of Sociological Inquiry
• SOCI 240: Social Statistics
• SOCI 301: Research Methods
• SOCI 313: Sociological Theory: A Critical Analysis (recommended)

Students applying for SOCI 410 for the spring semester must complete all the prerequisites by the previous fall semester. Courses taken during the Winter Session do not factor into eligibility for the spring semester.

A: SOCI 410 will be discussed at all first year and transfer orientations. SOCI 410 is listed as an option to the requirement for your major on your Degree Audit.

A: The application for SOCI 410 can be found on the Internship Information page or directly via the Google Form. The application is an online form and must be completed in one sitting.

A: You can preview the application on the SOCI 410 Information page under “Internship Applications” when the applications are live.

A: After submitting the online application, you should receive a confirmation message and an email with your submitted responses immediately. If you do not receive these, your application may not have been successfully submitted and you should follow up with Professor Ruszczyk.

A: Within 5-7 business days of submitting your application, you will receive an email from Dr. Ruszczyk with next steps pending if your application was approved or denied. It is your responsibility to check your Montclair email for updates regarding SOCI 410.

A: If your application is approved, you will need to schedule an internship meeting with Dr. Ruszczyk within two weeks of being notified that your application was accepted. At your meeting, you will discuss internship site preferences and how to apply. It may be your responsibility to apply and you will need to follow through and follow up with internship sites of interest. Many internship applications have deadlines and failure to apply by appropriate deadlines will jeopardize your candidacy.

A: You will need to bring a copy of your resume and Degree Audit from Degree Works in NEST.

A: Some internships require extensive background checks that can take 6-9 months (i.e. federal internships). If you are interested in a federal internship or other site that may have an earlier application deadline, please contact Dr. Ruszczyk well in advance to discuss these options.

A: Dr. Ruszczyk cannot guarantee placement at any site, or at a specific location. At all times, students are encouraged to remain vigilant about finding a placement, as SOCI 410 is a degree requirement, and it is ultimately your responsibility to complete all requirements (at all stages) for this course. Final decisions for internships are made by the site based on background clearance, strength of your resume, and interview.

A: Internship requirements will be reviewed in detail during the placement meeting, but in general, internships must be a minimum of 100 hours of work and 10 weeks during Spring semesters. Internships will be related to Sociology, have a direct professional supervisor, and be an ongoing meaningful learning experience.

A: Yes, you may be able to use your current place of employment for SOCI 410 if the position meets the minimum requirements of a Sociology internship. All self-placements will need to be approved by Dr. Ruszczyk.

A: SOCI 410 is an option for the Degree requirement. Either SOCI 410 or SOCI 400 is required for all students majoring in Sociology.

A: You will need to check with Dr. Ruszczyk to discuss why you may need to change placements and if your new placement is approved.