HDFS 209 and HDFS 410... What's the difference?
HDFS 209 - Introductory Internship (3 Credits). HDFS 209 is our intro-level internship, and the goal of this experience is to learn primarily through observation. Because most students participating in HDFS 209 are freshmen and sophomores, internship site supervisors should assume that they have no prior experience in the field, and only minimal knowledge from one or two years of classroom learning. Students in the Family Consumer Sciences, Gerontology, and Human Services options must take HDFS 209, preferably during their first or second year. HDFS 209 requires 90 hours of work on-site (approximately 9 hours per week during a ten week term). Please note that ED 309 cannot be substituted for HDFS 209. For information about the specific assignments and grading criteria, you may download the HDFS 209 Syllabus using Word or Acrobat.
HDFS 410 - Advanced Internship (3-15 Credits). HDFS 410 is our advanced level internship, and the goal of this experience is not only to learn through observation, but also to acquire hands-on experience working in the field. Because students participating in HDFS 410 are juniors and seniors, internship site supervisors should assume that they have some prior experience in the field, and advanced knowledge from three or four years of classroom learning. HDFS 410 is required for students in the Family Consumer Sciences (9 credits), Gerontology (9 credits), and Human Services (9 credits) options. HDFS 410 requires 30 hours of work on-site per credit. Your internship site for HDFS 410 must be different from your internship site for HDFS 209, or require different responsibilities if you choose to work within the same agency. Please note that ED 309 cannot be substituted for HDFS 410. For information about the specific assignments and grading criteria, you may download the HDFS 410 Syllabus using Word or Acrobat.
You may take up to 18 credits of internship courses in HDFS, and most of our students opt to do so. HDFS 410 can be taken more than once.
The assignments for both courses are identical. You are required to complete weekly writing assignments that are sent to you via e-mail. Your supervisor will also be asked to complete a mid-term evaluation and a final evaluation of your performance. Your grade will be based on your completion of the weekly writing assignments and your supervisor's evaluations. Final course grades are assigned on a Pass/NoPass basis.
