Abstract
This article explores the perspectives of university administrators toward internship programs in the communication arts and sciences. Despite the prevalence of faculty and student viewpoints in prior literature, administrators’ attitudes had not been systematically studied. Using a survey of deans and higher-level administrators across U.S. institutions, the study examined the presence, structure, and perceived value of internship programs. Results indicated widespread adoption of undergraduate internships, particularly in speech communication, journalism, and drama/theatre, with more limited offerings at the graduate level. Administrators valued internships primarily for providing opportunities to apply theory in practice, improve employability, and build professional networks. They emphasized the importance of selectivity in student placement, active faculty cultivation of sites, and frequent faculty-student interaction as key factors in program quality. Evaluation practices tended to prioritize worksite performance over academic assignments, with a preference for credit/no credit grading and shared responsibility between site supervisors and faculty. Overall, administrators supported the flexibility of internship programs but resisted uniformity in policies across campuses.
Recommended Citation
Hellweg, Susan A.
(1987)
"Running an Intern Program: An Administrative View,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 60, Article 13.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol60/iss1/13
