Internship (Experiential Learning)

Three-credit internships are permitted in Fall, Wintersession, Spring, and Summer. Credit bearing internships are taken for a minimum of 100 hours total.

Eligibility & Credit Limits

Undergraduate Students:

• Eligible after completing the first year for Fall, Wintersession, or Spring internships; Summer internships are permitted after the sophomore year.

• To earn credit for a Summer internship, students must be enrolled for the following Fall semester. 

• Must have a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA.

• Note: Architecture students fulfilling professional internship requirements should refer to the Architecture department internship requirement, ARCH 2199 for more information.

• May apply up to six internship credits toward their degree. Students should plan carefully and enroll within the credit limits outlined for each term. 

Graduate Students:

• Eligible once their program begins.

• To earn credit for a Summer internship, students must be enrolled for the following Fall semester.

• Must have a minimum 3.00 GPA.

• May take up to three internship credits, unless otherwise required by the department. Exception: Teaching + Learning in Art + Design may allow six credits.

International Students (F-1 Visa)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) work authorization is required for students who are are physically inside the US for any length of time while working on their internship. CPT is not required if students are physically outside the US for the entire duration of the internship.

• Must be enrolled full-time for one full academic year to be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) work authorization.  

  • Undergraduate Students: Please note many departments may not approve an internship for academic credit until a student has completed at least 1-2 semesters in the major.  Students should consult with their academic department.

  • Transfer Students: Time spent at a prior institution with an F-1 SEVIS record may be counted towards this requirement as long as the SEVIS record has been continuously  active. Contact issa@risd.edu with any questions.

• Must have a declared major and the internship must be directly related to the major.

• If a student has returned to RISD from a leave of absence, typically, one full academic year of continuous full-time enrollment must follow before eligibility resumes. Contact issa@risd.edu for more information.

• Must obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization before the internship begins.

  • Apply via the Terra Dotta portal (Control Center).

  • Contact International Student & Scholar Affairs (ISSA) for assistance.

• To receive credit for a Summer internship, a student must also be registered at RISD the following Fall term.

Registration & Deadlines

Students should register via ArtWorks by deadlines listed in the Academic Calendar. Students may not retroactively register for internships after the semester has passed. Students must be enrolled in the internship during the semester in which the credit is sought. Exceptions will not be considered to retroactively add internships after the semester has passed.

• Complete the Internship Registration & Agreement form in ArtWorks.

  • Obtain departmental approval for internships taken for credit.

  • International students must secure CPT authorization.

Evaluation & Grading

Internships utilize a Pass/Fail grading basis. Evaluations are submitted online in ArtWorks by both the student and employer supervisor near the end of the term. Once complete, the instructor of record assigns the final grade based on these evaluations.

Career Center Support

The Career Center collaborates with departments to help students find meaningful internships. Students are encouraged to start early and refer to the Student Internship Info page for additional guidance.

2025-2026 Deadlines