Out-of-classroom, on-the-job field experiences are encouraged of all majors and minors. An experience linking the academic world and the work world can enable an advanced student to apply – in a practical way – understandings and abilities in a career-related position. Practica may be elected by majors and minors at any time and are available for one, two or three semester credits with on- or off-campus sponsors. They are repeatable to a maximum of four credits and may count only as general elective credit. Internship credits also count only as general elective credits. They are available only to seniors and must be taken only for 12 semester credits (requiring the internship to be the equivalent of a full-time position for an entire semester). Additionally, the internship option requires an overall 2.70 grade point average and a 3.00 grade point average in the major. The Department’s “Guide to the Preparation of Internships” serves as an outline of procedures and requirements for an internship. Students are permitted to seek their own positions for either option or to select one from the many opportunities already listed with regional communications organizations.