What is LS 398?

LS 398 is an internship and supervised work-integrated learning experience related to the student's academic program of study with a clearly articulated academic component.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply specific content skills, concepts, and methods from field in internship.
  • Analyze connections between field and internship experiences, synthesizing discipline-specific challenges with practical applications.
  • Create clear, compelling oral and written final project that focuses on professional strengths and interests within discipline.
  • Formulate meaningful research questions to analyze personal and professional interests, with evidence-based solutions.

 

Getting Started

 

Step 1: Find Your Opportunity

  • Identify what interests you (research project, career exploration, community work)
  • Network with contacts or reach out to local organizations
  • Consider working with a professor on their research
  • Start early – this process can take weeks or months

 

Step 2: Find a Faculty Advisor

You need a faculty member to oversee your academic work. This should be someone who:

  • Has expertise in your area of interest
  • Is typically tenure-track faculty
  • Can assign and grade academic components
  • May or may not be in Liberal Studies

 

Tip: If your advisor is outside Liberal Studies and they offer internship courses (x98s), consider registering through their department instead.

 

Step 3: Plan Your Project

Work with your faculty advisor to create a work plan:

  • Learning objectives and outcomes
  • Required assignments (papers, research, journals, presentations)
  • Meeting schedule and check-ins
  • Total time commitment
  • 3 credits

 

How Credits Work

Formula: Total semester hours ÷ 45 = Credits

Time Breakdown Examples:

  • 1 Credit: ~45 total hours over the semester
  • 2 Credits: ~90 total hours over the semester
  • 3 Credits: ~135 total hours over the semester

 

What Counts as Hours:

  • Direct project work
  • Assignments and reading
  • Meetings with advisors/supervisors
  • Research time

 

Key People in Your Project

Faculty Project Advisor

  • Assigns and grades academic work
  • Provides academic oversight
  • Gives your final grade
  • Must ensure academic rigor

 

Project/Work Supervisor (if different from faculty advisor)

  • Oversees day-to-day work
  • Tracks your hours
  • Reports on your performance
  • Communicates with faculty advisor

 

Academic Requirements

Your project must include rigorous academic components such as:

  • Research papers (midterm and final)
  • Regular journal entries or reflections
  • Presentations or posters
  • Literature reviews
  • Creative projects with analysis

 

Important: You cannot get credit for work you're already doing at a paid job unless it's a special project outside your normal duties.

 

Registration Process

  1. Complete contract with faculty advisor and supervisor before semester starts
  2. Submit paperwork at least a few weeks before classes begin
  3. Ensure registration in correct department/program
  4. Follow up to confirm you're properly enrolled

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: I don't know any faculty. How do I find an advisor? A: Search the MSU website for your area of interest, contact relevant departments, or reach out to Liberal Studies for guidance.

 

Q: Can I work with my current employer? A: Only if it's a special project different from your regular job duties, and both your supervisor and faculty advisor agree it has academic merit.

 

Q: Can I skip the academic work since this is practical experience? A: No. MSU requires rigorous academic components for all credit-bearing experiences. You must complete assignments appropriate for an internship level experience.