The Social Science Internship Program (SSIP) aims to provide 4 – 16-month practical degree-related experience in a paid, employment setting. All students enrolled in an Honours Specialization, Specialization or Major in the Faculty of Social Science at Western University are eligible to enroll in the Social Science Internship Program.
Students must also satisfy the eligibility requirements which are to: (i) have at least a 70% average on their previous 5.0 courses; (ii) have completed at least 5.0 credits at Western University; and (iii) be in good standing with their Department or program module as appropriate.
Students interested in the Social Science Internship Program should apply through Western Connect (http://connect.uwo.ca). Students enrolled in a 15.0-credit or 20.0-credit degree program may apply for short-term (4 month) internship in the fall term of their second, third or fourth year of study. Students enrolled in a 20.0-credit degree program may apply for long-term (8-16 month) internship in the fall term of their third year of study. Additional opportunities may include an internship work term between years four and five of an eligible academic program, or between years one and year two of a second degree.
Students who meet the academic eligibility criteria will be required to attend preparatory workshops and meet other requirements included in Social Science 3995A/B/Y and Social Science 3994 prior to their work term. Students who are successful in securing a short-term (4 month) internship will pay an internship fee and receive 0.5 credit for Social Science 3995A/B/Y upon successful completion of the work term. Students who are successful in securing a long-term (8-16 month) internship will pay an internship fee and receive 1.0 credit for Social Science 3994 upon successful completion of the work term. Students who are not successful in securing an internship will be withdrawn from Social Science 3995A/B/Y or Social Science 3994 without academic penalty and will not be liable for the administrative fee.
During their work term, students will be registered in one of four courses depending on the length of the internship:
Social Science 3990A/B/Y – Internship: Work Term (4 month)
Social Science 3991 - Internship: Work Term (8 month)
Social Science 3992 - Internship: Work Term (9-12 month)
Social Science 3993 - Internship: Work Term (13-16 month)
International students who meet the requirements to participate in the themed program must secure a valid co-op work permit regardless of the timing and length of the internship.
Following the work term, students will complete a final assignment and presentation. A grade of pass/fail will be assigned to each of the course components completed as part of the themed program.
Students who qualify to receive a continuing scholarship in the academic year in which they participate in the Social Science Internship Program are permitted to defer receipt of the scholarship for one year.
Students may not take any academic courses during the internship work term courses, unless granted special permission by the Associate Dean (Undergraduate), Faculty of Social Science. Only those students with a cumulative average of at least 75% should apply for special permission.
For additional information, please visit https://www.ssc.uwo.ca/undergraduate/InternshipsSocialScience/InternshipInformationStudents/index.html.