Internships

Internship (RTM 494C for undergrads; RTM 693B for grads) is a requirement for the Tourism and Recreation Management degree. Enrollment is by permission number and students must have an approved internship to be given permission to enroll. RTM 490 is a pre-requisite for RTM 494C.

Internship hours cannot begin until 1) a contract is initiated between the agency and the university; 2) all related forms are submitted; and 3) the internship packet is approved by the internship course instructor. Review the internship policies and procedures thoroughly.
Undergraduate students are required to enroll in 2 sections of RTM 494C for a total of 6 units of internship. A minimum of 200 hours must be completed for each section, for a total of 400 or more internship hours. Graduate students must complete a minimum of 300 hours for RTM 693B.

 
Internship orientation is mandatory for all undergraduate students. The department offers two orientation sessions during the fall and spring semesters. Be on the lookout for an email announcing the orientation dates each semester as attendance is mandatory. 

Internship Paperwork Deadlines - All pre-internship paperwork must be submitted to the Internship Instructor by the date indicated to enroll in internship for the following semester.

  • December 15th for Spring Semester
  • July 15th for Fall Semester
  • May 1st for Summer Semester

If you are planning to intern in another country the deadline is one month earlier e.g. November 15th for the spring semester.

Undergraduate Internship

Internship Policies and Procedures (PDF)

  1. Internship-request-agreement (PDF)
  2. CSUN_internship-orientation-confirmation-form (PDF)
  3. CSUN_internship-guidelines-risk (PDF)
  4. CSUN_internship-waiver_(PDF)
  5. CSUN_internship-site-self-assessment-form (PDF)
  6. Site assessment explanation sheet (PDF)
  7. CSUN_student-authorization-privately-owned-vehicle (PDF)
  8. RTM_internship learning plan (PDF)

Graduate Internship

  1. Internship Request Agreement Form (PDF)
  2. CSUN_internship-orientation-confirmation-form (PDF)
  3. CSUN_internship-waiver (PDF)
  4. CSUN_internship-site-self-assessment-form (PDF)
  5. Site assessment explanation sheet (PDF)
  6. CSUN_student-authorization-privately-owned-vehicle (PDF)
  7. RTM grad internship learning plan (PDF)
  8. Check undergraduate internship policies and procedures for additional information: Internship Policies and Procedures (PDF)

  • Self Enroll in Internship Canvas Course:  https://canvas.csun.edu/enroll/WRPABP.
  • Attend the Internship Orientation Meeting. 
  • Give a copy of Degree Progress Report (DPR) to the Internship Coordinator who will then verify internship eligibility.
  • Develop a set of learning objectives (SMART) for the Internship experience.
  • Set up appointments with Agency Supervisor(s) to discuss the feasibility of completing Internship assignments.
  • Once the internship site has been selected, complete the LEARNING PLAN with the Agency Supervisor.
  • Confirm the existence of a general agreement between the agency and CSUN for internship placement (http://www.csun.edu/sites/default/files/purch-Internship-Complete-List.pdf).
  • The LEARNING PLAN must be completed prior to BEGINNING HOURS.
  • The student is expected to follow the policies and duties outlined by the Agency Supervisor, and meet all scheduled commitments and arrangements made in conjunction with the training assignments.
  • The student is expected to perform work assignments to the best of their ability while becoming an integral and participating member of the Agency’s staff and conducting oneself in a professional manner at all times in contacts with staff and clientele.
  • Review the internship policies and procedures thoroughly. 

Recently approved or currently active Internship Sites for RTM majors:

Confirm the existence of a general agreement between the agency and CSUN for internship placement here.

Check for pending agreements with agencies here.

Check the listing of your agency on the approved CSUN list. If not previously approved then request approval. Internship agreement request form is available in the internship paperwork.