One of the distinguishing characteristics of the Cornerstone collegiate experience is completion of at least one internship. Recognizing that the classroom can never fully duplicate real-life circumstances, Cornerstone University requires students in every major complete either an internship, or for those students enrolled in social work or teacher education, a practicum or student teaching, respectively. Students have completed local internships with organizations including Alpha Women’s Center, Kentwood Community Church, Gerald R. Ford Museum, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Kellogg, Our Daily Bread and WOOD-TV 8. Interns have also worked across the United States and around the world.

The internship policy states:

• Up to six (6) internship credit hours may be taken each semester.
• A maximum of twelve (12) internship credit hours may be applied toward the 120 hours required for graduation.
• No more than six (6) credit hours are allowed in any one internship experience unless additional hours are required in specific degree programs.
• One credit hour will be awarded for a minimum of 40 clock hours worked at the internship site.  These hours must be completed within the first day and last day of the semester.  Students should log no more than 40 hours within a seven day period throughout the internship experience.
• Additional credits beyond the major requirements will be applied as general elective credit only and not applied to major GPA.
• Students taking two majors must complete an internship in each major.

To register for an internship, a student must:

1. Follow the instructions listed in the resources section on Handshake (cornerstone.joinhandshake.com) or contact career@cornerstone.edu.
2. Have completed 58 or more credits (junior status) or 30 credits for any two-year program.
3. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.