Frequently Asked Questions about the Anthropology Internship and Research Practicum

Have questions about experiences in anthropology? Below are the answers to some of the most common questions. If you have additional questions that we didn鈥檛 answer, please contact Dr. Susan Kirkpatrick Smith.

General Questions

  • Yes. Your advisor can help you figure out how both an internship and research experience can fit in to your educational plan

  • In addition to this site and your professors, we strongly recommend that you these two things:

    1. . Throughout the year, the SAC offers a wide range of opportunities for you to get experience in outreach, leadership, and other transferable skills. The easiest way to build up your resume is to take advantage of these many opportunities! Faculty members often advertise new course offerings and research opportunities with the club, so you鈥檒l be the first to know. Plus, SAC meetings usually have free food.
    2. on social media. Faculty members use these platforms to advertise their courses, research and field schools, and jobs/internships they come across.
  • Attend one of the internship and practicum information sessions held each fall and spring semester. Contact Dr. Susan Kirkpatrick Smith for details about the information meeting.
  • If you are an anthropology major, you must complete 3 credit hours of ANTH 3397 (practicum) or ANTH 3398 (internship). However, we strongly encourage you to get as many experiences as you can during your time at KSU! Most of those experiences will not be for credit, and thus you won鈥檛 have to pay for them.

Internship Questions

  • Many internship programs open their application window six months to a year before you will actually intern. At a minimum, you need to start inquiring about opportunities at the start of the semester prior to the one in which you want to register. For example, if you want to do an internship in the spring semester, you need to start the process of looking for one in September.
  • You can complete an internship during any semester.

  • If you are doing an internship for credit, you cannot work directly for a family member. However, you can work at the same organization. You will just need to have a supervisor who is not your family member. 

    If your internship is not for credit, you can work for a family member.

  • Yes, and we encourage it! 
  • Yes, if your current job is at an organization appropriate for internships. Your supervisor must be able to provide you with 150 hours of new tasks and responsibilities that allow you to gain new skills.
  • Yes, as long as you find an appropriate placement and a willing supervisor. A field school is a good example of an international internship. Taking a study abroad class does not count as an internship. When setting up an internship abroad, make sure you plan for a way to communicate with the Internship Coordinator from overseas. Check out the KSU Education Abroad Office to get started.
  • Yes, if it is approved by the internship coordinator. Contact Dr. Susan Kirkpatrick Smith for assistance.
  • Yes, you can complete your required 150 hours at the pace that works best for you. However, you must still complete the required assignments for the course and continue to communicate with the Internship Coordinator.
  • Contact Dr. Susan Kirkpatrick Smith to discuss your idea.

Research Practicum Questions

  • While anthropology faculty have lots of exciting research, they also have lots of other responsibilities. At a minimum, you need to start inquiring about opportunities at the start of the semester prior to the one in which you want to register. For example, if you want to do an practicum in the spring semester, you need to start the process of connecting with a professor in the fall.
  • You can complete a practicum during any semester that a faculty member is available to take you.
  • Many students help faculty with their research for no credit. Reach out to the faculty member you want to work with and they can let you know if they have any projects you can join.