An internship can have a significant impact on your lifetime success.
Arizona graduates who have participated in an internship report greater confidence in career-readiness skills, higher four-year graduation rates and even higher starting salaries! Meet with an SECD internship coach to learn more about how to prepare, search and apply.
Students who participate in an internship during their academic career are up to 2x more likely to report full-time employment after graduation - 3x more likely for first-generation Wildcats! - as compared to graduates who did not complete an internship.
PSIO 393 Physiology Internship Course (1-3 units)
This internship course allows Physiology majors and minors to earn academic credit while gaining hands-on experience in a professional setting. Students work with an employer or organization in their field of study while also completing academic requirements such as reflections, reports, or projects. This course connects classroom learning with real-world application, helping students build skills, expand their network, and strengthen their career readiness.
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled at the University of Arizona as a major or minor in Physiology and Medical Sciences.
- Have a Physiology-related internship opportunity already set up. *Click here to learn what qualifies as a Physiology-related internship.
- Request an Internship Work Plan and fill out and sign the electronic Internship Work Plan with your site supervisor. *The Internship Work Plan also serves as the application.
Summary of Enrollment Process
Before you apply for internship credit, set up an appointment with your academic advisor to make sure internship credit fits into your program of study. There is a limit for student engagement (non-lecture style) credit that may count towards the PSIO major requirements.
Spring 2026 Applications Are Live – Apply Today!
Request Internship Work Plan
Interns work 45 hours for each unit of internship credit. You'll need 135 hours of internship work for 3 units (one class), which is about 9-10 hours a week during a semester. The hours a week will differ for summer, depending on the total weeks available, as long as they reach 45 total hours per credit.
In addition to internship hours, weekly journal entries and some academic assignments are required to earn credit for PSIO 393.
You must pay tuition and registration fees for internship credits. Consult the Tuition and Fees Calculator to determine the charges for your internship credits.
Credit awarded for PSIO 393 is graded Satisfactory/Pass/Fail. Students receive credit for the internship upon successful completion of the internship hours and academic assignments. They should discuss with their academic advisor how this credit will apply to their degree plan. S/P/F grade does not impact a student’s GPA calculation.
- Apply for a Summer Impact Scholarship to cover the costs of an unpaid or underpaid summer internship.
- Questions about financial aid or summer aid? Contact The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to learn more.
- The Big 7- Seven Steps to A Paid Internship
- Handshake: The University of Arizona’s job and internship portal
- College of Medicine, Comprehensive Education Center- Career Coaching
- Attend Career Events
- Take PSIO 395A and PSIO 395B to explore career and internship opportunities
- Internship Checklist (for students who are searching)
- Build Functional Skills and Build Your Network
- Internship Application Tracker (A helpful tool from Student Engagement and Career Development)
Ready to turn your passion into experience? Check out our featured physiology-related internships- opportunities designed to help you build skills, grow your resume, and explore exciting career paths. Don’t just study physiology- live it!
*UAccess log in is required
Q: Why can’t I enroll in PSIO 393 through UAccess?
A: PSIO 393 requires an approved Internship Work Plan and departmental consent. Once both are approved, the department will enroll you- students cannot add the course on their own.
Q: What’s the Difference Between Volunteering and an Internship?
A: An internship is typically structured, supervised, and directly connected to your academic or career goals. It focuses on skill-building, hands-on training, and professional development in a specific field. Some internships may even count for academic credit. Volunteering is usually centered on providing service to a community or organization without the formal training component. It’s often more flexible and may not be directly tied to your career field, but it’s a great way to give back, explore interests, and gain transferable skills.
In short:
- Internship = career-focused training and experience
- Volunteering = community-focused service and contribution
Q: When should I start my internship search?
A: Start your search at least 3–6 months before you want to intern—some deadlines come early!
Q: Can I still earn credit for a paid internship?
A: Yes! You can earn credit for a paid or unpaid internship. View Internship Guidelines for paid and unpaid internships here.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Physiology Internship Coordinator, Monique Peña at monique3@arizona.edu
Interesting in becoming an internship host with Physiology? We market your internship!