Move To Semesters: Summer 2027 Internships

What does the move to semesters mean for internships and experiential learning for the summer of 2027?

  1. Career Engagement
  2. Experiential Learning
  3. Summer 2027 Internships

Move To Semesters: Frequently Asked Questions About Internships Summer 2027

Beginning in Summer 2027, Seattle University will transition from a quarter calendar to a semester calendar. This change aligns Seattle University with the academic calendar used by the vast majority of colleges and universities across the country and creates greater flexibility for internships, study abroad, research, and other experiential learning opportunities. This will also align the university to the current semester systems of the Cornish College of the Arts and the School of Law.

Overall, this transition is expected to create more opportunities, not fewer.

Many employers already structure internships around semester calendars or traditional summer schedules. The new academic calendar will better align Seattle University students with national recruiting timelines and internship start dates.

Following the conclusion of Spring 2027 term, most undergraduate students will have approximately 11 weeks between the end of spring classes and the beginning of fall semester; However, only eight (8) of those weeks will be instructional weeks for summer 2027.

This provides a dedicated summer period that is well aligned with many employer internship programs.

Yes. Many employers offer internships lasting 8-12 weeks, making the new schedule compatible with the majority of internship programs.

Both undergraduate and graduate students may also participate in:

  • Full-time summer internships
  • Part-time internships
  • Research experiences
  • Clinical, practicum, and field placements
  • Service-learning opportunities
  • Project-based experiences
  • Education Abroad and other global learning programs

Yes. Academic departments will continue determining whether internships qualify for academic credit based on their curriculum and program requirements. Students interested in receiving academic credit should consult with their academic advisor, internship coordinator and/or respective career office where applicable. For the summer of 2027 pay attention to dates of when the term ends and turn in anything that is due to earn the credit.

  • Albers School of Business & Economics = Albers Career Center
  • College of Humanities, Education & Social Sciences (formerly College of Arts & Sciences) = Pathways for Professional Formation

Students may continue working throughout the summer as they do today.

The summer break provides flexibility for internships, seasonal employment, research, volunteer experiences, travel, or other professional development opportunities.

Career Engagement and the Albers Career Center support a wide range of experiences beyond internships, including:

  • Undergraduate Research
  • Community engaged learning
  • Clinical and practicum experiences
  • Student employment
  • Job shadowing
  • Externships
  • Mentorship programs
  • Industry projects
  • Career treks and employer site visits

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

Career Engagement, Albers Career Center, Pathways to Professional Formation help students:

  • Search for internships
  • Prepare application materials
  • Practice interviewing
  • Connect with employers
  • Understand internship timelines
  • Explore experiential learning opportunities, including research, part-time roles and freelance opportunities.

Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to meet with a career coach or advisor early to plan for summer opportunities.

  • Students whose internships are tied to academic credit, course requirements, or specific curriculum timelines may need to adjust their internship schedules and registration plans. Curricular Practical Training (OPT) must be authorized by the university's Designated School Official (DSO) before employment begins.
  • For Optional Practical Training (OPT) Students should consult their DSO before making changes to their enrollment, internship schedule, anticipated graduation date, or employment plans.
  • All international students are advised to meet with their international advisor in the International Students and Scholars Center (ISSC) for the most up-to-date requirements to remain compliant with their student visa requirements.

We anticipate that career fair dates will shift by only a few weeks to align with the semester calendar, academic schedules, and employer recruiting cycles. For example, the fall career fair will likely take place in early to mid-September, while the spring career fair will likely be held in late January or early February. Exact dates have not yet been finalized, but they will be communicated well in advance to allow students and employers to plan accordingly.

Yes! Student employees are a valuable and important part of Seattle University's community through this transition and beyond.

Visit Seattle University's Move to Semesters website for the latest updates, timelines, and campus resources.

Career Support & Resources

Career Engagement at Seattle University is more than just an appointment to review a resume or search for a job. Career Engagement is a partnership between students and career professionals focused on self-discovery, career readiness, strategic planning, and achieving individual goals.
Career Engagement supports all Seattle University students across every college, school (except School of Law), major, and class year. Students can access personalized career coaching, career education, experiential learning opportunities, employer and alumni connections, and resources to help them explore possibilities, build career readiness, and confidently navigate their next steps.