The School encourages graduate students in all MS and PhD programs to pursue internships to enhance their educational and professional development.

Possible Internship Settings:

• Pharmaceutical industry
• Regulatory agencies (e.g., FDA, CDC)
• Hospitals and clinical research centers
• Academic research institutions

While the Department does not formally arrange or endorse specific internships, relevant opportunities may be shared with students. Students are responsible for identifying and securing their own internships.

Eligibility:

• Complete substantial coursework prior to the internship
• Obtain written approval from both their project or dissertation advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS)
• Limit participation to one internship during the duration of the degree program
• Internships often delay academic progress. Students are strongly discouraged from pursuing internships during the academic year.
• Students must complete the internship approval form, obtain signatures from their advisor, and submit the form to the Departmental Office. The form will be placed in the student’s academic file.

Additional Guidance for PhD Students:

• PhD students receiving stipends through industrial collaborations may be required to conduct research at the sponsor site as part of their program.
• The departmental PhD stipend will be suspended during any off-site internship period.

International Students:

International students must consult UB International Student Services (ISS) before accepting any internship. This includes securing:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization
• Documentation for visa compliance
• Appropriate work authorization

Registration and Credit: 

With formal course registration, a pre-determined syllabus, and departmental approval, students may receive elective credit through PHC 615/616.