Saint Martin's University

SMU home
Academics home
MAC program home
Current student home

Internship handbook

(Table of Contents)
Chpt 1: Introduction & prerequisites
Chpt 2: Basic definitions
Chpt 3: Starting search for an internship site
Chpt 4: Matching interests with sites
Chpt 5: Selecting an on-site supervisor
Chpt 6: To the supervisor
Chpt 7: Concept form
Chpt 8: Expectations
Chpt 9: Responsibilities
Chpt 10: Contract form
Chpt 11: The evaluation process
Chpt 12: Looking ahead: graduation & post-graduation

(Online Forms)
Internship "quiz"

Internship concept form

Internship contract form

Internship evaluation

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology ("MAC")

The MAC Internship Handbook:
Chapter 1: Introduction & prerequisites

Introduction to the Handbook

If you're reading this section of the MAC web page, you're either looking ahead (which is fine) or you're now ready for one of the most critical components of your graduate training - the internship experience. This MAC Internship Handbook discusses prerequisites for getting started, defines some basic terms, helps you choose an internship experience that will be right for you, and provides a list of previous internships completed by prior MAC students.

It discusses the "on-site supervisor" and helps you fill out the necessary forms. In addition, there is detailed information on MAC internship policies and procedures, how to set up an ideal internship contract, and information on the end-of-semester evaluations by the on-site supervisor.

Prerequisites for an Internship

It is mandatory to receive Degree Candidate Status prior to beginning an internship (click here for more info on how to receive this advanced standing).

Advancement to Degree Candidate Status is not the only requirement prior to beginning an internship. You need to have taken two more classes. In addition to the courses already required for Degree Candidate Status, students are required to have completed the following courses prior to enrolling in MAC 691: "Counseling Internship." Those classes are:

MAC 601: "Psychopathology"
MAC 602: "Assessment and Treatment Planning"

Some students wish to begin their internships as early in their program as possible. Often they wish to take advantage of a sudden internship opportunity or a shift in their job descriptions. Although some students have begun their internships early in their MAC experience in the past, this was never recommended and is no longer even possible. The internship represents the culmination of all the classes you have taken in the MAC Program. Students usually do not have sufficient training to get the most out of an internship until near the end of the Program. By the last two semesters of the MAC Program, students are well trained and confident in their abilities. In addition, it can be anti-cliMACtic to finish two semesters of internship and have to return for more class work. The internship provides a natural transition from the structure and safety of the classroom to the world of the professional workplace.

Note! Occasionally, students wish to begin their internships without having completed MAC 602: "Assessment and Treatment Planning." Permission to waive this requirement is rare — but has been granted in a few exceptional cases. If you wish such a waiver you must apply, in writing, and address the four mandatory conditions. Be sure to include a supportive letter from your proposed On-site Supervisor. The MAC faculty will consider the request and respond in writing.

The four mandatory conditions for being able to take MAC 602 at the same time as your internship are:

The nature of your internship is such that assessment and treatment planning skills are not a clear necessity for beginning this particular internship experience.
The On-site Supervisor is supportive of your beginning the internship without the training provided in MAC 602 and documents this support in a letter.
You have still completed 18 to 24 hours of coursework (other than MAC 602) and are prepared to take MAC 602 the next available time that it is offered.
You have demonstrated academic and/or clinical sophistication either by prior experience or in your performance in MAC coursework in the first 18 to 24 hours of the program.

Next Internship Chapter