Field Experience

As part of any program designed for licensure, you will have required field experiences (internship, student teaching, and/or other assignments in the classroom or school setting). This allows you to put into practice what you've learned in your course work so that you can acquire and refine specific skills under the close supervision of an experienced educator.

Time Commitment

The number of hours required for field experiences vary by program at Capella. You can expect to spend about 10–40 hours a week working at an approved site (during specific stages of the program). To prepare for success, you should start thinking about how you'll shift your personal and professional commitments to satisfy the requirements of your program. While some programs lend themselves to completing field experience through a current teaching position, others do not.

State Licensure Requirements

It's important that you know if your state requires a specific number of hours spent in a practicum or internship, and if so, how many hours are required. If your state requires more hours that what is required to graduate from your Capella program, you may be able to work with your advisor or faculty to complete additional hours. The availability of this option varies by program.

Capella University Support

You'll be responsible for identifying a potential field experience site and submitting an application that is evaluated by the program faculty. Many people complete field experiences with the school or district in which they’re currently employed. Whether you go this route or select a location that is new to you, Capella offers resources to help.

These resources, which include a suggested timeline for finding a site and strategies for identifying sites where others from Capella have completed their practicum or internship, are available to current students online. If you're not yet enrolled at Capella, ask an enrollment counselor for more information about field experience support.

The Capella Career Center is another great resource for students who want to:

Create an effective curriculum vitae, resume, or cover letter
Connect with potential site supervisors
Prepare for successful interviews

Ultimately, you're responsible for securing a field experience site that meets Capella's requirements, state licensing criteria, and your professional goals.

Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure and salary benefits. It is learners' responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their state.