Economics Field Study Program

The deadline for winter 2019 field study applications was Friday, November 16, 2018.

We will begin accepting spring 2019 applications on Monday, November 19, 2019.  The deadline for spring 2019 field study applications is Friday, February 22, 2019.

Download the Field Study Application.

Field study is available every quarter for students to earn academic credit while working in the local community (Economics 193) or elsewhere (Economics 198) and earn credit for the Practice: Service Learning (PR-S) general education requirement. Field study provides students with a practical context in which they can integrate course material into work experience. Students work in a business setting where they are trained and supervised by a professional in their area of interest and an economics faculty member will sponsor them, providing guidance and encouraging them to blend the knowledge acquired in economics courses with the training they receive in the field placement. Field study is Pass/No Pass grading only.

Student requirements to be eligible

Interested?

Taking the FOCUS 2 career assessment is a good place to start with developing your internship interests. You are strongly encouraged to attend an orientation session and must apply the quarter before your field study begins, so plan ahead!

Common student questions

WHY SHOULD I DO FIELD STUDY?

Field study is valuable if you want to gain firsthand experience in the work place to clarify or further develop your career goals. It is an important addition to your resume and is helpful when applying to graduate schools and jobs after graduation. An internship can enhance personal qualities that are useful in professional life such as the ability to work independently, increased self-confidence, good judgment, perseverance, and reliability. 

WHERE WOULD I BE WORKING?

Placements are available at various locations in Santa Cruz and the wider Bay Area, in business areas including:

• Marketing and advertising agencies
• Accounting firms
• Human resource departments
• Consulting firms
• Government agencies
• Community non-profits
• Local businesses
• Research organizations

HOW DO I GET ACCEPTED TO FIELD STUDY?

You must apply the quarter before field study begins, so plan ahead! You can attend an orientation session designed to give you information about the field study program and help you select your area of interest. After attending the session, you will need to complete the Field Study Application. If selected, you will receive information from the field study coordinator about the process of finding a field placement, faculty sponsor, and enrolling for credit.  Approved students are responsible for searching, applying, and securing an internship before the following quarter.  If you are a F-1 international student, you will need to complete a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Request after securing an internship.

WHAT ARE THE FIELD STUDY ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS?

The following are required during the quarter enrolled in field study:

• 2-unit field study requires a minimum of 6 hours worked per week and 5-page paper
• 5-unit field study requires a minimum of 12 hours worked per week and 10-page paper
• 10-unit field study requires a minimum of 24 hours worked per week and 20-page paper
• Meet with faculty sponsor at least twice during the quarter
• Attend one mid-quarter meeting with the field study coordinator
• Complete the Mid-Quarter Questionnaire and Final Assessment of Field Placement forms

HOW LONG WILL MY FIELD STUDY LAST?

Field study is 10 weeks during the quarter you are enrolled in ECON 193 (retroactive credit for internships that have already been completed CANNOT be accepted). Placements that provide you with more in-depth experience may require a consecutive two-quarter commitment. Because of the demand for field study, you can only do two quarters (or 10 units total) during your time at UCSC.

HOW DO I APPLY?

You must apply the quarter before you want to do a field study internship!  Download the Field Study Application or paper applications can be picked up in Economics Department Engineering 2 Building Rm. 401.  Questions? Contact: econintern@ucsc.edu