FAQ

How competitive are the programs?

While all of our programs are competitive, our San Francisco program receives the most applications each semester. We are limited in the number of students we accept to each program, as keeping the total number of student low ensures a well-rounded and personalized experience.

Do you have a program in the summer or during J-term?

We currently do not. If you are looking for a summer internship, the Altman Internship Program provides great opportunities in Cincinnati, Chicago and San Francisco.

What day does the program start and end?

Student internships begin on the first day of class for the semester, and end on the last day of class. Move-in will take place during the week before internships begin, and move-out will take place the Sunday following the last day of classes. Please note that move-out occurs before finals week, allowing graduating students to return to Oxford to participate in graduation events and ceremonies.

Is there a way to split time between the three program cities?

No. You can participate in one program each semester, but you can participate in more than one program during your college career. We have seen students participate twice successfully, but students interested in doing this should first meet with program management.

What about university breaks or national holidays?

Because of the unique nature of this program, you should not expect to follow the university calendar for breaks. You'll also want to plan to work on national holidays if your company is open. Keep in mind Luxembourgish national holidays are different.

Can I talk with a student who has previously participated or who is currently participating to get more information about the experience?

Absolutely. Please contact program management who may be able to put you in touch with students currently participating in the program or students that have in the past.

What is the ideal semester for participating in this program?

It can be most beneficial for students to participate in their senior year as many of our past participants have received job offers after completing the program. However, the program is promoted to juniors and seniors.

How many students receive job offers at the end of the semester?

Many students receive offers to continue working with their company in some capacity, whether it be a full-time job or freelance work (if the student is still in school). Many students also take advantage of their presence in the city to network and receive offers from other companies, such as those visited on Fridays.

I’m interested in a summer internship in one of these cities. Who should I talk to?

If you are an IMS major looking to fulfill your internship requirement, please contact Dr. James Coyle. If you are a student that has been accepted into the Digital Innovation program, please contact program management. Additionally, consider applying for the Altman Summer Program, noted above.

Are there any events this semester or this summer to before the program begins?

Yes. Students will be enrolled in a pre-requisite course, IMS 278, in preparation for the program, the semester before participation (including only spring and fall semesters). This course will include orientation meetings, prep sessions with our Career Services team to work on LinkedIn profiles and resumes, and more. Students unable to enroll in the prerequisite course due to current course conflict will be able to schedule make-up sessions for missed orientation meetings, but it is highly recommended that students make room for this in their course schedule.

Students are also required to take two prerequisites the semester before their participation, unless they have already taken the courses.

Are there any prerequisites for these programs?

Students are required to take any two of the following courses in preparation for the Digital Innovation Programs:

IMS 418: Social Media Marketing
IMS/MKT 419: Digital Branding
IMS 421: Product Management
ESP 201: Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Business Models
CSE 383: Web Application Programming

Students do not need to take these courses before applying to the program, but must take them before participation. Exceptions may be made with evidence of significant work experience.

Upon acceptance, all students will be enrolled in IMS 278, a 1-credit course including program orientation, LinkedIn & resume workshops and more.

I’ve never taken an IMS course before. Can I still apply for this program?

Yes, you are still more than welcome to apply. There are prerequisites that require two of the following: IMS 418. IMS 419, IMS 421, ESP 201 or CSE 383. Prerequisites do not need to be taken prior to application but will need to be taken prior to participation. Upon completion of the prerequisites and the program, students will have enough IMS credits for an IMS minor.

When during my college career is it most ideal to participate in these programs?

These programs are open to juniors and seniors, and it is recommended that students participate during their last semester as a student, as many students turn their internships into full-time jobs. Please note that you will not receive senior capstone credit (IMS 440) if you not have at least 80 credit hours of coursework completed prior to your semester of participation (typically this is completed after first semester of your junior year).

What areas of study do students typically come from?

Students who have an interest in either digital marketing, design (web/mobile) or programming excel most in this program. The senior capstone project (IMS 440, cross-listed as a Marketing capstone as noted on student Degree Audit Reports) is typically more marketing-focused with elements of design and development. We have had students from a variety of majors participate in our program, including Finance, Supply Chain Management, Political Science, Professional Writing, Journalism, Media & Culture, Entrepreneurship, Business Management & Leadership, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Graphic Design, Psychology, Interdisciplinary Business Management, Strategic Communication, International Studies and more.

I am an international student in the U.S. on a visa. Can I still participate?

It is possible. International students need work authorization for any off-campus work. Due to visa requirements, the following requirements are in place for international students participating in the Digital Innovation Program:

The student MUST obtain an internship within their major course of study at Miami (Internships cannot be in the field of a minor, only in the major(s) declared by the student.)
Participating in the program CANNOT delay normal academic progress (This means, participating in Digital Innovation cannot cause an international student to delay when they would normally graduate.)

Please meet with an International Student Advisor in the International Student and Scholar Services office before applying for this program. Please refer to the International Student and Scholar Services page for more information.

How exactly is this program structured? Am I taking classes while completing an internship?

Please visit the program academics page for more information about the courses and expectations for the program.

Do I need to sign up for classes or is this considered a 16 hour class?

After you have confirmed your acceptance, you will be placed in the courses associated with the program. This does not happen immediately, but you do not need to register on your own.

How is each course graded?

Please visit the program academics page for more information about the courses and expectations for the program.

How will each of the 16 credit hours affect my GPA if at all?

The internship course is only offered credit/no credit and will not impact your GPA. All other courses are offered for a grade that will be factored into your GPA.

How much does this program cost?

Tuition is billed the same as any other semester at Miami. However, there are some additional program fees. Costs are outlined on the application sites.

Can I apply scholarships or financial aid to the cost of this program? What scholarships are available?

Because this is a Miami program, you are able to use your financial aid package as you normally would, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Additional scholarships may be available, especially for Luxembourg. Contact program management for more info.

If you are receiving financial aid, please review your package before enrollment in the program.

If a friend and I are both accepted to the same program, can we room together?

Probably. Students can designate a preferred roommate on their housing preference form, prior to signing their lease. We have been able to accommodate every roommate request to date.

I’m not exactly familiar with the area where I’ll be living or working. What's it like?

Housing suggested by program management in each city and is always in a safe, centralized neighborhood chosen based on proximity to student internship sites.

When should I buy my plane ticket?

Once you have accepted an offer to participate in the program and receive confirmation of your move-in and move-out dates from program staff, you are welcome to shop for your ticket to find the best price. Many students choose to buy a one-way ticket in the event that they would like to continue their internship through the winter or summer term. Please confirm your move-in and move-out dates and times as noted on your lease before purchasing a ticket.

How many companies are in the pool of startups, and do I interview with all of them?

The number of startups in the pool varies in each city, and students typically do not interview with all of them. We do our best to align student interests with the best opportunities available for them.

What type of work will I be doing as an intern?

Students typically accept internships that most closely relate to their area of study. The work is meaningful and likely project-based, helping students build skills and experiences that will assist in future employment opportunities.

How many hours on average per week do interns work?

Students are expected to work full-time Monday through Thursday each week. The definition of “full-time” may differ by company, but students generally work from 8 or 9 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m., if not later.

Are the internships paid? Is salary negotiable?

Most internships are paid, however, a paid internship is not guaranteed. Students that are paid have received compensation of anywhere from $300 to $3000 each month depending on the job responsibilities. Typically programmers receive salaries at the higher end, marketers at the lower end, and designers somewhere in the middle.

Will there be company events on the weekends?

There are often company events outside of the normal workday. You will also be required to participate in networking events or activities each week. This can range from grabbing coffee with a new contact to attending a pitch event.

Students & Families

General Program Quetions