Internships‑for‑Credit: Pre‑Req Appeals (‑X98 Courses)

Sometimes you land exactly the kind of internship we want Jabs students to have (professional, paid, high‑impact) but discover you’re missing a pre‑requisite for the internship‑for‑credit course. This page walks you through your options and the pre‑requisite appeal process.

1. If You’re Missing a Pre‑Req, You Have Options

If you don’t meet a pre‑requisite for a ‑X98 internship course (e.g., BMGT 498, BMKT 498, ACTG 298), you generally have three paths:

Option 1:

Do the experience without credit. You still gain skills, experience, and references even without course credit.

Option 2:

Wait and do a future for‑credit internship. Complete the pre‑requisites, then register for an internship‑for‑credit in a later term.

Option 3:

Request a pre‑requisite appeal. Ask the college to waive a specific pre‑requisite for this internship, in this term, based on the strength and relevance of your position.

An appeal does not guarantee approval, but it does ensure your situation is reviewed thoughtfully.

If you’re unsure which option fits you, start by talking with the Bracken Center.

Internship Appointment

2. When a Pre‑Req Appeal Makes Sense

A pre‑requisite appeal is worth considering when:

  • You have a legitimate, professional internship or job (ideally paid; strong unpaid roles can qualify).
  • The role is closely related to your major and the Jabs curriculum.
  • The experience is clearly developmental—you’ll build new skills, take on real responsibility, and grow your network.
  • The main barrier is one missing pre‑requisite for an internship‑for‑credit course.
  • There are extenuating circumstances, such as:
    • The employer requires you to be enrolled for credit.
    • The opportunity is uniquely time‑sensitive or one‑of‑a‑kind.
    • You’ll be taking the pre‑requisite at the same time and can apply those skills in real time.

If some of these pieces don’t quite fit, come see us and we’ll talk it through with you.

3. How to Submit a Pre‑Req Appeal (Step‑by‑Step)

Step 1: Meet with the Bracken Center

Before you fill out anything:

  • Bring or email:
    • Your internship/job description
    • Company name and supervisor
    • Approximate dates and hours

We’ll help you:

  • Confirm the correct internship‑for‑credit course (e.g., BMGT 498)
  • Identify the missing pre‑requisite
  • Decide whether an appeal is appropriate

Tip: Talking with us first can save you time and frustration later.

Step 2: Find the Jabs Pre‑Requisite Appeal Form

Go to the Jabs forms page.

Click on “Pre Requisite Appeal Form.”

(If you’re not sure you’re in the right place, we can walk you through it.)

Step 3: Complete the Online Form

On the form, you’ll enter:

  • Course code and name (e.g., ACTG 298: Accounting Internship)
  • Section
  • CRN for the term (we’ll help you find this)
  • Clearly state which pre‑requisite you are appealing and for which course.

Step 4: Write Your Appeal Letter

The form will ask for an appeal letter. Treat this like a professional business letter.

Basic format:

  • Simple letterhead with your name and contact info (Bracken Center can provide an example).
  • Date.
  • Address it to:
Dear Pre‑Requisite Appeals Committee,

In your letter, make sure you cover all three of these:

  • What you are appealing. Example:
I am appealing the BMKT 325 pre‑requisite for BMKT 498, Business Marketing Internship, in Fall 2025.
  • Why you believe it should be waived in your case. Describe in clear detail:
    • Your role: title, company, what you will actually do
    • How the internship is high‑impact and directly connected to your major and future career
    • How you will be developing or using the same kinds of skills the pre‑requisite is designed to teach (Especially important if you’re taking that course concurrently.)
    • Any extenuating circumstances, such as:
      • The internship is only available this term
      • The employer requires you to be enrolled for credit
      • This is a rare opportunity tied directly to your goals
  • Supporting documentation. Plan to attach:
    • A detailed position description
    • Any additional employer documentation that helps the committee understand the value and rigor of the experience

Keep your tone professional, respectful, and specific. Your goal is to help the committee see what you see.

Step 5: (Optional) Get Feedback from Bracken

Before you submit:

  • You’re welcome to email a draft of your letter to the Bracken Center.
  • We can give feedback on:
    • Clarity
    • Completeness
    • Tone

This does not mean we can guarantee an approval. We’re helping you present the best version of your case.

Step 6: Submit Your Appeal

  • Upload your letter and supporting documents through the online form.
  • Submit the appeal.

Your request will be reviewed by the appropriate committee or faculty.

Step 7: Watch for a Decision & Next Steps

Once you receive a decision:

  • If approved, we'll help you:
    • Get registered for the internship‑for‑credit course.
    • Make sure you understand course expectations and requirements.
  • If denied, we’ll help you:
    • Understand the decision, and
    • Decide whether to do the internship without credit or plan a future for‑credit internship once you’ve met all pre‑reqs.

The Bracken Center can help either way.

4. How the Bracken Center Helps You

Our role in this process is to:

  • Help you understand policy and process
  • Make sure you know your real options
  • Support you in presenting a clear, professional appeal when it’s appropriate
  • Keep your long‑term success at the center of the conversation—not just this one term

If you’re even considering a pre‑requisite appeal for an internship‑for‑credit course, your best next step is simple:

Come talk to us early. Bring the opportunity. We’ll help you figure out the smartest path forward.

Internship Appointment