A common research experience is not appropriate for all students. Instead, students should pursue research experiences which are appropriate to departmental faculty resources, individual student's programs, and the availability of opportunities that exist to work with allied agencies or clients on or off campus. Each of these options fulfills program requirements equally. Each will produce a finished, quality research effort of thesis quality. Not every student can expect to engage in a paid internship because the number of students frequently exceeds a matching number of opportunities funded in that manner.
Unpaid internships provide the same caliber of experience and training in an applied environment.
In some cases, that experience may relate student interest with non-profit agencies or social services which simply do not have the resources to fund an internship. In either case, the topic of the internship is defined by the client's problem or needs. Students who ultimately plan to pursue a Ph.D. degree might be more inclined and encouraged toward that option. The same is true of students who wish to complete their master's program with that kind of individual research activity. In all cases, students must work closely with their advisor and program committee to choose the option which best fits both their particular program and prevailing circumstances.