Practice Credit Requirement

To graduate from the Bachelor of Science program, a student must have 800 hours, paid or unpaid, work experience in areas of the industry aligned with one’s career goals. Typically, this requirement is fulfilled in two summers; however, part-time employment is accepted.

Following each work experience, students must submit a Practice Credit Employer Verification Form, which is completed by both the student and the employer. There are two ways to submit the form:

• Electronic Form: Students will be directed to complete the student section of the electronic Practice Credit Employer Verification Form. An accurate and active email address for the student’s supervisor will be needed to submit the form. Once submitted, the student will receive a confirmation email and the employer will receive the employer section of the form. The employer will then submit the form to the Office of Student Services, which will update the student on the submission and progress of the Practice Credit Form.
• Paper Form: Paper or pdf versions of the practice credit employment verification form can be requested by e-mailing ha- practicecredit@cornell.edu. Students may use the paper Practice Credit Employer Verification Form if no email address for the supervisor is known. Students will need to submit this form to the Office of Student Services once completed by the student and the employer.

The Practice Credit Requirements and Guidelines provides information regarding:

• Modifications made to the Practice Credit Policy in response to COVID-19
• Requirements for graduation
• Processing Employment Verification Forms
• International students working in the U.S.
• Earning practice credit as a transfer student
• Industry segments that will be considered for practice credit

The objective of the practice credit requirement is to ensure that your education has the essential balance between theory and practice.  In attaining this objective, you will be able to:

• Test your career interests and gain valuable work experience in the various segments of the hospitality/service industry
• Recognize, develop, and practice skills necessary in your future career
• Put classroom theory into practice in the “real world” and utilize this practical experience in future academic assignments
• Compare and contrast different types of organizations, company cultures, and work environments
• Explore different departments/areas within an organization, gaining an invaluable perspective regarding issues, concerns, and behaviors of employees at various levels
• Improve your marketability upon graduation