Rather than relying solely on textbooks, students in the Mass Communication program apply what they learn in the classroom to actual problems faced by organizations and businesses. In addition, eligible students are encouraged to take COM 3950 - Communication Practicum, an internship offering actual experience in a professional setting. Students select internships in any area of communication including advertising, corporate communication, journalism, public relations, speech, theater or visual communication. Supervision is both by a professional on site and by HPU faculty.

Internships allow students to gain practical experience by working at an advertising or public relations agency, newspaper or television station or in the communication department of a business such as a hospital or hotel. Many internships offer a stipend for spending money.