Internships provide valuable benefits to students, especially with respect to bridging the gap between classroom learning and the “real world” of politics and policy making. Students have realistic opportunities to obtain practical, on-the-job experience working in their field of professional interest while earning academic credit.

Contact Information

Daniel J. Mallinson, Ph.D.
Political Science and Public Policy Internship Advisor

Autumn Kreider
Administrative Support Assistant

Program Specific Internship Policy and Procedures for Academic Credit

General Program Requirements:

  • Internship not required to complete Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, but highly encouraged
  • Individualized internships or participation in formalized programs possible

Degree Specific Requirements

Credits

  • Minimum Internship Credits Allowed:  One (1) credits
  • Standard Internship Credits Required: Three (3) credits, if choosing to pursue internship
  • Maximum Internship Credits Allowed in a Semester: Six (6) credits, by consent with academic adviser
  • Hours per Credit to Earn Internship: 50 hours per credit, e.g. three (3) credits per 150 hours or six (6) credits per 300 hours
  • Length of time: 10 to 12 weeks full-time or part-time
    • Minimum length of time: 8 weeks full-time at 40 hours a week

Student Acceptance

  • Minimum GPA: 3.0 GPA (GPA can be waived with strong recommendation from faculty with final approval by academic advisor.)
  • Minimum Credits Completed:  Suggested to have achieved the sixth semester standing
  • Specific Classes Completed:
    • Prior consent of adviser or department head; applicable departmental internship requirements such as satisfactory completion of required 300 or 400-level courses appropriate for internship program

Course and Grading Criteria

Students will be graded on submission of required:

  • Daily journal
  • Internship reflection paper
  • PowerPoint presentation or equivalent deliverable, and
  • Evaluations by host site (agency) supervisor 
    • Mid-semester
    • End of the semester

The course syllabus will have more detailed explanation of the grading criteria.

Applying to for Academic Credit

The student and the agency supervisor jointly will develop an individualized learning plan that  outlines the specific internship placement and the type of work to be done during the placement. This must be completed before the registration can be approved. The internship adviser must approve the learning plan. The internship adviser and academic adviser will make final approval of internship applications. Then program administrative support staff will assist the student with registration into PLSC 495 or PUBPL 495.

Political Science and Public Policy Internship Learning Plan

For additional resources related internships, please view the College of Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network Website.

Ask about joining the PLSC & PUBPL Cafe on Canvas.

Recent Student Placements and Opportunities

Also, search state and federal Congressional representatives’ offices