Political Science (B.A.) Internships

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 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 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.