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• Gaining inside knowledge of political institutions, organizations and processes
• Examining the connections between political science theory and practice
• Acquiring hands-on skills and professional knowledge
• Contributing to an organization that matches personal goals and interests
• Developing insights on possible career options
• Building a network of professional connections

To gain political science credit for an internship (3 credits), students will:

• Complete a minimum of 144 hours at the internship – or approximately 10 hours per week over a 15-week semester.
• Submit a weekly internship report (each approx. 1 page in length). The weekly reports are your opportunity to document what you are doing and observing as you carry out your internship duties.
• Produce a 12-15 page internship paper, due on the last day of the semester. In general, the paper should focus on what the internship experience taught you about politics. Elements to be included: (a) an introduction with background information on the organization with which you interned and the types of issues you were focused on; (b) a summary and review of an argument found in political science scholarship that helps to frame and orient your experiences (including at least three scholarly citations); (c) a discussion of work performed and observations gained; and (d) an assessment of how your experiences matched up with expectations and broader theories in political science.
• Meet twice during the semester with the entire group of interns, once early in the semester, and a second meeting before the final paper is due.
• Meet at least twice on an individual basis with the PSCI internship coordinator.
• The course grade is based on academic performance in meeting the specified requirements.

• Secure an internship. Students secure their own internship opportunities. There are many options available in local, state and national government offices, interest groups, non-profit organizations, political campaigns, and other possibilities. Career services lists many opportunities, and the Internship Coordinator also maintains internship information.
• Register for the Political Science Internship course, PSCI 4938-800 (3 credits)
• Contact the PSCI internship coordinator via email to discuss internship interests and plans. In general, students should plan to contact the PSCI internship coordinator by the following dates:
  • August 1 for Fall semester internship
  • December 1 for Spring semester internship
    Note: If you miss these deadlines, please contact the PSCI internship coordinator for specific instructions.
• Complete and submit to the PSCI internship coordinator the required College of Arts & Sciences Political Science-Student Internship Agreement and Learning Plan, including signature by the on-site supervisor, no later than the first day of the semester in which the internship is being carried out.
• Maximum number of credits that students may be enrolled in while an intern may not exceed 18 credit hours (3 credit hours for the internship, plus no more than 15 hours of other classes)