All Political Science majors and minors are required to participate in an internship. An educated and marketable Political Science graduate needs to have applied and enriched his or her classroom studies in a practical work environment. An internship is a way to gain as many as 14 credits for government or law-related work experience. It's also a great way to explore and understand the workaday realities of the legislative, judicial, and administrative processes. Political Science interns work with state, federal, and local officials, and with national and international organizations.
An internship has two components: PS 410, which can involve from 2-12 credits, and PS 406, for two credits, involving reading and writing assignments. PS 406 must be completed prior to receiving credit for PS 410.
There are three ways: create it through personal contacts in an area of interest; check the bulletin board outside the PS office for an extensive list of internship opportunities and check our online source list; or brainstorm with the Internship Director. Check with the Internship Director to complete the necessary paperwork to receive credit. But before you do here is a video clip that everyone should watch before seeing David Bernell.
Sign up for PS 410 for a maximum of 12 credits. Students receive 1 credit per 3 internship work hours per week for a 10 week term, e.g. 3 credits=9/work hours/week X 10 weeks=90hours/term. Full time is 35 or more hours per week. Sign up for 2 credits of PS 406, the reading and writing component of the internship. Students should enroll in PS 410 and PS 406 during the terms in which they participate in an internship, e.g., summer interns should enroll for those courses during summer quarter.
Lots of things, from work in legislative and law offices, to working with non-profit agencies and statewide and national organizations.
Want to visit Washington, D.C.? There are internship opportunities with House and Senate office, the White House, and many other organizations, think tanks, and corporate offices.
Want to study abroad? Internships are available in many countries.
Interested in working locally? Provide technical assistance for the Community Mediation and Dispute Resolution Service of Benton County or participate in crisis intervention at Community Outreach, Inc. at Sunflower House in Corvallis.