The political science department’s internship program requires majors to work an entire semester (160 contact hours minimum) with an elected, administrative, or judicial official. Two to six credits are awarded for successful completion of this program. The objectives of an internship are:

1. To increase student understanding of the links between academic political science and real world government (i.e., finding out what bureaucratic discretion, pleas bargaining, and incrementalism mean in operation)
2. To develop applied research skills (i.e., legal research, quantitative analysis, and casework)
3. To increase awareness of career opportunities in the federal, state, local, and private sectors

Students are also required to maintain a typed structured journal throughout the process and write a 10-page evaluation paper upon completion.

One professor is named independent studies director each year, and it is her or his responsibility to administer the program, communicate internship opportunities to majors, provide direction for supplemental readings, monitor internships and interns, and evaluate student papers and journals.

The department maintains an internship bulletin board on the third floor of Hill Hall, which contains new internships and daily information on the program. Students are encouraged to check it out at least twice a week.