Internships

The Internship Program provided by the Department of Political Science offers Political Science and International Affairs majors the opportunity to enhance their learning opportunities and explore particular areas of interest related to these majors in a "real world" setting, while receiving academic credit. Placements are available with agencies that are involved in a variety of areas, including:

  • Law
  • Government
  • The Electoral Process
  • International Human Rights
  • Civic and Public Policy Concerns

Most of these opportunities are local, but students who find internships outside the Cincinnati area may make arrangements with the permission of the Department to receive credit for such internships as well. Students who have taken advantage of the program have often found the experiential learning provided to be extremely helpful in making career decisions and in adding value to their resumes.

Application Requirements

The Student should:

  • Be in good standing in his/her major
  • Have attained at least sophomore status before the internship begins (A number of the agencies want a minimum of junior status; some are more flexible and will accept a student who is a sophomore, depending on the personal background and experience)
  • Have a minimum 2.75 GPA
  • Plan to register for a maximum of 18 credit hours for the quarter, including the internship
  • Complete and submit the application form and required related documents to the Department Internship Supervisor prior to the internship quarter
  • Meet with the Department Internship Supervisor regarding placement prior to the internship quarter (the sooner the better for the best placements)
  • Register for the Internship course – POL 406. If it is "full," see the Internship Supervisor to be added, after confirming a placement

Completion Requirements

To complete the internship, the student is expected to do the following:

  • Work a minimum of 10 hours a week for 10 weeks, specific days and hours to be arranged by mutual agreement between the student and agency
  • Attend 3 meetings on campus with the Supervisor and other interns
  • Sign a "contract" with the agency outlining mutual expectations
  • Keep a time sheet of hours per week signed by the student’s work supervisor
  • Keep a daily or weekly journal reflecting on his/her work. This should be turned in to the Supervisor in paper form and should NOT be done online or as a blog
  • Select several sources from academic literature that relate to the internship and write a final report analyzing and comparing the experience in relation to the analyses in the academic literature
  • Have the work supervisor turn in an evaluation of the student’s work at the end of the internship
  • Behave professionally and be aware of and observe norms of privacy and confidentiality in the internship workplace

FAQs

When can I take an Internship?
Internships are available for all four quarters.

How do I arrange for an intership?
Interested students are strongly urged to contact the Department Internship Supervisor at least one quarter in advance of the expected quarter of enrollment for best possible placement consisted with the student’s skills and interests.

How many internship credits can I earn?
A student may take up to 3 different internships for 3 credit hours each that count toward fulfillment of the upper level credit hours required of Political Science/International Affairs majors.

How can I learn more about the Intern Program and possible placement opportunities, as well as obtain an application?
Students should contact Dr. Anderson., the Department Intern Supervisor, at 556-2400.