Graduate Internships:

MA Political Science (GOVT 794)

Who should consider an internship and why?

Internships offer students the opportunity to enhance their academic coursework with field work in a substantive area of the public sector.
All students admitted to one of the degree programs listed above may earn academic credit for a qualified internship and should consider it when developing their degree plan.
While all students will benefit from gaining substantive work experience in their area of study, students with little or no work experience are especially encouraged to seek out an internship. Likewise, students considering a career change should also consider an internship.
Qualified internships offer a learning experience that integrates experiential (praxis) work with academic work, in addition to work experience and networking.

How do I find an internship, and what qualifies?

Internship positions may be secured at every level of government, in non-profit professional organizations, or in private firms doing public sector work.
Internships positions should be in some way related to the course work/degree.
Students will benefit immensely from working with Career Services and their faculty adviser to find an internship that will substantively correlate with the degree.
The internship must offer the student substantive work, research and/or analysis. General office work may be a part of the internship, but should not constitute the bulk of responsibilities.
In order to receive academic credit, an internship must have the prior approval of the internship coordinator.
Students may not use their current employment for internship.
SCEP placements are ineligible for internship credit.

When should I do my internship?

The ideal time to complete an internship is near the end of the degree program. For MA/MS/MPA students, this would be after completion of the core courses of the curriculum, or in the third or fourth semester of your degree (if attending full time). At minimum, students should have completed at least 12 credits, though 15-18 is preferred.
Ph.D. students may want to do their internships early in the dissertation phase, so as to coordinate with research.

How do I apply for credit, and when?

Students admitted as degree-seeking may submit an application (available at pia.gmu.edu/internships/index.php) to the Public and International Affairs Department office in Robinson Hall A 201, Fairfax Campus; the application may also be faxed to 703-993-1399.
Applications may be submitted when registration for the semester in which the internship will be served opens. Applications are accepted through the Monday before the Add Deadline in Fall/Spring, and through June 30 in the summer. Applications are reviewed as they are submitted.
Students will receive instructions for registration once the application is approved.

What are the requirements to earn credit, and how many credits may I earn?

Students may earn 3 credits toward their degree.
Students must work 300 hours over 12-14 weeks.
Students develop workplace competencies for the semester in conjunction with his/her supervisor upon which their work will be evaluated. Supervisors will “grade” the student at the end of the semester based on the workplace competencies, quality of work and overall workplace behavior and performance.
Students must complete two academic (writing) assignments, to be turned in to the internship coordinator. The primary goal of these assignments is to connect theories and literature from coursework to the practice of public affairs.
All coursework is conducted via Blackboard. Students are responsible for accessing and completing assignments via Blackboard.

Are there any other internship credit programs?

Additional internship opportunities do exist on campus. These are administered separately than the internships discussed here.

Masters International offers a Peace Corps Internship option. Contact Ms. Koback at 703-993-9466..
The MPA program currently maintains competitive internships with a large federal agency. Contact Professor Conant at jconant@gmu.edu.

How do I get an internship application?

Click here: Internship Application (pdf). Please submit the application form to Dr. Sheila Hearne's mailbox in Robinson Hall A 201.

Where can I find an internship?

Work your circle of contacts -- network with your professors and colleagues.
Visit Career Services.
Search the webpages of the organizations for which you would like an internship.
Visit our internship listings.

Who do I contact for more information?

Dr. Sheila Hearne

shearne3@gmu.edu