Department of History & Political Science
Public Administration

Internships

Internships constitute an essential part of the public administration program. They allow students to work in the realistic environment of a public service agency, explore career options within their fields of study, and integrate classroom learning with work-related experience.

Other benefits include:

• earning academic credit
• establishing personal and professional contacts
• building future employment opportunities

Internship placements may be in agencies of city, county, state or federal government.  They may also occur in nonprofit or public service oriented organizations.

Specific areas of possible internship work include budgeting, human resources, public relations, law enforcement, infrastructure management, recreation, taxation, and education.

Placements in community-based settings might involve legal or public advocacy, youth mentoring, or protective shelter management. Students may also create their own internships.

Internships are generally reserved for upper-division students. Adaptations can be arranged for students with current or prior public service experience.