Internships for the Department of Political Science

 

What is the purpose of an internship?

Internships are awarded by the Political Science Department for the purpose of giving students an academic field experience in the political arena or public administrative sector. 

What kinds of internships does the department offer to political science students?

It depends on the availability. Additionally, each internship comes with its own requirements along with departmental requirements. Generally, internships fall under the following three categories:

Legislative Internships are placements in a legislative setting in Denver, but placements in Washington, D.C. are possible.

 

In order to receive academic credit for the internship you must be placed in a field experience by Dr. James A. Null.

Internships in Public Administration are placements in public agencies (governmental or non-profit).

In order to receive academic credit for the internship you must be placed in a field experience by Dr. James A. Null.

 

Internships in Pre-Law are studies undertaken concerning the practice of law or the administration of justice while the student has full or part-time employment with a law office, court, prosecutor, public defender, administrative hearing officer, or other individual or agency involved with the practice of law or the administration of justice.

In order to receive academic credit for the internship you must be placed in a field experience by Dr. Joshua Dunn.

 

What are the requirements? Students should have at least a sophomore standing, and have a Political Science GPA exceeding 2.0, although a GPA of 2.5 or above is preferable. Students must have a declared major in Political Science. 

How many credits can students earn?

Students may earn 3 credits for an internship, and on occasion (rarely) may earn an additional 3 credits. 

How many hours per week? And where are the internships located?

Students are expected to serve 10 hours per week during the semester for which they are enrolled. We commonly place students in the district attorney's office, state legislature, congressional offices, senate offices, political campaigns, and state and local administrative offices. Each student must work under the supervisor provided by the organization. 

What is the process of application for an internship in the Department of Political Science?

  • Comple an application.
  • Return the completed application to Dr. James Null's office (Columbine Hall 1001) along with an unofficial transcript. (It is helpful if you have a letter of recommendation from a faculty member.)
  • Arrange an appointment with Dr. James Null (or Dr. Johsua Dunn if you are seeking a legal internship experience).
  • After a discussion, and if the internship proposal is accepted by the department of Political Sciecne, then an attempt will be made to arrange the internship you desire. There are occasions when no positions are available; however, the department is usually able to place students.
  • YOU MUST BE APPROVED FOR THE INTERNSHIP BEFORE BEGINNING THE EXPERIENCE.

Students must also ...
  • Be visited often during the semester by the faculty member who approved the internship.
  • Know that his/her supervisor usually is contacted for information about student progress.
  • Complete an essay that explains the activities and experiences gained by participating in the internship.
  • Turn in the essay Dr. James Null or to Dr. Joshua Dunn.
  • Know that the student's agency supervisor during the internship must submit an evaluation of student work to Dr. James Null or Dr. Joshua Dunn with a recommended grade.
  • Know that all of this information will be reviewed and a decision will be made as to what grade the student will be awarded for their work.
The partisan, when he is engaged in a dispute, cares nothing about the rights of the question, but is anxious only to convince his hearers of his own assertions. Plato (~427-347 BCE) Greek philosopher