Check the specific courses you intend to take so that you can plan on completing the appropriate prerequisites. It is also advisable to take a course in the methodology and political analysis field early in your program since these tools are helpful in other courses. The Department offers a variety of opportunities for Political Science majors beyond the coverage of class instruction. Internships The department coordinates administrative and legislative internships. Administrative internships provide a way to link academic learning of publicadministration with practical work experience in a public or private non-profit agency.
Internships also give students a chance to consider public service or similar employment.
Two courses in the appropriate field are required and priority is given to seniors. Requests should be filed one quarter in advance of registration for PS 444, Administrative Internship. Legislative internships occur during the winter quarter and provide the chance for Western students to work in the Washington State Legislature in Olympia. Primarily,students act as research assistants to legislators, receiving an in-depth look at theresponsibilities and challenges of our state's lawmakers. Enrollment is available tojuniors and seniors through a competitive process.