Interns are expected to work until session ends. Students complete an application for the internship during the early part of fall quarter and then register for POL 3352 during winter quarter. The major requirement for the course is a paper analyzing the legislative process. Weekly class meetings with other interns will be held throughout the quarter. The Department of Political Science regularly receives flyers from individuals seeking political office as well as organizations that are looking for interns to assist community causes.
Students can arrange to participate in an internship and also receive academic credit.
Academic credit is not given for the internship experience alone. Students are expected to do some additional reading on a subject related to the internship and write a paper on a related topic. Most organizations suggest that the intern work 10 to 12 hours per week although some organizations prefer full-time interns who can work 40 hours per week. Internships are usually arranged for 4 to 12 credits. Students meet with an instructor in the department to discuss the types of duties he or she will be expected to perform and the number of credits and academic work required in order to receive credit.