Undergraduate Internship Information
Advisor
Professor David McCuan / Political Science Department, 707-664-2179.
The Political Science department offers several programs through which students may gain practical experience while earning academic credit. A political science internship involves working in the office of a public official, nonprofit or other organization, or election campaign. Prior interns have served in responsible positions with state assembly members, state senators, and members of Congress, and in a number of campaigns for local, state, and national office. The comparable program in public administration places students in positions, often paid, with local government offices and agencies where they may be involved with city planning and zoning issues, public relations efforts, special research topics, or budget preparation, to mention several possibilities. In addition, the department regularly sends selected students to the state capitol to participate in the Sacramento Semester Program where they work with members of the Legislature, officers of the executive branch, or lobbyists to gain a fuller understanding of the political process firsthand.
To enroll in your internship, you must do the following:
- Meet with the Political Science Undergraduate Internship Coordinator, Dr. David McCuan, and secure an approved internship placement. This must be done no later than the second week of the semester in which you hope to enroll for an internship.
- Complete a copy of SSU’s internship contract. After your on-site supervisor signs the contract, you should return it to Dr. David McCuan. The internship coordinator and Political Science Department staff will get the final signatures and work to register your internship.