Political Science Internships

The Political Science Department's internship programs combine academic study with practical work experience. 

The Legal Internship Program places selected interns with judges and attorneys. 

The Policy, Politics and Public Administration Internship Program places selected interns with local and state legislators, members of Congress, political parties, interest groups, think tanks, lobbyists, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Interns:

• Work 15 hours per week at their internship placement
• Take a class with other interns
• Earn up to seven (7) 400-level credits
• All internships and courses occur during the spring semester. Students receive credit for course work (POLI 438 or POLI 448), and also for practical work (POLI 401).

Juniors and seniors from all majors with GPAs of 3.0 and higher are eligible. Interested students must apply and be formally accepted into the program.

For application instructions, please download the attached instructions.

Faculty recommenders may compose their own letters (or emails) or complete the form attached here. 

Spring 2014 Internship program applications are due by November 25. 

Exception: Students wishing to intern with Maryland's General Assembly, should apply for the Policy, Politics, and Public Administration Internship Program by 12:00 PM on October 29. 

Students applying for General Assembly internships after this priority deadline should check with Dr. Schaller before applying.

In an article published October 22 in the Herald-Mail, Laura Hussey, an associate professor of Political Science, commented on Maryland voter turnout trends heading into Election Day on November 4.  Hussey said she doesn't expect a sudden uptick in voters turning out for the election next month.  She said that residents pay less attention to elections in an "off-election" year.

"Residents are not saturated with political information as you would in a presidential election year," Hussey said.  "Voters are less engaged."

On October 22, the Baltimore Sun published an article about Baltimore County campaign signs and how some are set up in a way to display bipartisanship.  Hussey was quoted in the article and discussed Democrat Tom Quirk's campaign signs being placed near Republican Joseph Hooe's.  Quirk is running for re-election as 1st District County Councilman, and Hooe is running for state delegate in District 12.  Hussey said it's not unusual for candidates to tout their work across party lines.

"It may influence voters' perceptions of a candidate's character traits, and these traits are a factor in some voters' choices," Hussey said.  "Most people...seem to prefer collaborative over combative personalities."