B.A. in Political Science

Internships

As a political science major, you can acquire internship experience either through the department, or through the University’s Center for Career and Experiential Education (CCEE). Whatever route you choose, these internship opportunities help you gain practical experience that employers look for when hiring college graduates. They also let you establish a network of professional contacts, outside mentors and potential advocates for after graduation.

Our department offers a number of internships, including:

Within the department, you can receive a maximum of 6 credit hours (subject to faculty approval) by enrolling in PSC 375 and PSC 376. You must have a faculty sponsor within the Political Science Department who is willing to supervise and, ultimately, grade your work.

Students working at State Internships may also register for additional academic credits. Please contact the department chair for additional information.

United States Naval War College Internship

The Naval War College in Newport, RI sponsors an internship program for qualified University of Rhode Island undergraduate students. This program is an opportunity for upper-division political science majors and minors interested in international relations and security studies to work and collaborate on faculty research projects. This unpaid internship program offers an inside perspective in the military education system and a chance to work hands-on with real issues in national security and strategic studies.

Student interns will work directly with faculty members from the Naval War College. Although varied across faculty projects, common tasks and duties may include researching cases, data, laws, etc. for research, writing short reports, editing and fact checking papers and reports, and compiling bibliographies.

Hours and Credits:

  • Students receive a maximum of 6 credit hours by enrolling in PSC 375 and PSC 376.
  • Students need to complete 100 hours to receive 3 credits.
  • Students earn PASS/FAIL credit for their field experience.
  • To receive a permission number, contact Professor Petro.

Student Requirements:

  • Political Science Major or Minor
  • Overall GPA: 3.0 or higher
  • PSC GPA: 3.2 or higher
  • Minimum of 60 overall credits
  • At least one 300-level or above course in International Relations

Application Requirements:

  • Official transcript (scan or hard copy)
  • Resume
  • 1-2 page written statement discussing your interest in the internship, your qualifications, and what you hope to get out of the program.

Application Deadlines: (submitted to Professor Petro)

  • Fall Semester: April 15th
  • Summer: April 15th
  • Spring Semester: November 15th

Assessment:

  • Portfolio of work completed
  • A short paper evaluating your experience in the internship program sent to Professor Petro at the end of the term.
  • A report detailing your reactions to the internship program to be given to the Naval War College Internship Coordinators.

Contact: Professor Nicolai Petro

Mentor/Tutor Internship (MTI) Program

The Mentor/Tutor Internship Program at the University of Rhode Island is a non-profit organization that sends college students into K-12 schools, after-school and adult-learning programs throughout the state. Our goal is to help students who are in danger of falling behind academically, and need extra support to help them succeed and reach their goals.

Expectations and Requirements:

  • Attend weekly mandatory MTI meetings. Failure to attend could result in an unsatisfactory grade for the semester.
  • Attend the mandatory training session, usually on the second Saturday of the semester.
  • Complete a two-paragraph journal on your week, due every Sunday.
  • Complete 2 two-page papers on topics to be assigned in class.
  • Complete a project, to be determined by your MTI Teaching Assistant.
  • Complete a time sheet documenting at least 44 hours of work in your placement.

How to apply: Sign up on e-Campus under course number PSC 306: Education Policy and Public Service Internship-MTI@URI.

Rhode Island State Government Internship Program

Gain political experience by interning with the Rhode Island State Government Internship Program. Learn how our state and local government works and enhance your education of American Politics. 

Focus of Placement: Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branches and other state departments and agencies.

Educational Focus: Established learning objectives; academic credit; evaluation of learning experience; internships enable students to participate in state government on a learning basis and provides experience within their field of interest.

Intern Responsibilities: Time Frame – varies, at least 8 weeks; working 8-10 hours/week within chosen field placement; responsible for time sheet; mandatory student progress reports and final assessment.

Availability: Internships are located throughout the state, Providence and vicinity.

Application Procedure: Contact Professor Chris Parker

For more information, visit the RI State Government Intern Program website