Political Science Internships

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Political board room

Employers increasingly seek job candidates who have practical experiences that complement their academic training.

How the Political Science Department Supports Internships

Many employers name internships first among the factors they look for in a prospective employee. In response to this, the Political Science Department offers semester-long internship courses that are structured as follows:

  • each course is 4 credits
  • consists of 120 hours on-site at the internship
  • includes a weekly classroom meeting to discuss experiences and perspectives

as well as the week-long Congressional Internship Program in Washington, D.C.

INGO 304: Internship in International Nongovernmental Organizations and Nonprofits

This course is offered every fall, spring, and summer for students who want to get experience in nongovernmental organizations and nonprofits in Providence, throughout the United States, or abroad.

POL 327: Internship in State Government

This course is offered under the auspices of the Rhode Island State Internship Program. This is a 12-week internship every Spring Semester, where students are placed with individual members of the Rhode Island state legislature or with members of the executive and judicial branches of state government. 

POL 328: Field Experiences in the Public Sector

This course is offered every fall, spring and summer. This is a 12-week internship for students in political science, public administration, justice studies, gerontology and other programs. Students are placed in federal, state and local government agencies; in private sector public service organizations; and in organizations engaged in campaigns or political advocacy.

RIC Washington Week/Congressional Internship

This opportunity allows students to spend a week in Washington, D.C. interning in a congressional office. The program, sponsored by the RIC Student Community Government and the Political Science Department, usually runs in May and comes with a travel and living expenses stipend of $1,500.

How to Register/Apply

To register for either POL 327 or POL 328, visit the Political Science Department Office.​ The application period for the RIC Washington Week/Congressional Internship is currently closed. Questions? Email Professor Perri Leviss, Department of Political Science.