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Internships for UNM Students
Department of Political Science

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GUIDELINES FOR UNDERGRADUATE INTERNSHIPS

Would you like to volunteer in the community and earn Political Science credit for the community service you offer?

Would you like experience in a government agency, political office, campaign, or interest group?

Would you like to gain experience for a job after graduation?

If so, you should consider an internship with the Department of Political Science. Internships are open to all majors and are offered at the 200-level (Political Science 291) and at the 400-level (Political Science 491).

Academically prepared and motivated undergraduates may be placed as interns in public agencies, political campaigns, offices of elected officials, and voluntary organizations. Internships provide challenging and professionally rewarding experiences.

How Do Internships Work?

No more than three (3) hours of internship credit in PS 291, and no more than a total of six (6) hours of internship credit in PS 291 and PS 491 combined, or PS 491 alone, may be counted toward the major in Political Science. No more than three (3) hours of internship credit, either PS 291 or PS 491, may be counted toward the minor in Political Science.

PREREQUISITES

•  Prior permission of instructor.

•  Student must gain permission at least one month prior to end of semester for Internship the following semester in order to provide time to arrange for an internship position.

GUIDELINES

Internships provide an opportunity to observe and participate in political operations, policy-making or policy execution.

  1. An intern must complete at least sixty-four (64) hours of applied experience for each hour of credit.
  2. An intern must submit a final written report describing the experience and relating the experience to political science concepts. For PS 291, a 10 page paper is required; for PS 491 a 20 page paper is required.
  3. An intern will receive Credit (CR) or No Credit (NC). Credit will be based on the Intern's final written report and a written evaluation from the intern's supervisor.
  4. Report and evaluation are due no later than the Friday preceding finals week.
  5. The internship emphasis is on learning, and Political Science interns do not ordinarily receive salaries.

Interns have been assigned to such diverse agencies as the New Mexico Health Policy Commission, Village of Los Ranchos, Albuquerque Office of Economic Development, Albuquerque Environmental Health Department, various New Mexico and U.S. Senators and Representatives, Albuquerque City Clerk, U.S. District Court, U.S. Secret Service, voluntary agencies, UNM Institute for Public Policy, Bernalillo County Commission, Public Defenders Office, State Department, Federal Pre-Trial Services Agency, Institute for Experiential Learning, and a number of political campaigns.

For information contact Professor Ellen Grigsby, Room 2076, 277-5233, egrigsby@unm.edu

 
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