Political Science Internships

 

Leading Faculty

Professor Michael Rodriguez

 

State & Local Internships (POLS 3900 Political Science Local Internship) The Political Science Program strongly recommends internships as an integral part of our students' curriculum. Internships provide practical knowledge of government and politics and professional contacts which can be leveraged for employment opportunities after graduation. State and local internship opportunities include the following areas of interest:

• Political campaigns & elections;
• District offices of elected officials;
• Municipal, county or state governmental agencies;
• Policy research  agencies (William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy);
• Criminal justice (law offices or public defender offices);
• Non-profit or advocacy organizations;
• Print and broadcast journalism.

POLS internships are open to sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Students interested in arranging a state or local internship or who have already secured an internship and wish to receive POLS credits (POLS 3900 Political Local Internship – 4 credits) must:

1. Complete The Application

   Compete all steps on the internship webpage: Click Here Complete the Spring 2025 Application. Log in with Stockton Google ID to access application. 

2. Meet with The Coordinator of Community Experiences & Academic Internships

   Meet with Ms. Elyse Smith (Schedule after completing application) to identify a specific internship site, get assistance in resume writing and interviewing, and make sure there’s an official Internship Agreement with the prospective internship site and Stockton University.

   Please note that Professor Michael S. Rodriguez and the POLS program will continue to send you email announcements for internship opportunities, and these can be discussed during your meeting with Elyse. You can also secure your own internship. You still must meet with Elyse to make arrangements for academic credit even if you already have an internship in mind or have already secured one for an upcoming semester.

3. Register for Internship Course

   Register for POLS 3900 (4 credits) if you haven’t already, and reach out to Professor Michael S. Rodriguez (Michael.Rodriguez@Stockton.edu) to notify him of your specific internship.

 

Requirements for receiving academic credit (POLS 3900):

1. Work a minimum of 120 hrs total for the duration of the semester (for fall and spring, there are 15 weeks; for summer, there are only 10 weeks)
   
   
2. Professor Rodriguez will tailor your course assignments to your specific internship and will provide a course syllabus with general requirements. The academic component of your internship will include a documentary and readings; interns will also write about their insights/observations from the internship experience and submit a 15-page analytic paper at the end of the semester.