UNDERGRADUATE INTERNSHIP IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION/SERVICE Political Science #3354

Dr. Kathleen Staudt,
Professor of Political Science and Internship Coordinator
kstaudt@utep.edu; 915 747 7975, Benedict Hall 303 

Description

Internship courses provide useful experiences that allow students to apply concepts and theories to actual practices in public agencies and nonprofit organizations in the El Paso region.  Successful completion of POLS 3354 will allow students to earn three credits, which they can apply to their major or minor.  Undergraduate internships usually do not offer a stipend or wage; however, interns may be able to acquire references, contacts, and/or opportunities to apply for paid employment after finishing their internship.  Upon successful completion of the internship, a certificate will be awarded to the intern. 

Requirements:

• Junior- and/or Senior-level students (i.e. 60+ credit hours completed) 
• 3.0 GPA in political science courses beyond 2310 and 2311 
• 2.5 Overall GPA 
• Minimum of 6 credit hours in political science 
• Commitments to intern with an agency or organization for 12 hours a week over 14 weeks during long semesters (fall, spring) (i.e. 168 hours), providing:

            -short weekly reports to the internship coordinator via email, 
            -a time log of hours, signed by the intern supervisor
            -a five-page reflection paper  

• Signature on a liability release form 

Application Process

• Contact the Internship Coordinator as soon as possible, or at least a week before the long semester begins, for an appointment to review the intern sites and to establish learning objectives and outcomes. 
• Once approved to interview as an intern, make one or more appointments with the agency and/or nonprofit supervisor for clearance as an intern.  The supervisor’s evaluation will be taken into account for the student’s grade.