Internships
The Political Science Department encourages all students to pursue an internship as part of their undergraduate studies. Internships provide hands-on experience, valuable professional connections, and a chance to put classroom learning into practice while developing new skills for future success.
Receiving academic credit for an internship
Two courses in the political science curriculum, POLI 438 (Legal Internship) and POLI 448 (Internship in Policy, Politics, and Public Administration), enable students to earn academic credit for internships. These courses are offered during the spring semester.
Dr. Mileah Kromer (mkromer@umbc.edu), Associate Professor of Political Science, is the instructor for POLI 438 and POLI 448.
In general, to earn four credits for POLI 438 or POLI 448, students must:
- Secure an internship.
- Obtain approval for the internship and permission to enroll from the course instructor.
- Work a minimum of 160 hours during the semester at the approved internship site.
- Complete all assignments and requirements outlined in the course syllabus.
For more specific details, visit the POLI 438 and POLI 448 webpages.
Assistance with obtaining an internship
UMBC’s Career Center supports students throughout the internship search process, offering guidance on identifying interests, training on internship databases, and assistance with résumé building and interview preparation.
The course instructor for POLI 438 and POLI 448 (Dr. Mileah Kromer) is also available to provide advice on locating internship opportunities.
Students interested in internships within a particular field are encouraged to seek advice from faculty members whose expertise aligns with that area. Faculty may also be able to connect students with specific opportunities in their field.
The POLI 438 and POLI 448 instructor, Department of Political Science, and the UMBC Career Center can provide guidance and support, but internship placements are not guaranteed. Hiring decisions rest with site supervisors and depend on student qualifications.
The department periodically offers scholarships to students with financial need who accept unpaid internships. Please visit the department’s scholarships website for details.