POLI 438 is offered only during the spring semester. Internships taken during the fall and summer are not eligible.
Legal internships are an important part of the learning process, particularly for students interested in pursuing a career in law. Students learn professional skills from their internships, including legal case research, interviewing, drafting, negotiation, mediation, and advocacy. This work gives students insight into the role of courts, the legal profession, and the law in American society.
During the spring semester, students can earn academic credit for completing an internship through POLI 438 Legal Internship. POLI 438 is a 4-credit course and requires students to work at least 160 hours at their internship site during the spring semester. Dr. Mileah Kromer (mkromer@umbc.edu), Associate Professor of Political Science, is the instructor for POLI 438.
In past semesters, students taking POLI 438 have interned with Circuit and District Court judges, law firms, prosecutors, defense attorneys, the Attorney General’s Office, and legal advocacy groups. Other internship opportunities with a clear focus on law and justice issues can also be considered.
Students interested in enrolling in POLI 438 must do the following during the fall semester:
Start Early – Begin searching for a spring internship at the start of the fall semester. Internship sites determine their deadlines and requirements for application materials.
Attend a virtual information session – Click here to register!
(Optional) Attend a Meeting with the Career Center – The course instructor will not review cover letters, resumes, or any other application material. If you need assistance with your application material, schedule an appointment with the UMBC Career Center.
Search and Apply – Actively search and apply for internships that align with your goals and interests. The Career Center can provide guidance if you need assistance with your search.
Email or meet with the instructor of POLI 438 – Only after you’ve attended an internship information session and begun your internship search, email Dr. Mileah Kromer (mkromer@umbc.edu) to discuss the internship opportunities you wish to pursue. Dr. Kromer will determine whether they meet the requirements for enrollment in POLI 438.
Complete the POLI 438 enrollment permission form – This form will be sent to you via email after you complete the steps above.
Enroll in the course – After permission is granted, enroll in POLI 448 during spring semester registration.
The POLI 438 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.
Other Important Details
The Department of Political Science recommends taking POLI 438 in the spring semester of junior or senior year. First- and second-year students who demonstrate strong academic preparation or relevant career skills may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
A minimum GPA of 3.0 is typically required for enrollment. Exceptions may be made with additional evidence of academic competency and professional skills.
Students planning to enroll should work with their academic advisor to build a spring course schedule that allows for blocks of time during regular business hours to dedicate to internship hours.
Deadline
While some exceptions can be made, students planning to take POLI 438 during the spring semester must have their internship placement secured and approved by Dr. Mileah Kromer by the end of the fall semester.