POLI 448 Internship in Policy, Politics, and Administration (4 credits)
Internships are an important part of the learning process. They allow students to observe and participate in political processes, policymaking, and the administration of organizations providing public services. Internships help students develop professional skills and career readiness.
During the spring semester, students can earn academic credit for completing an internship through POLI 448 Internship in Policy, Politics, and Administration. POLI 448 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 448. A sample syllabus is provided here.
In past semesters, students taking POLI 448 have interned for legislators, political party organizations, interest groups, campaigns, and local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as with nonprofit organizations. Many UMBC students participate in the Maryland General Assembly Internship Program.
Students interested in enrolling in POLI 448 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.
Meet with the instructor of POLI 448 – Email Dr. Mileah Kromer (mkromer@umbc.edu) to set up a meeting to discuss your career goals, the type of internship you wish to pursue, and potential placements. Please include a resume in the email.
Attend a Meeting with the Career Center – Schedule an appointment with the UMBC Career Center. Advisors can assist with resumes, cover letters, and other materials commonly required for internship applications.
Search and Apply – Actively search and apply for internships that align with your goals and interests.
The 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.
Enrolling in POLI 448
Permission from the instructor (Dr. Mileah Kromer) is required to register for POLI 448. Students must secure an internship and complete the POLI 438/448 Approval Form to gain permission. In some cases, students may be asked to provide additional information or meet with the instructor to gain approval.
The Department of Political Science recommends taking POLI 448 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 448 during the spring semester must have their internship placement secured and approved by Dr. Mileah Kromer by the end of the fall semester.