A political science degree opens doors to a wide range of impactful careers, and we’re dedicated to helping students navigate the possibilities. Through intentional career preparation and hands-on internship experiences, our students learn how to connect what they study with the work they aspire to do. Internships deepen classroom learning, foster confidence, and give students the kind of practical experience that sets them apart in today’s competitive job market.
Internships
Recent DU political science seniors who participated in internships reported that they:
Learned more about possible career areas.
Developed practical skills that helped them in the major.
Became more confident about pursuing a career in the area of their internship.
Met people who could help them find a job after graduation.
Internships don't just offer a chance to build practical skills in a hands-on environment; they also offer opportunities to network with people in your field of interest. Whether you're interested in international politics, political organizing or law, internships can also help you decide whether a particular career path is right for you.
Our department offers academic credit to students who intern in the American politics and law areas if they simultaneously enroll in an internship seminar. Locally, there are opportunities to intern with political campaigns and the state legislature via PLSC 3982. Students can also complete a legal internship in the location of their choosing during the summer with our online internship seminar, PLSC 3985.
Our office gets regular requests for students to apply to internships. Check our Facebook page to see new postings.
You can sign up for our departmental student listserv to receive the latest news about available internships, or check the office bulletin board in Sturm Hall, Room 466. Your political science advisor may also be able to direct you to other internship opportunities.
Career & Professional Development is another good resource. You need to log in with your DU ID and password to access these resources.
Political science majors are eligible to complete an internship after taking at least one course in the relevant sub-field. Students also need to take the concurrent internship class noted under "How Do I Find An Internship?" For each credit hour you intend to earn, you should plan to work four hours at your internship. This equates to 16 hours a week in your intended internship and related class.
We offer a "Campaign Internship Seminar" during the fall quarter of even-numbered years and a "State Legislative Politics Internship Seminar" during the winter quarter of even-numbered years. We regularly offer the online "Legal Internship Seminar" in the summer.
Finally, keep in mind that it is not always possible to get academic credit for your internship. Whether or not you decide to pursue academic credit, we hope you will consider doing an internship for the invaluable skills you can learn.
Explore More in Political Science
Why Study Political Science?
Political science gives you the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills you need to address real-world problems.
Maintaining a strong network of connections from DU, especially those who currently work in a field that utilizes their degree in political science, is vital to securing a job after graduation.
Go to the graduate admission application to submit your information. For information on admission requirements, visit the graduate academic programs page and locate your program of interest.
