The Political Science Department offers a wide range of internships for students interested in politics and government from all majors. These internships can take place in capitals——Washington DC and Albany—internationally, locally or even potentially in your hometown.
Internships range from part-time, to full-time full semester opportunities. Full-time placements are professional-level placements in the legislative and executive branches of New York state government, federal executive agencies, Congress, interest groups or federal courts.
Internships may be undertaken during fall, spring, or summer for 1-15 credits. A coordinated academic component incorporates seminars, readings, journals, term papers, etc. Each intern is mentored and supervised throughout the internship by program coordinators or members of the Political Science Department.
Internships are great opportunities for students to expand knowledge of politics and government, career exploration, personal growth, self-confidence, computer skills, and writing skills. Alumni for over forty years have praised the programs highly.
Washington, DC Internship Programs
Experience the Nation’s Capital, learn from experts, intern & explore your career, earn credits, and build a network for your future!
The SUNY Washington Internship Program allows students to experience the excitement of our nation’s capital, an ideal location to experience direct involvement in politics and all other professional fields.
- Semester and summer programs are offered.
- Founded in 1967, more than 4,000 students have participated in this program.
- The program is open to junior, senior, and graduate students from colleges and universities.
Albany Internship Programs
New York State Senate Assistants Program (spring only). Paid internships with the State Senate.
New York State Assembly Session Intern Program (spring only). Paid internships with the State Assembly.
"New" New York Leaders Internship Program. Undergraduate internship opportunities with New York State Agencies.
Prospective interns must be approved by the department first and then apply to the programs through the department. These programs do not accept applications directly from students.
International Internships
The SUNY Global Education Program offers internationally-focused internships in New York City. The SUNY Global Engagement Program is designed to foster global citizenship. It provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the extensive global affairs conducted in New York City.
To receive departmental credit for these internships, you must work with the Political Science department's internship coordinator.
Local and Regional Internships
Local internship placements are possible throughout the academic year, both in Oneonta and in your hometown. Each student works with the internship coordinator to develop a placement that works for them. As with all of our internships, there is an academic component in addition to a work placement in a professional setting. Students involved in a local internship can earn 1-6 semester hours of course credit during the spring and fall, and up to 9 credits in the summer.
Applying for Internship Credit
Eligibility
1) Completion of 56 s.h., including a minimum of 12 s.h. at Oneonta.
2) A cumulative GPA of at least 2.00; minimum major GPA of 2.00.
Application Process
- Students can receive up to 1 s.h. for every 40 hours of internship experience. So, if you intern for 16 hours a week over 15 weeks, you can receive up to 6 s.h.; 40 hours per week over 15 weeks adds up to 15 credits.
- Student provides a description of the proposed internship and site supervisor contact info to department internship coordinator. (Fall 2023 - Dr. Bill Wilkerson)
- Internship coordinator and student contact site supervisor and establish work agreement regarding student duties and job evaluation.
- Student and professor complete campus internship application form
- Student works with the Career Development Center to enter materials into Handshake
- Professor confirms student eligibility
Academic Work
Volume will vary with credit hours, at instructor’s discretion, but generally includes journal entries that respond to instructor-designed questions and a final paper reflecting on the internship experience and relating it to material from other courses.
For more information
The coordinator of the department's internship program for Fall 2023 is Dr. Bill Wilkerson, Alumni Hall 207 . Please contact him for more information.