Internships are an important element of today's undergraduate education. A well-structured internship program can assist you with figuring out the difference between a job and a career. An intense, time-on-task internship will produce a meaningful experience with which you can test your knowledge in your field of interest. Students who are given substantive work assignments will stretch their knowledge and skills to complete assignments competently.

When you intern, you test your interests, develop new strengths, and learn about opportunities and career paths you might not otherwise discover.

Students can earn from 3-15 upper division credit hours for an approved internship. Many government internship programs are paid positions ranging between $1,000-$5,000 per semester.

There has never been a better time to explore the many opportunities that exist in the public sector—make an internship part of building your future!

Getting Started

Eligibility: All student interns must have a 2.5 GPA, have junior status, and if a transfer student, have completed two semesters of full-time study at SUNY Oswego.

Consultation: Working with your academic advisor and the Internship Coordinator is essential. You must discuss how an internship will affect your academic program and determine whether the internship will be taken for departmental credit (POL) or General Studies (GST) credit.

Application Process: Every student prior to starting their internship must complete an application from the Experience-Based Education Office as well as complete a program application specific to each placement.  Applications can be obtained from the EBE Office in Rich Hall or from the Political Science Internship Coordinator, Dr. Altschuler, in 438 Mahar Hall.

Obtaining a Position and Earning Academic Credit

Internship Placements: The Dept. of Political Science places students with several reputable internship programs located in Albany, NYC, and Washington D.C. You may also find your own position via online internship databases, or use the Experience Based Education Office as a campus-based resource center to secure a position. In all cases, we work closely to help you find a high quality, academically challenging internship that matches your special interests and specific career goals.

Learning Agreements: Once an internship has been secured, you must meet with the Internship Coordinator to discuss learning objectives, specific position responsibilities, and academic assignments. This step in the internship process helps to ensure you receive a credit-worthy experience. So what are you waiting for? Why not get started today!