Undergraduate Program
Internships
Students majoring in Political Science should consider taking an internship during the course of their undergraduate years. Explore some of the internship opportunities available to our students. Click on an internship below for more information.
United States Naval War College Internship
Mentor/Tutor Internship Program
Rhode Island State Government Internship Program
Washington, D.C. Internship Opportunities
Political Science Department Internship Policies
URI Office of Internships and Experiential Learning
URI Office of Internships and Experiential Education
Visit the Office of Internships and Experiential Education (OIEE). It is our mission to foster academic experiential learning opportunities for students. Our personal approach and one-on-one advising offered by our professional staff ensures that each student has a rich learning experience with powerful results.
URI Internship Program
In order to participate in the program you must meet the following requirements
Academic Requirements URI Office of Internships and Experiential Learning- 2.5 GPA or higher
- Minimum 60 credits prior to internship start date
- 300+ level free elective credits available (meet with academic advisor to determine)
- Good academic and social standing.
General Information
- Internships are offered in the fall, spring and summer
- Internships are available in virtually every field
- Students may intern anywhere in the U.S.
- Students can choose an internship from the RhodyNet database.
- Students can also create their own internship with the department’s guidance.
- Over 600 placement sites are available on RhodyNet
Additional OIEE Programs
In addition to the URI internship program, students may choose to intern in our Washington Center Program.
Please note that it is important to plan well in advance if you wish to take advantage of internship opportunities. Back to top...
Political Science Department Policies:
Political science majors can acquire internship experience either through the department or through the University. Within the department students can receive a maximum of 6 credit hours (subject to faculty approval) by enrolling in PSC 375 and PSC 376. To do so, students must have a faculty sponsor within the Political Science Department who is willing to supervise and, ultimately, grade your work. To receive a registration number, students should complete the registration materials available at the Political Science office in Washburn 205. Students working at State Internships in the Spring semester may also register for PSC 481 - Statehouse Internship - for three additional academic credits. These class meetings are held at the Statehouse on Mondays at 3:00 p.m. Back to top...
Students interested in internships at the level of state and local government may compete for the Strauss and the Hazen White Sr. internship awards (please refer to the section "Special Resources" for more information), which offer stipends to successful applicants. Back to top...
United States Naval War College Internship
The Naval War College in Newport, RI sponsors an internship program for qualified University of Rhode Island undergraduate students. This program is an opportunity for upper-division political science majors and minors interested in international relations and security studies to work and collaborate on faculty research projects. This unpaid internship program offers an inside perspective in the military education system and a chance to work hands-on with real issues in national security and strategic studies.
Student interns will work directly with faculty members from the Naval War College. Although varied across faculty projects, common tasks and duties may include researching cases, data, laws, etc. for research, writing short reports, editing and fact checking papers and reports, and compiling bibliographies.
Hours and Credits:
- Students receive a maximum of 6 credit hours by enrolling in PSC 375 and PSC 376.
- Students need to complete 100 hours to receive 3 credits.
- Students earn PASS/FAIL credit for their field experience.
- To receive a permission number, contact Professor Hutchison.
Student Requirements:
- Political Science Major or Minor
- Overall GPA: 3.0 or higher
- PSC GPA: 3.2 or higher
- Minimum of 60 overall credits
- At least one 300-level or above course in International Relations
Application Requirements:
- Unofficial transcript
- Resume
- 1-2 page written statement discussing your interest in the internship, your qualifications, and what you hope to get out of the program.
Application Deadlines: (submitted to Professor Hutchison)
- Fall Semester: May 4th
- Summer: May 4th
- Spring Semester: November 15th
Assessment:
- Portfolio of work completed
- A short paper evaluating your experience in the internship program sent to Professor Hutchison at the end of the term.
- A report detailing your reactions to the internship program to be given to the Naval War College Internship Coordinators.
Contact Information:
- Dr. Marc Hutchison, Department of Political Science, University of Rhode Island
- Email: mlhutch@mail.uri.edu
- Phone: 401-874-4054
- Office: 223 Washburn Hall
Student's Experience
Brendan Hall: Brendan is currently an intern with the Center on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups. His job is to assist the Naval War College professors and faculty in their research for case studies, papers, lectures and conferences on topics generally pertaining to the role of Irregular Warfare (terrorism and insurgency) and Armed Groups in 21st century conflict.
"I am fortunate enough to be in the presence of some of the top thinkers
in the country. I have also had the rare opportunity to witness some of the most important
members of our military speak on a variety of critical issues."
Michael Vogel: My time at the Naval War College was a diverse and rewarding experience. Diverse in the sense that my daily encounters would range from speaking with a mid-career officer in the US Army about the situation on the ground in Afghanistan, to conducting microfilm database research on the war of 1812. It was rewarding in the sense that I was given specific assignments under the guidance of a NWC faculty member, while simultaneously being granted the liberty to attend various “Lectures of Opportunity” and “Professional Military Education” lectures as they pertained to my specific interests. This internship can provide you with the opportunity to gain experiential insights on international relations and security-oriented issues that are being confronted by our leaders today.
"I am personally humbled and intellectually gratified to have been afforded the
opportunity to spend the past six months at the Naval War College. It has provided
me with the insights that I would not have been able to find anywhere
else without having either been an active member at the NWC or
attending another school under the same circumstances, such as the
US Army War College in Pennsylvania."
Mentor/Tutor Internship Program - MTI Website
“MTI has been such a rewarding, eye-opening experience for me. Participating was so much fun, I met so many great kids and got the opportunity to work with awesome teachers. I believe everyone should participate in a program like this!" Allison Mohnk
The Mentor/Tutor Internship Program at the University of Rhode Island is a non-profit organization that sends college students into K-12 schools, after-school and adult-learning programs throughout the state. Our goal is to help students who are in danger of falling behind academically, and need extra support to help them succeed and reach their goals.
Expectations and Requirements:
- Attend weekly mandatory MTI meetings. Failure to attend could result in an unsatisfactory grade for the semester.
- Attend the mandatory training session, usually on the second Saturday of the semester.
- Complete a two-paragraph journal on your week, due every Sunday.
- Complete 2 two-page papers on topics to be assigned in class.
- Complete a project, to be determined by your MTI Teaching Assistant.
- Complete a time sheet documenting at least 44 hours of work in your placement.
How to apply:
- Fill out the online application MTI Application
- Email Allison Mohnk for a permission number.
Contact Information:
Allison Mohnk, Dicrector
401-874-9407
Professor Alfred Killilea, Founder
Department of Political Science
401-874-4053
Rhode Island State Government Internship Program
Gain political experience by interning with the Rhode Island State Government Internship Program. Learn how our state and local government works and enhance your education of American Politics. Maureen Moakley, a Professor of American Government and State Politics here at URI, is a great resource and contact for this internship.
Spring Semester Program
Focus of Placement: Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branches and other state departments and agencies.
Educational Focus: Established learning objectives; academic credit; evaluation of learning experience; internships enable students to participate in state government on a learning basis and provides experience within their field of interest.
Intern Responsibilities: Time Frame - varies, at least 8 weeks; working 8-10 hours/week within chosen field placement; responsible for time sheet; mandatory student progress reports and final assessment.
Availability: Internships are located throughout the state, Providence and vicinity.
Application Procedure: Send a resume and cover letter to the Intern Office. Upon receipt, an interview will be scheduled. Placement will be decided at the time. Student shall also interview with placement supervisor at a later date.
Resumes, Cover letters and Letters of Recommendation letters should be addressed to:
Robert W. Gemma
Executive Director
Rhode Island State Government Internship Program
State House - Room 8AA
Providence, RI 02903
All correspondence MUST BE TYPED. The Intern Office sends copies of all students' information to possible placement supervisors. Therefore, resumes and cover letters should have a professional appearance.
An Internship interview should be given the same consideration as a job interview; proper dress is expected. No interviews will be granted to students who do not have a complete file that contains:
a. Resume
b. Cover Letter
Please contact the Internship Office with any questions: Phone: 401-222-6782 or Fax: 401-222-4447
URI Academic Advisor and contact:
Maureen Moakley
Department of Political Science
University of Rhode Island
Washburn Hall 80 Upper College Road, Suite 4
Kingston, RI 02881-0817
Voice mail: (401) 874-4055
Fax: (401) 874-4072
Email: moakley@uri.edu
Website: Internship Site
Washington, D.C. Internship Opportunities:
If you are interested in an internship in Washington D.C., Professor Pearson-Merkowitz is a great contact. Some options she recommends include:
Senators and Representatives from your home state or another. Check their individual websites for more information.
Some Washington D.C. Internship suggestions:
Democratic National Committee
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee
Republican Legislative Campaign Committee
Republican National Committee
Republican National Conservative Caucus
Greenparty
Political Campaigns are also a great way to gain experience. Contact the politician's campaign office to learn if they are accepting interns.
Contact Information:
Shanna Pearson-Merkowitz
Department of Political Science
University of Rhode Island
Washburn Hall 80 Upper College Road, Suite 4
Kingston, RI 02881-0817
Voice mail: (401) 874-4057
Fax: (401) 874-4072
Email: shanna_pearson@mail.uri.edu
