Internships

The internship requirement is an integral part of the MPA student's preparation for employment in the public or nonprofit sector. The internship is a supervised, field experience in which you will observe and participate in the functioning of a public sector organization in a government or nonprofit organization. A student must have completed fifteen (15) hours in the program before registering for the internship. Written pre-approval by either the Program Director and/or the Internship Coordinator must be granted prior to seeking a credited internship experience. Enrollment and registration for the internship, and payment for the course, must be done in conjunction with the Graduate School's established registration procedures and deadlines prior to the term in which the student wishes to take an internship course and prior to the start of the actual internship.

The goal of the internship experience is to gain valuable experience. A paid internship is a reasonable expectation for a graduate student. However students may occasionally be faced with taking an unpaid internship in their area of interest. It is difficult decision and should be discussed with the MPA Director and/or Internship Coordinator. Given its importance, the student should begin examining internship opportunities in the initial advisement session. To ensure the optimal amount of choice in an internship placement, the student should explore as many avenues as possible.

Once enrolled, both the MPA Director and the Internship Coordinator will periodically evaluate the student's performance, including visiting the placement site and interviewing the internship supervisor. A 5-7 page paper describing the internship experience is also used as a performance criterion for the internship. Students who are in-service or have significant previous work experience may request an internship waiver. If the waiver is granted, the student is required to take an additional elective course (3 hours).

Purpose of an Internship

• To bring a real-world element to your well-rounded education.
• To provide valuable experience and an opportunity to create contacts within the community.
• To potentially lead to a full-time job after graduation.
  

Planning for an Internship

• Begin planning for an internhip and exploring possibilities at the initial advisement session.
• The Internship Coordinator will assist the student in identifying and arranging internship opportunities.
• Ask professors for additional resources and contacts in the community.
• Develop and maintain contacts in the fields that interest you.
• Explore as many avenues as possible.
• Visit the Internship Resource list for an extensive listing of organizations.
• Do your research before attempting to contact a representative of the organization.
• Be prepared for an interview.
• Maintain some flexibility around internship placement to allow for possible change in program focus.

Important Aspects of an Internship

• It must be a public service sector organization.
• Personal interest in the organization.
• Hands-on administrative duties with entry level professional responsibilities.
• The opportunity to work in an unfamiliar field that will provide new skills and experiences.
• Provides a richer and more challenging experience than that of an undergraduate internship.

Internship Requirements

• Completion of fifteen (15) credit hours prior to registration for the internship.
• The permission of the MPA Director prior to the internship and the term in which the student seeks credit.
• A contract between the supervisor, student and program director prior to the internship and the term in which the student seeks credit.
• Ongoing communication, including meetings, with the Internship Coordinator on his or her progress.
• 300 placement hours for an average of 20 hours per week for 15-week semester.
• A final paper summarizing your experience.
• The internship is graded on a pass/fail basis.

Requirements for Waiving an Internship:

• Significant previous work experience in the appropriate field of study.
• A formal letter to the program director requesting an internship waiver.
• Approval from the director.
• Enrollment in an additional 3-hour elective course to satisfy the hourly requirements for the degree.
  
  For more information see our Frequently Asked Questions.
  For a list of Internship Organizations see the Internship Resource Page.