MPA Internship
The MPA program does not require an internship but encourages internships for pre-career and career-changing students. The program assists students in locating internship opportunities on local, state, regional, national and international levels. The internship may begin as early as the second semester but it is usually taken during the latter half of one's program. Your advisor will provide you with placement assistance once you declare your interest and your registration for the Internship course (PADM 596) is approved. Approximately 400 hours of job experience is to be attained and evaluated (approximately 32 hours per week in a semester or 16 hours per week in two semesters). Each intern is responsible for negotiating a set of learning and performance objectives with the work supervisor and the program's advisor within the seven areas of POSDCoRB (Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Coordinating, Reporting and Budgeting). The statement of objectives, once completed and signed by all parties becomes a contract that the employer agrees to help the intern achieve learning objectives, the intern promises to attain the performance objectives of the agency, and the MPA program agrees that completion of the objectives requires 3 credits for the work portion of the internship. When possible the advisor visits or communicates with the supervisor to coordinate the internship. At the end of the internship, the intern is evaluated by both the supervisor and by his/ her advisor.
1. Federal Government Internships
The Pathways Program includes a federal government-wide internship program for students from high school to PhD. Positions are located across the country, either part-time or full-time.
Veterans interested in continuing their public service can look into the many opportunities provided by this program.
The State Department manages several internship programs that enable students to get experience in a foreign affairs environment.
The U.S. DOT offers internship in several areas, including planning, economics, public administration and criminal justice.
2. Nonprofit Internship
Search by name, location, or mission for volunteer and internship opportunities at nonprofit worldwide.
3. NASPAA
The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) has internship opportunities for students of public administration.
Good source for finding jobs or internships.