Public Service internship (PSC 490F)
The public service internship program offers interested and qualified students the opportunity to earn three to six credits while serving as an intern at a public, nonprofit, or approved private organization in the community. While serving as an intern, students gain invaluable experience in and exposure to the day‐to‐day working environment of a host organization. In addition, internship positions are available in various state‐level campaign offices.
The student typically works in his/her assigned or selected organization for six to 12 hours per week depending on the number of credits a student wishes to earn. Students must obtain their own internships.
Congressional Internship Program (PSC 490G)
Students can earn three to six credits, while obtaining practical experience in the legislative process, by serving as an intern in one of Nevada's Senate or House congressional offices in Washington, D.C. Students must obtain the internship through the congressional office, not the Department of Political Science.
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International Affairs Internships (IAFF 350)
International Affairs internships allow students to earn academic credit while also gaining valuable experience outside the classroom. The primary requirement is that there be some element of the internship with an international component. In fact, many IAFF 350 internship opportunities do not require foreign travel. Typical IAFF internships involve working with an organization that engages in international exchanges, working in diplomacy or government, or working with an international business. A few examples of past internship opportunities include the Northern Nevada International Center (NNIC), a foreign consulate, the U.S. State Department, or for a local company that does business overseas. Students may also find internships while participating in a study-abroad program. Some of the USAC programs, for example, offer opportunities for students to complete internships as a way of enriching the international experience.
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Nevada Legislative Internship Program (PSC 490H)
Students participating in the Nevada Legislative Internship Program will gain firsthand experience in the inner workings of the Nevada State Legislature while earning academic credit. Students will gain direct experience with the policy process and policy research and will have the opportunity to observe interactions between legislators and advocates from a variety of interests. Participating students will be assigned to work with a member of the Nevada State Legislature based on political compatibility and interests. Each student will work with their assigned legislator throughout the duration of the spring semester with an option to continue working until the end of the legislative session.
The duration of the internship is approximately five months, from mid‐January until mid-May during the legislative session, which convenes biennially during odd years. Students can earn three or six credits.
This internship is available to juniors, seniors and graduate students. Interested students are strongly encouraged to complete at least one policy or government-related course including PSC 101 American Politics: Process and Behavior, PSC 210 American Public Policy and/or PSC 304 The Legislative Process. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred.
Applications for the 2025 Nevada Legislative internships will open in Fall 2024.
Graduate Public Service Internship (PSC 690F)
The graduate public service internship, PSC 690F, is offered every semester; students may register for one to six credits. Unlike many internships, graduate students receive letter grades for their participation. Three credits of PSC 690F may be counted toward the degree program.
This is a wonderful opportunity for graduate students. A public service internship allows students to work with one of many government or not-for-profit public service organizations in the Washoe County area. Many students participating in the program have found that doing so helped them define their career objectives more clearly while also preparing them for professional life. Many local organizations specifically need and want graduate students with special skills (like budget analysis or legal research). A number of graduate students who have participated in the program have found their experiences extremely helpful to their employment prospects in the local area.