Department of Political Science

University of Notre Dame

Summer Internships

Many opportunities for summer internships are available to Political Science majors! Intern at Notre Dame, in the United States, or abroad, earn credit toward graduation, and gain experience crucial to career planning and prospects.

• Stipulations
• Application Procedures
• Credit Requirements
• Funding
• Housing
• Placements
• FAQ

Stipulations

Summer Internships for credit must:

• Have prior departmental approval
• Be unpaid
• Be at least four weeks in duration
• Provide at least 80 hours of work.

Application Procedures

Fill out an Application for Credit for a Summer Internship. Applications are available in the Department of Political Science Office, 217 O'Shaughnessy.

Submit a letter from the sponsoring agency offering the unpaid internship with the Application. Credit will not be given for internships done without prior approval.

Credit Requirements

1. Sign a Summer Waiver & Release. Pick up the syllabus in 217 O'Shaughnessy.
2. Register in POLS 35903 as a fall semester class.
3. Complete the written assignments. Hand in your written assignments to the Internship Office by Friday of the first week of classes of the following fall semester.
4. Upon completion of the internship, request a confirmation letter from your supervisor.  This is due no later than Friday of the first week of classes of the following fall semester. The letter must state
1. that the internship was unpaid
2. the dates of the internship
3. how many hours you worked
4. that it was successfully completed.

Funding

The Department of Political Science offers the Downes Endowment for Excellence in Government funding for Political Science majors in their sophomore or junior years. Applications are available in 217 O'Shaughnessy.

Other funding sources for summer internships include:

 

• Everett Public Service Internship Program
• J.W. Saxe Memorial Fund
• Lumina Foundation
• ND Office of Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Fellowships
• Career Center
• The Kellogg Institute
• The Nanovic Institute for European Studies
• Open Society Institute Grants, Scholarships & Fellowships
• Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships

Housing

Some internship sponsors will provide information on rentals. The Notre Dame Alumni Association is also an excellent resource. You should also contact local universities about summer housing facilities.