Undergraduate Internship Opportunities

This course is designed to help students build a connection between their academic training and career possibilities in International Relations. Course requirements bridge the academic-practitioner divide by encouraging students to explore the link between practical experience of their internship and the knowledge gained from coursework and research. The goals of the course are geared towards assisting students in:

1. Developing a strong pre-professional understanding of the careers open to them after graduation,

2. Developing concrete capabilities necessary to succeed professionally after graduation, and

3. Building the connection between academic knowledge and professional practice.

More Information

Course Syllabus Download

D-Clearance Form

Program Advisor: Iva Bozovic

Program FAQ

This course is designed to give students firsthand experience in the world of politics. Placements are available with elected officials, political consultants, non-governmental organizations, state and local government agencies, environmental organizations, political parties and campaigns, interest groups, political media and more. Internships provide exciting opportunities to participate in the political process and help students gain insight into the nature of political institutions and learn about important policy debates.  Internship opportunities also help students obtain practical experience and build invaluable relationships with potential future employers, all while earning college credit.

POSC 395 is an upper-division course which can count toward the Political Science major/minor, as well as other majors/minors (e.g. International Relations, Human Rights, Peace & Conflict Studies).  The primary requirements of the internship course are to work at your internship for the required number of hours per week, and to fulfill the assignments required for the class.

USC students who enroll in POSC 395: California Policy Research Internship will have the opportunity to conduct extensive research and analysis on a major public policy challenge facing California.

Students will take part in a team-based research project where they will work to develop potential solutions in their respective policy areas by conducting interviews with policy experts and reviewing academic and policy reports and other primary and secondary sources.  At the conclusion of their internship, each policy group will present their work to leaders in the realm of policy, politics, and public service.

How to Receive Course Credit

You must meet with an Internship Associate to pursue these internship opportunities.  If you wish to obtain an internship through the Center for the Political Future’s Unruh Institute of Politics, please contact posc395@usc.edu or visit CPA 263 for more information. You receive course credit by enrolling in POSC 395. This course requires D-Clearance. You must complete an internship agreement form signed by both you and the supervisor at the office where you will be working before you can receive D-Clearance