Practica
The internship, or practicum portion of the MA in American Government Program offers students the unique opportunity to experience Washington at work.
Students are required to work during the spring semester for 20 hours per week, and during the summer (late May through mid-August) for 30 hours per week.
The Practicum Coordinator works with each student individually and provides guidance and assistance in finding and securing a meaningful placement in an organization that is relevant to the study of American Government.
Relevant practica could be within the executive branch, on Capitol Hill, in non-profit organizations or interest groups, in media organizations, in political consulting firms, etc. Placement is driven by the student's interests and the availability of a position in the desired organization. See Past Placements and Current Placements for examples of where our students have worked.
Students may be paid for their internship, but compensation should not be the driving force behind pursuing a particular placement. The experience and the enrichment offered by most internships, as well as the contacts students make during their work in Washington often provides tangible benefits (e.g., securing permanent employment).
Alumni Quotes on the Internship Experience
"For students who are interested in transitioning their masters into the professional sphere, the internship component of this program allows them to develop direct insight into a potential career path. The program's coordinator, who has years of experience in the public sector, works directly with students to explore different internship options. As a whole, this program offers a well-rounded education in American government."
Internship Supervisor Quotes on the Program
“Our Interns were spectacular. The students quickly became team members in every respect. When urgent tasks drove us to impossible hours they stood shoulder to shoulder with our seasoned veterans. Eager to learn, their enthusiasm was infectious and their unique perspective encouraged fresh approaches to nagging problems.”
Deputy Director,
General, Flag, & Officer Management
Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness
“The FCC's Office of Strategic Planning derives substantial benefits from our student interns, and we like to think that the feeling among interns is mutual. Our interns get an inside look at the policy research and development process, and their work makes a tangible contribution. And the learning process is a two-way street. They learn how a regulatory agency operates, but their experience, particularly as users of cutting edge media and telecom devices and services, often informs our perspective as policy analysts.”
Deputy Chief Economist
Federal Communications Commission.
“Thanks for recommending my branch to your masters program students. It has been great to have such a resource for eight months who can potentially apply for full-time employment upon graduation with ‘corporate experience’ in hand.”
Branch Chief
Office of Management and Budget
Executive Office of the President