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Washington Semester Program The Washington Semester Program (PSC 396), under the direction of Professor Stuart Jordan, offers students the opportunity to work on the staff of a United States Senator or Representative and to earn sixteen academic credits (two courses in political science) for the experience. Interns work during the academic year, for an entire semester, usually in the junior year. The Washington Semester Program is offered only during the spring semester. 
No more than ten students are selected for the program each year. The selection
process includes an interview with Professor Sinclair-Chapman,
and requirements for the program include a minimum grade point average of
3.4 as well as substantial knowledge of and interest in American politics.
Students who wish to apply for the program are particularly encouraged to
take a course focusing on congressional politics. Students selected into
the program are responsible for finding a Congress member for whom to work,
but students are provided with the names of those who have been cooperative
in the past. Students are also responsible for their own arrangements for
housing in Washington, D.C. The Washington Semester Program is the only congressional internship sponsored by the department. Credit toward the major is not awarded for any other internship in a Congress member's Washington office. Students interested in applying are urged to attend a general interest and informational meeting the semester before they wish to take up the internship. Interviews of applicants are scheduled shortly after the meeting. 
European Political Internships
The department sponsors a number of political internships in Edinburgh, London, Brussels, Berlin, and Madrid. These are semester-long programs. They combine internships earning eight academic credits (one course in political science, PSC 397) and coursework earning an additional eight academic credits (two courses). The internships available vary by country but typically include placement with members of the national legislature, in constituency offices of legislators, and with parties, interest, and political research organizations. Internships in law firms are available in London. Internships are in English in Edinburgh, London, and Brussels and students need proficiency in the language for the latter two placements. A detailed description of the European political internships is contained in the University of Rochester Internships in Europe catalog, which can be obtained in the Center for Study Abroad and Interdepartmental Programs in Lattimore Hall 206. Students interested in this program should make an appointment with an advisor in the Center. Public Defender and District Attorney Internships Public Defender and District Attorney Internships are open to juniors and seniors only. Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Students are required to work for twelve hours per week in the Public Defender's or District Attorney's office and to write a substantive research paper (approximately 25 pages). Interns earn four academic credits (one course in political science, PSC 394). Students interested in applying are urged to attend a general interest and informational meeting the semester before they wish to take up the internship. Applications are due shortly after the meeting. For additional information, contact Professor L. Powell. Individualized Internships Students who, on their own, find an internship substantively different from those sponsored by the department may, depending on the nature of the internship, apply to an undergraduate advisor for consideration to sign up for an internship (PSC 394) earning four academic credits, which may be applied toward completion of the major in political science. This is permitted only when all of the following conditions are met: the internship is unpaid, comprises ten to twelve hours of work per week, takes place during the academic year (not during the summer), is substantively and strongly related to political science or law, and is accompanied by other significant academic work (generally including a substantial research paper) completed under the direction of a regular faculty member who has agreed to sponsor the academic component of the internship. For more information regarding individualized internships, contact Professor L. Powell. |
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