The internship potentialities are vast for graduates of the Political Science program, particularly given WVSU’s proximity to the WV State Capital.
The Political Science department can assist you in applying for the chance to intern at the WV State Legislature. There is no better way to fully understand political science than to see it manifested in the real world. Participating in the Legislative internship will allow you to view the policy process in action, to comprehend how legislation is actually accomplished. We maintain that you will obtain a comprehensive understanding of government, simply by participating in it. Particularly, you will gain more knowledge of the full interaction between the educational system and the state government. Such an internship will facilitate in WVSU’s Land Grant Mission, namely, serving the public.
Judith A. Herndon Fellowship
The Judith A. Herndon Fellowship is a semester long internship experience. Selected students will be assigned to a member of the West Virginia State Legislature for the 60-day legislative session, where they will research legislation, track legislation, draft bills and perform other duties related to the legislative process. Interns are then assigned to an administrative agency for the duration of the semester.
Requirements:
- Full-time undergraduate students of all majors and disciplines from both public and private institutions of higher learning in West Virginia.
- Completed 60 undergraduate hours
- Achieved grade point average sufficient for admission into the degree program
- Completed course in political science or extensive public affairs experience
Frasure-Singleton Internship
The Frasure-Singleton Internship is a one week opportunity to students to observe and participate in the legislative process. Students are assigned to a member of the West Virginia State Legislature and will observe the legislative process up close, participate in the legislative process and assist their legislator with his/her duties.
Requirements:
- Full-time sophomores, juniors and seniors of all majors and disciplines from two and four year, public and private institutions of higher learning
- In good academic standing with (at least) one course in government
- GPA is taken into consideration
The Governor’s Internship Program
The Governor’s Internship Program is a summer internship experience that lasts between nine and twelve weeks. Interns are placed with a state agency that reflects the interests of the students. This is a paid internship opportunity.
Requirements:
- An applicant must be a currently enrolled student at a West Virginia college or university, or a West Virginia resident attending an accredited college or university elsewhere.
- An applicant must have completed at least one academic year of study at an accredited college or university by July 2016. High School graduates who have taken college courses prior to graduation from High School are NOT eligible.
- An applicant must have a cumulative college/university GPA of 3.0 or greater. NO EXCEPTIONS!
- If an applicant completes their degree and has no intention of returning to school the following semester, they cannot participate in this program. The student can only apply to the GIP program if they have applied to a graduate program and can provide a letter of acceptance. The intent of the GIP is for current students only.