Internships

An internship is required of students without substantive experience in a public service organization. The purpose of the internship is to give students a sense of day-to-day operations, practices, and problems, and is intended to complement the academic training received in the classroom. The fulfilment of the internship requirement carries four hours of academic credit for the practical experience (MPA 6980). Specific requirements for this internship are established between the student, advisor, and organization representative.

The internship requirement will be waived for mid-career professionals, international students intending to return to their home countries, and other individuals who have had adequate public service experience prior to entering the program such as honorably discharged recent veterans. Individuals who believe that they fall within these categories and desire a waiver for the internship requirement should request a waiver from the Graduate Coordinator.