Senior Capstone Project (6 units)
The Political Science major emphasizes research and writing throughout the program, which enables students to independently conduct reliable and meaningful research in political science and the social sciences in general. Information literacy is key in today's media saturated environments, and the Political Science program prepares students to navigate it with an objective and critical perspective, situating them to serve as citizens and professionals. Students gain the ability to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data, which are increasingly important skills in our complex global environments and workplaces.
All Political Science majors complete one of two capstone projects, Senior Thesis or Senior Internship. Both are two-semester sequences, in which students use their research skills and knowledge of the field to develop and conduct in-depth research projects. In the Thesis courses, students research a current question or problem in political science and write a 30-40 page research paper. In the Internship courses, students complete 200 hours in an internship related to the field, such as legislative staff work, non-profit management, or local government policy analysis. After the internship the students use scholarly research in political science and/or public administration to analyze their internship organization and experience, writing a 20-30 page research and reflection paper.
In both projects, students present their work at a day-long conference to their peers and faculty.
When and how should I enroll in the project?
Students are only allowed to begin work on the Senior Project in fall semester. Although this is a two-semester sequence, students must begin with PLS 4610 (Senior Thesis I) or PLS 4411 (Senior Internship I). You should begin this sequence the fall before you graduate from Cal Poly Pomona. You can only sign up for these sections by attending the Senior Capstone Sign-Up Workshop.
Fall 2025 - Senior Capstone Sign-Up Workshop
Juniors are required to attend the hybrid Senior Capstone Sign-Up Workshop. This hybrid workshop is scheduled for:
Thursday, February 28
12:00-1:00pm
Building 5, Room 107
Check your CPP email for the Zoom Link
To sign up for a section of capstone, complete this survey by Wednesday, March 5.
Subfield Specialization Information
- American Politics
- Public Administration
- International Relations
- Comparative Politics
- Public Law
- Political Theory
Senior Internship
The Senior Internship is a year-long capstone experience that provides hands-on, professional experience in political science-related fields. Students will apply theoretical knowledge and research skills gained in their coursework to a real-world setting through an internship at a political, governmental, legal, nonprofit, or policy-oriented organization. The specific focus of the internship will vary based on the organization and subfield in which the student chooses to work.
Click here for the Senior Internship Fact Sheet
Throughout this experience, students will analyze key political, policy, or organizational challenges, conduct independent research, and write a 20-30 page capstone paper that integrates their internship experience with academic scholarship. By the end of the course, students will have completed at least 200 hours of internship work, gaining professional networks and practical skills essential for careers in political science, public service, law, advocacy, and beyond.
The internship paper primarily relies on qualitative data drawn from the student's experience, but may also incorporate quantitative analysis and additional qualitative research as needed.
Related Information
Cal Poly Pomona "A Guide to Writing a Senior Thesis in Political Science"