Internships in Political Science

Because Columbus is the state capital, our political science majors have an edge over political science majors in other parts of the state.

Our department faculty has spent years building a network of professional contacts in government and non-profit agencies throughout the city. You’ll be able to choose from a wide range of hands-on learning experiences, such as:
 

• Working for a local or state campaign
• Interning in a state legislator’s office
• Volunteering with a local non-profit agency

Some of our students have even done internships with legislators in Washington, D.C.

Getting Involved

If you’ve chosen this major, chances are you’re already a leader. You’re used to speaking out and making things happen. At Capital, there are plenty of ways to get involved and add spice to campus life.

You can join student organizations such as:

• The Fuller Society, a diverse, non-partisan group of students who meet to debate and discuss issues of national, state, local and campus concern
• The Pre-Law Society, a group of prospective law students who want to learn more about the American justice system and prepare for law school admission
• The Capital chapters of College Republicans and College Democrats  
• Phi Epsilon, the Capital chapter of national political science honors society Pi Sigma Alpha

You can help plan social events for the department or for the whole campus. In the past, students have:

• Taken impromptu road trips to look at law schools in other cities
• Brought in outside speakers to lecture on political issues
• Held a 12-hour movie marathon showcasing films about political and social topics

You can write for the Fuller Forum, a quarterly newsletter that covers political issues in a thoughtful, intelligent way.

Research in Political Science

Once you learn the techniques of political science research, it’s time to start applying them by collecting data for a big research project on a topic of your choosing. You’ll have many opportunities to present your findings, both on- and off-campus. In the past, Capital’s political science students have participated in:
 

• Capital’s Annual Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship  
• The “All Politics is Local” Conference at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio
• Professional Conferences in Chicago, Virginia and Washington, DC

Conferences are great places to network with students, professors and leaders from outside the Capital community. The connections you make could be invaluable when you graduate and start applying to graduate school or looking for jobs.