12 Political Science Internships for College Students

Exploring internships during college is one of the best ways to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world experience. These opportunities not only help you build a more competitive resume but also allow you to develop essential skills like communication, policy analysis, research, and critical thinking. For college students, internships offer a firsthand look at professional environments, making you more employable and better prepared for graduate school or careers in government, law, nonprofits, and international affairs.

If you’re studying political science or a related field like international relations, public administration, or human rights, an internship can offer valuable insight into how theory plays out in practice. Whether you’re interested in policy analysis, advocacy, diplomacy, or legislative work, internships can help clarify career goals while building professional connections. 

This list of 12 top political science internships for college students includes programs that blend academic knowledge with meaningful fieldwork. You’ll find both in-person and virtual opportunities.

1. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Policy Internship

Location: Washington, D.C. or Remote
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: September 2–December 12
Application Deadline: June 20
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students (including law) and recent graduates with U.S. work authorization and a Social Security number
Stipend: Paid; $18–$22/hour depending on education level

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) offers semester-long internships in policy-related areas such as government affairs, health, housing, food assistance, and tax policy. You will conduct research, support outreach campaigns, and assist with administrative and analytical work in your assigned department. The program prioritizes applicants with lived experience or a demonstrated interest in racial equity and low-income communities. Internships are typically 10–12 weeks long and may be done remotely or in person at the D.C. office. You will receive hourly pay and benefits like sick leave, a personal day, and health insurance for the duration of the term. Applicants are encouraged to apply to a maximum of three departments aligned with their interests.

2. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: Starts June 2 for the summer cohort. Multiple cohorts available
Application Deadline: April 13 for summer cohort
Eligibility: College students interested in tech, non-profit, or related fields
Cost/Stipend: $1,490, financial aid available

The Ladder University Internship Program offers a project-based internship experience for college students eager to contribute to tech or nonprofit fields. You will work on real-world projects while receiving mentorship from professionals in your area of interest, sharpening your communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. This fully remote program emphasizes both learning and impact, helping you build a portfolio that reflects meaningful work. With flexible scheduling and multiple annual cohorts, this program is ideal for students seeking personalized career development and real-world experience in a supportive, virtual environment.

3. Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship

Location: Washington, D.C.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: August–December (Fall); January–May (Spring)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (typically several months before start)
Eligibility: African American undergraduate or recent graduate students with a minimum 2.5 GPA; must be U.S. citizens or authorized to work in the U.S.
Stipend: Provided; housing included

Offered by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship gives Black college students and recent graduates exposure to the federal legislative process. You will work in a congressional office or committee, contributing to policy research, legislative drafting, communications, and constituent services. The program is designed for those interested in public policy, law, political science, or public administration, and aims to cultivate the next generation of African American leaders in government. You’ll also participate in professional development workshops and leadership training, with networking opportunities in Washington, D.C. All interns receive housing and a stipend.

4. The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) Academic Internship Program

Location: Washington, D.C.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: May 31–July 26
Application Deadline: March 5 
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (including international students) interested in politics, public policy, or related fields
Cost: Program fee applies (includes tuition, housing, events); scholarships available

TFAS offers a comprehensive summer experience in Washington, D.C. that blends academic coursework, professional internships, and networking events for undergraduate students. You’ll intern in a public policy–related organization and gain academic credit from George Mason University. The program includes 250+ hours of hands-on experience, along with access to lectures, site visits, and leadership seminars. You will build your resume and network, preparing for careers in public service, law, and policy. Scholarship support is available, and international students are encouraged to apply.

5. MIT-Washington Summer Internship Program

Location: Washington, D.C.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited to MIT undergraduates
Dates: Summer (exact dates vary; includes pre- and post-term coursework)
Application Deadline: January 6
Eligibility: MIT undergraduate students from any major
Stipend: Stipend and housing provided

The MIT Washington Summer Internship Program offers MIT students an experience in federal policymaking and public service. You will be matched with offices and agencies in Washington, D.C., where you will contribute to projects involving science, technology, and regulatory policy. You’ll engage in policy research, analysis, and writing and gain firsthand insight into how science and governance intersect. The program includes academic components such as on-campus seminars and a spring break policy trip to D.C., ensuring that you are prepared for and can reflect on your summer experience. Past placements have spanned sectors from energy and health to urban planning and telecommunications.

6. UC San Diego Local Internship Research Program

Location: San Diego and Southern Orange County, CA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified; competitive eligibility criteria
Dates: Academic year; varies by quarter
Application Deadline: Rolling 
Eligibility: UC San Diego students with ≥90 units completed, a 2.5+ GPA overall, and ≥3.0 GPA in political science; must have completed POLI 30D and two upper-division political science courses
Cost/Stipend: None; unpaid, but academic credit available

The UC San Diego Local Internship Research Program allows political science students to gain field experience by working with local government agencies, elected officials, or nonprofits. You will complete an internship with organizations such as congressional district offices, mayoral campaigns, advocacy groups, or regional policy organizations. The program includes enrollment in POLI 197SD (Pass/No Pass), and students may also take POLI 194SD, where you’ll write a research paper under faculty guidance that counts toward your major. Past placements include the U.S. Attorney’s Office, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, and United Nations Association. This program emphasizes research, civic engagement, and professional development in a local context.

7. Congressional Internship – Office of Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08)

Location: Washington, D.C. and Issaquah, WA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Flexible start; Fall term September–December
Application Deadline: July 7
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates
Stipend: Stipend or academic credit available

The Office of Congresswoman Kim Schrier offers an internship experience for students interested in public service and the legislative process. You’ll join a fast-paced Congressional team, gaining experience in constituent communications, administrative support, and legislative research. D.C. interns may assist with Capitol tours and press briefings, while district office interns help with local casework and outreach projects. You are expected to commit at least 20 hours per week and demonstrate strong communication, professionalism, and a collaborative mindset. Ties to Washington state are a plus, but not required. The internship is open to students from all majors and offers a valuable opportunity to engage in governance and policy.

8. Leeba Lessin Internship on Health and Medicare Policy 

Location: Washington, D.C. (Hybrid or In-Person)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: 12 weeks in summer (May–August)
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: First-generation college freshmen and sophomores in the U.S. with a valid Social Security Number
Stipend: Paid; $17.50/hour for 35–40 hours/week; academic credit available

This internship honors healthcare innovator Leeba Lessin by preparing first-generation undergraduates for careers in Medicare and health policy. You’ll be matched with a Washington, D.C.–based organization such as the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, Kaiser Family Foundation, or Urban Institute, and gain experience with public health programs and policy research. You’ll also participate in a weekly seminar series and cohort programming alongside peers in the National Academy of Social Insurance network. In addition to policy-focused assignments, you will benefit from mentorship by Academy Members and opportunities to build professional networks in public service.

9. John Burton Internship on Workers’ Compensation Research and Policy

Location: National Academy of Social Insurance, Washington, D.C. (Hybrid or In-Person)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: 12 weeks in summer (May–August)
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: Upper-division undergraduates and graduate students enrolled in U.S. colleges or universities; valid U.S. Social Security Number required
Stipend: Paid; at least $17.50/hour for 35–40 hours/week; academic credit available

This internship provides students with an opportunity to contribute to public policy in workers’ compensation and workplace safety. You will be placed with a D.C.-based organization such as the Social Security Advisory Board, MACPAC, or U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means, working under the mentorship of an Academy Member. You will gain experience in research, policy analysis, and program development while participating in a weekly seminar series with peers from other social insurance fields. Burton interns also receive a scholarship to attend the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) annual conference.

10. Udall Foundation Native American Congressional Internship

Location: Washington, D.C.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; 12 students per year
Dates: May 28–August 2
Application Deadline: Typically early spring (exact date varies annually)
Eligibility: Native American and Alaska Native college, graduate, and law students
Cost: Fully funded, includes travel, housing, per diem, and other expenses

The Udall Foundation’s Native American Congressional Internship places 12 Native American and Alaska Native students in congressional and federal offices to gain firsthand experience in how the U.S. government interacts with Tribal Nations. You’ll work on issues related to Native governance, public policy, and intergovernmental relations while building a professional network in Indian affairs. Past placements have included roles in the Senate, House, and executive agencies involved in Native policy, and you will gain access to an alumni network committed to Tribal leadership and public service.

11. Global Leaders Internship and Fellowship Program

Location: Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI), Washington, D.C.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Fall and Spring semesters; Fall program runs approximately August–December
Application Deadline: April 17 for Fall cohort
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recent grads (within one year) enrolled at a four-year college or university; U.S. work eligibility required
Stipend: Monthly stipend provided; housing on Capitol Hill included

CHLI’s Global Leaders Internship offers a semester-long public policy experience that combines Congressional and corporate legislative affairs placements. Over 15 weeks, you’ll spend the first half of the program interning in a Congressional office, followed by a placement in a corporate public affairs department. In addition to hands-on work, you will benefit from LinkedIn Learning courses, professional development workshops, and weekly networking events with policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and executives. The program covers housing on Capitol Hill and includes a stipend. You will also gain lifetime access to the CHLI Alumni Association and memberships to Hispanic professional associations in government and lobbying.

12. Fordham University Political Science Internship Program

Location: New York City and Albany, NY (various placements)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by placement
Dates: Rolling; based on academic semesters and partner organization schedules
Application Deadline: Varies by placement
Eligibility: College students enrolled at Fordham University majoring in political science or related fields
Cost/Stipend: None; unpaid (academic credit available)

Fordham University offers a robust internship support system for political science majors seeking experience in government, advocacy, and public affairs. You’ll have access to a curated list of opportunities through partners like Freedom House, Human Rights Watch, the United Nations, and MSNBC, as well as the New York State Assembly in Albany. You can also explore over 2,000 political and legal internships through Fordham’s partnership with Policorner.org. Internships are credit-eligible when they include significant analytical or research components.