The MPA & MPPA Internship Requirement
All School of Public Policy students complete a policy- or management-related internship or experiential learning class. The internship should employ skills learned at SPP and must be relevant to the student’s intended career path. Students can intern with one organization or divide their hours among multiple organizations. Most students complete their internship in the summer, although some do internships over winter break or during the school year. Specific internship requirements for each degree program are described below.
Students must submit an internship contract before the start of their internship. At the end of the internship, both students and supervisors complete an evaluation form. Please see these forms below. Students may petition to waive the internship requirement if they can document substantial professional experience. To be eligible for a waiver, a student must have post-undergraduate, professional-level experience of one or more years related to their field of study and career goals. To apply, complete an Internship Waiver Form, below.
Please note - the only way to receive academic credit for an internship is by registering for the practicum class and completing all coursework. Students do not receive academic credit for an internship without the accompanying class.
MPPA Internship
MPPA student internships should total about 250 hours (more is fine). Most MPPA students complete their internship between their first and second years in the program. Most MPPA students choose not to enroll in the Practicum class and earn academic credit for their internship, but may do so.
One-Year MPA Internship
MPA Internships should total about 150 hours (more is fine). Most one-year MPA students complete their internship the summer that they begin the program. Most MPA students chose to enroll in the Practicum class, complete coursework, and earn three academic credits through University Without Walls.
4+1 MPA Internship
MPA Internships should total about 150 hours (more is fine). 4+1 students usually complete their internship the summer between their senior and graduate years. 4+1 students may choose whether or not to enroll in the practicum class for academic credit for their internship.
Please find all internship forms on the academic advising page here.