Experiential Learning
All students who major in political science must complete one experiential education requirement, which we envision to be a meaningful experience related to politics. We believe it is important for students to apply the theories and concepts that they have learned in a real-world setting. Majors may complete this requirement through one of the following ways:
Experiential Learning
Option 1: Internships
Completion of a relevant internship related to political science and approved by the political science faculty (either credit or non-credit bearing). Credit-bearing internships include formally structured programs such as the Maryland General Assembly Internship Program, The Washington Center Internship Program in Washington, DC and the Hansard Programme in London, all of which are competitive and have minimum GPA requirements (see course listings below for more information on these pgrams). Students may arrange their own political internship experience and work with political science faculty to develop course credit or may opt to complete an internship without a credit option. Please note: to earn college credit for a political internship, arrangements for credit, including the completion of a learning contract, must be made PRIOR to the start of the internship.
Option 2: Model Programs
Participation in a Model Diplomacy Program (POL 471) or a Model United Nations program (POL 473) together with the two-credit course component.
Option 3: Volunteer Activity
Completion of a substantial volunteer or political advocacy activity outside of class requirements that has been approved by a member of the political science faculty. Regular participation in student clubs, such as Student Government or College Democrats or Republicans, does not count.
Option 4: Study Abroad
At least one semester or summer program of study abroad. The college currently participates in more than 30 study-abroad programs - including 15 programs in which courses are taught in English. Please contact the Global Education Office, your faculty advisor, for ideas on how to supplement your study of political science with an experience abroad.
Option 5. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Participation in the GIS program that has a direct policy or political application.
More Information on Internships
Download the Political Science & International Studies Matrix or visit the Career Development Signature Internships page for more information. Don't forget to complete the Experiential Learning Form, when you're done!
Experiential Learning Form