Political Science Internship & Career Pathways

Put Political Science to Work

Students seeking opportunities

While enrolled in our degree program, Political Science students build experience, both in their resumes and actual skillsets they develop. Our major has natural pathways to careers in legislative offices, government agencies, civil service, advocacy, campaigns, nonprofits, and global affairs. The department regularly identifies opportunites across Southern California, prioritizing paid positions, but helping students conncet their internship experience to their degree and post-graduation plans.


How to Earn Course Credit for Internships

There are two ways to claim internship credit in your degree program: 

PLS 4421/A: Political Science Internship is offered every semester and should be added if you anticipate securing a public service–oriented internship.

  • Students earn 3 units by completing a minimum of 100 internship hours within a semester
  • Internships can be paid or unpaid
  • Internships can be conducted in-person or remotely

While the course includes a required class meeting component, the primary work consists of completing and reflecting on your internship experience.

PLS 4411W: Senior Internship is offered every fall semester and should be added if you are a senior, have secured a public service-oriented internship by August, and intend to complete your Senior Capstone project about the internship. 

  • Students earn 6 units by completing a minimum of 200 internship hours during senior year
  • Internships can be paid or unpaid
  • Internships can be conducted in-person or remotely

How do I find an internship? Internships must involve substantive public service responsibilities, such as work in government, policy, advocacy, or related fields. Students are responsible for finding internships on their own and submitting proof of internship hours for the course. The department regularly provides outreach to students to help identify opportunities, some of which are listed below.

Students may enroll in PLS 4421/A up to two times, for a total of 6 units across different semesters.

American Politics and Public Service


Each Political Science major is required to take:  

  • PLS 2010: Intro to American Government and
  • PLS 2060: Introduction to Public Administration

But for upper-division elective work, students should prioritize upper-division American Politics and Public Administration courses. Each political science major is required to take at least two courses from this list, but if this is your preferred pathway, attempt to take more than the minimum. These courses examine government, elections, policy, race and ethnic politics, communities: 

  • PLS 3150: Politics of Public Policy
  • PLS 3165: Urban Administration, Politics and Policy
  • PLS 3175: NGOs and Social Service Outreach
  • PLS 3250: The American Congress
  • PLS 3260: The American Presidency
  • PLS 3270: The American Judiciary
  • PLS 3275: Asian American Politics
  • PLS 3285: Race and Ethnic Politics in the United States
  • PLS 4160: Public Organizations
  • PLS 4170: Policy Analysis & Program Evaluation
  • PLS 4180S: Politics of Neighborhood Change: Service Learning
  • PLS 4190: Social Capital: Theories and Applications
  • PLS 4205: American Political Institutions & Behavior
  • PLS 4211: Voting & Elections in the United States
  • PLS 4245: Public Opinion
  • PLS 4250: Women and Politics in America
  • PLS 4265: Political Communication and Media
  • PLS 4811: California Government
  • PLS 4815: Environmental Politics & Policy
  • PLS 4825: Applied Advocacy & Policymaking in Sacramento

The department offers co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that are ideal for your transcript, but also your resume. These are experiences outside of the classroom that can enrich your networks and add skills to your toolkit that are attractive for employers. These include: 

To build your resume outside of campus, look for internships that put you inside government, campaigns or civic organizations. Remember, if you have an internship, you can claim course credit for it by signing up for PLS 4421: Political Science Internship or PLS 4411W: Senior Internship I. Specific opportunities in this pathway may include:

  • U.S. Senate and House offices: Constituent casework, community events, federal agency referrals and policy research
  • California Assembly and State Senate offices: District outreach, constituent services, bill research and legislative projects
  • City and county government: Administration, housing, planning, social services and community programs
  • Campaigns and elections: Voter outreach, field organizing, communications, fundraising and campaign data
  • Civic engagement and advocacy organizations: Voter registration, public education, coalition building and grassroots organizing
  • Public agencies and special districts: Transportation, environmental policy, ports, utilities and regional planning

Scroll down the page to find a list of current available internship opportunities. 

Students who build experience in this pathway can pursue work across government, elections, campaigns and public affairs. Possible jobs include:

  • Legislative offices: Legislative aide, committee assistant, legislative analyst or committee consultant
  • District offices: Caseworker, field representative, constituent services representative or district director
  • Local government: Administrative analyst, management assistant, program coordinator or city manager fellow
  • Policy and budgets: Policy analyst, budget analyst, program evaluator or grants analyst
  • Campaigns and elections: Field organizer, campaign manager, voter data coordinator or elections specialist
  • Government communications: Press assistant, communications deputy, public information officer or speechwriter
  • Advocacy and government relations: Community organizer, legislative advocate, coalition coordinator or government affairs associate
  • Public agencies: Housing program specialist, transportation analyst, environmental policy analyst or emergency management coordinator
When searching job boards, try terms such as aide, assistant, coordinator, representative, organizer, fellow and analyst.

Global Affairs and Comparative Politics


Each Political Science major is required to take:

  • PLS 2020: Introduction to Comparative Government and
  • PLS 2030: Introduction to International Relations

But for upper-division elective work, students should prioritize upper-division International Relations and Comparative Politics courses. Each Political Science major is required to take at least two courses from this list, but if this is your preferred pathway, attempt to take more than the minimum. These courses examine political systems, area studies, foreign policy, conflict, migration, international law and the global economy:

  • PLS 3410: Comparative Democratization
  • PLS 3420: Politics of Developing Areas
  • PLS 3431: Ethnic Conflict
  • PLS 3521: US Foreign Policy
  • PLS 3541: International Political Economy
  • PLS 3551: International War & Peace
  • PLS 3561: International Law
  • PLS 4430: European Government & Politics
  • PLS 4440: Latin American Government & Politics
  • PLS 4450: Sub-Saharan African Governments and Politics
  • PLS 4460: Middle Eastern Government & Politics
  • PLS 4470: Government and Politics of the Russian Federation
  • PLS 4480: East Asian Government & Politics
  • PLS 4490: Southeast Asian Government & Politics
  • PLS 4521: Environmental Security
  • PLS 4531: Terrorism
  • PLS 4541: Transnational Crime
  • PLS 4551: Immigration
  • PLS 4571: International Relations Theories

The department offers co-curricular and extracurricular activities that are ideal for your transcript, but also your resume. These are experiences outside of the classroom that can enrich your networks and add skills to your toolkit that are attractive for employers. These include:

To build your resume outside of campus, look for internships that connect you to international trade, diplomacy, migration, global policy or regional expertise. Remember, if you have an internship, you can claim course credit for it by signing up for PLS 4421: Political Science Internship or PLS 4411W: Senior Internship I. Specific opportunities in this pathway may include:

  • International trade and commercial diplomacy: Organizations such as the U.S. Commercial Service offer experience in market research, export assistance, business outreach and trade events
  • Public diplomacy and international exchange: Organizations such as Global Ties U.S. work on international visitor programs, communications, events and nonprofit operations
  • Refugee resettlement and immigrant services: Organizations such as the International Rescue Committee offer experience in community outreach, volunteer coordination, case support and resettlement programs
  • International development and global advocacy: Organizations such as the Borgen Project offer experience in policy research, legislative outreach, advocacy and fundraising
  • Ports and global commerce: Programs such as the Port of Los Angeles Student Worker Program connect government work with trade, logistics and economic development
  • Museums, archives and research institutions: Organizations such as the Wende Museum offer experience in collections, archival research, public programs and regional history
  • Federal agencies and congressional offices: Work may involve foreign policy research, immigration casework, international trade and constituent services

Scroll down the page to find a list of current available internship opportunities. 

Students who build experience in this pathway can pursue work across diplomacy, international trade, migration, global development, security and research. Possible jobs include:

  • Diplomacy and foreign affairs: Foreign service officer, consular fellow, foreign affairs specialist or political officer
  • International trade and economic development: International trade specialist, export assistance specialist, market research analyst or economic development coordinator
  • International organizations and nonprofits: Program assistant, country program coordinator, grants officer or monitoring and evaluation associate
  • Migration and refugee services: Resettlement caseworker, immigration services coordinator, asylum program assistant or community engagement specialist
  • Intelligence and security: Intelligence analyst, geopolitical risk analyst, security policy analyst or research associate
  • Human rights and humanitarian work: Human rights researcher, humanitarian program associate, advocacy officer or protection assistant
  • Public diplomacy and international exchange: International programs coordinator, exchange program officer, communications associate or visitor services specialist
  • Ports and global commerce: Port program analyst, trade compliance specialist, logistics policy analyst or international business development associate
  • Research and education: Think tank research assistant, area studies researcher, international education advisor or study abroad coordinator
When searching job boards, try terms such as international affairs, global programs, foreign policy, trade, migration, refugee services, research and program associate. Note that some federal positions require US citizenship or a security clearance.

Law, Justice and Political Theory


Each Political Science major is required to take:

  • PLS 2040: Introduction to Political Thought and
  • PLS 2070: Introduction to Public Law

But for upper-division elective work, students should prioritize upper-division Public Law and Political Theory courses. Each Political Science major is required to take at least two courses from this list, but if this is your preferred pathway, attempt to take more than the minimum. These courses examine constitutional law, criminal justice, rights, legal institutions, political ideas and questions of power and justice:

  • PLS 3011: Constitutional Law - Governmental Powers
  • PLS 3021: Constitutional Law - Rights and Liberties
  • PLS 3031: Constitutional Law - Criminal Justice
  • PLS 3041: The Criminal Justice System
  • PLS 3311: Ancient & Medieval Political Thought
  • PLS 3321: Modern Political Thought
  • PLS 3331: American Political Thought
  • PLS 3345: Feminist Political Theory
  • PLS 4050: Jurisprudence
  • PLS 4090: Contemporary Issues in American Law
  • PLS 4341: Advanced American Political Thought
  • PLS 4360: Contemporary Political Theory
  • PLS 4365: Contemporary Issues in Feminist Political Theory
  • PLS 4375: Coalitional Activism: Women of Color Feminist Interventions
  • PLS 4381: Environmental Political Theory

The department offers co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that are ideal for your transcript, but also your resume. These are experiences outside of the classroom that can enrich your networks and add skills to your toolkit that are attractive for employers. These include:

To build your resume outside of campus, look for internships that put you inside courts, legal offices or organizations working on justice and civil rights. Remember, if you have an internship, you can claim course credit for it by signing up for PLS 4421: Political Science Internship or PLS 4411W: Senior Internship I. Specific opportunities in this pathway may include:

  • Attorney general and civil rights enforcement offices: Review evidence, support investigations, prepare legal memoranda and observe hearings
  • Courts and judicial offices: Conduct legal research, review case files, observe proceedings and learn how courts operate, including self-help centers
  • Public defender, district attorney and city attorney offices: Assist with case preparation, records review, victim services and community outreach
  • Legal aid and public-interest organizations: Support client intake, legal research, community education and referrals
  • Civil rights and legal advocacy organizations: Work on voting rights, immigration, housing, discrimination and reproductive rights
  • Criminal justice and reentry organizations: Assist with policy research, restorative justice, youth programs and reentry services
  • Government oversight and compliance offices: Review complaints, public records, ethics policies and civil rights requirements Scroll down the page to the list below to find current available opportunities.

Scroll down the page to find a list of current available internship opportunities. 

Students who build experience in this pathway can pursue work across law, courts, civil rights, criminal justice, research and advocacy. Possible jobs include:

  • Legal services: Legal assistant, paralegal, legal intake specialist or attorney
  • Courts: Judicial assistant, court clerk, courtroom deputy or court operations analyst
  • Civil rights enforcement: Civil rights investigator, fair housing investigator, equal opportunity analyst or human rights specialist
  • Criminal justice: Probation officer, victim services advocate, restorative justice coordinator or reentry program specialist
  • Policy and regulation: Regulatory analyst, policy analyst, legislative analyst or compliance specialist
  • Public interest and advocacy: Policy advocate, legal program coordinator, community organizer or legislative advocate
  • Ethics and institutional compliance: Ethics officer, Title IX investigator, employee relations investigator or institutional compliance analyst
When searching job boards, try terms such as legal assistant, court, investigator, civil rights, compliance, policy, research and program coordinator. Careers as an attorney will require law school. 

Recent Internship Listings and Calls


  • U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, Burbank: Interns assist with constituent calls, correspondence, briefings and staff projects. The Southern California office is at 4111 W. Alameda Avenue near Warner Bros. Studios. Deadline: Friday, October 9. Resume, cover letter, writing sample and online application required.

  • U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, Downtown Los Angeles: Interns assist with constituent casework, calls, correspondence and event preparation. The Los Angeles office is at 255 E. Temple Street. Deadline: Friday, October 9. Resume, cover letter, writing sample and online application required.

  • Congressman Pete Aguilar, San Bernardino: In person at 685 E. Carnegie Drive near Hospitality Lane. Interns assist with casework, outreach and grants projects. Deadline: October 25. Resume, cover letter and weekday availability required.

  • Congressman Jimmy Gomez, Downtown Los Angeles: In person at 515 S. Figueroa Street near 5th Street. Interns assist with casework, research and district projects. Deadline: November 6. Application form, resume, cover letter, writing sample and two short responses required.

  • Congresswoman Laura Friedman, Burbank: Paid and in person at 245 E. Olive Avenue near San Fernando Boulevard. Interns must work at least 24 hours per week. Deadline: November 6. Complete the questionnaire and email a resume and cover letter.

  • Congressman Derek Tran, Cypress: Paid or available for academic credit at 6803 International Avenue near Valley View Street. Interns work 20 to 40 hours per week on casework, research and field events. Deadline: November 8. Resume, cover letter and writing sample required.

  • Congressman Ted Lieu, West Los Angeles: Stipend available at 1645 Corinth Avenue near Santa Monica Boulevard. Interns commit to 20 hours per week for 17 weeks. Deadline: November 13. Resume, cover letter, writing sample, two references and availability required.

  • Congressman Lou Correa, Santa Ana: Paid opportunities are available at 2323 N. Broadway near Santa Clara Avenue. Interns assist with casework, events and office operations. Deadline: November 15. Apply through the online application.

  • Congresswoman Nanette Barragán, Long Beach: Stipends are offered to eligible interns at 4201 Long Beach Boulevard near San Antonio Drive. Interns assist with constituents, research and community events. Deadline: December 15. Resume, cover letter and dates of availability required.

  • Congressman Gil Cisneros, Covina: Paid and in person at 100 S. Citrus Avenue near Badillo Street. Interns assist with constituent casework, events and office projects. Email a resume, one-page cover letter and availability. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

  • Congresswoman Norma Torres, Ontario: Interns work on district projects and learn how a congressional office connects residents with the federal government. The office is at 3200 Inland Empire Boulevard near Haven Avenue. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

  • TurnUp Youth Activism Remote Internship: Work on voter registration, turnout, advocacy, research and grassroots outreach. This is an unpaid remote internship offering flexible start dates and commitments of 5 to 30 hours per week. Open to all college students with no GPA or major requirement. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

  • Los Angeles County Student Professional Worker I: Paid at $25 per hour for up to 30 hours per week. Placements may be anywhere in Los Angeles County and may involve research, reports, communications or administrative work. Applicants must have sophomore, junior or senior standing and remain enrolled while employed. The application requires proof of academic standing and current enrollment. Applications are accepted continuously.

  • Congressman Jay Obernolte, Hesperia: In person at 9700 Seventh Avenue, Suite 201. Interns assist with constituent services, casework and community outreach. Email a resume and cover letter to CA23.internships@mail.house.gov.

  • Congresswoman Young Kim, Anaheim Hills or Mission Viejo: Students with at least a 3.0 GPA may apply for internships offering a monthly stipend. Upload a resume and cover letter through the online application.

  • Congressman Dave Min, Costa Mesa: In person at 1370 Adams Avenue near Harbor Boulevard. Interns answer constituent calls, draft correspondence and assist with media work.

  • Congressman Mike Levin, Dana Point: Internships last approximately three to four months and offer either a stipend or academic credit. Interns at 33282 Golden Lantern assist with casework, written materials and community events.

  • Congressman Brad Sherman, Sherman Oaks: In person at 5000 Van Nuys Boulevard near Riverside Drive. Email a resume and cover letter of no more than two pages each. Include your GPA, neighborhood and ZIP code on your resume.

  • Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Hawthorne: Apply for the district office at 13605 Hawthorne Boulevard near 135th Street. The online application requires a resume and cover letter.

  • Assemblymember Jessica Caloza, Echo Park: Paid legislative internship at 1910 W. Sunset Boulevard. Pays $20 per hour for up to 35 hours per week and may last up to four months. College students and recent graduates may apply with a resume and cover letter.

  • Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, Pasadena: Paid district-office internship at 215 N. Marengo Avenue near Pasadena City Hall. Pays $20 per hour with scheduling based on office needs.

  • Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes, San Bernardino: Paid district-office internship at 301 E. Vanderbilt Way near Hospitality Lane. Pays $21 per hour. A California driver’s license with a clean record and proof of automobile insurance are required.

  • Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Exposition Park: Paid district-office internship at 700 Exposition Park Drive near USC. Pays $20 per hour with scheduling based on office needs.

  • Senator María Elena Durazo, Echo Park: Paid district-office internship at 1808 W. Sunset Boulevard. Pays $21 per hour. A California driver’s license with a clean record and proof of automobile insurance are required.

  • Senator Tom Umberg, Santa Ana: Paid district-office internship at 1000 E. Santa Ana Boulevard near the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center. Pays $21 per hour with scheduling based on office needs.

  • Senator Lena Gonzalez, Long Beach: Paid district-office internship at 3939 Atlantic Avenue in Bixby Knolls. Pays $20 per hour with scheduling based on office needs.

  • Senator Caroline Menjivar, Van Nuys: Paid district-office internship at 6150 Van Nuys Boulevard near the Van Nuys Civic Center. Pays $20 per hour and includes constituent correspondence, legislative research and community events.

  • Senator Henry Stern, Sherman Oaks: Paid district-office internship at 14724 Ventura Boulevard near Van Nuys Boulevard. Pays $20 per hour with scheduling based on office needs.

  • Senator Catherine Blakespear, Laguna Hills: Unpaid district-office internship at 24031 El Toro Road near the I-5 freeway. Interns work 12 to 24 hours per week from January through May. Apply by emailing a resume and cover letter using the instructions in the posting.

  • Ben Allen for Insurance Commissioner Campaign, Remote or Venice: Help with voter outreach, primarily phone banking, ahead of the November 3 election. Interns work approximately 5 hours per week remotely or at the campaign’s Main Street office in Venice. Weekday evening shifts run from 5:00-8:00pm. No previous campaign experience required. Complete the online application with a short explanation of your interest and upload a resume.

  • U.S. Commercial Service Internships, Spring 2027: Conduct international market research and help connect American businesses with opportunities abroad. Offices are available in Ontario, Downtown Los Angeles and Irvine. This is an unpaid internship requiring approximately 16 hours per week. Applicants must be enrolled college students and U.S. citizens. Deadline: October 15. Resume and cover letter required.

  • Wende Museum Collections Internship, Spring 2027: Work with Cold War artifacts at 10808 Culver Boulevard in Culver City. Interns earn $18 per hour for 120 hours and must be available Monday through Thursday. Applicants must have completed at least one semester of college. Deadline: November 1. Application form, resume and cover letter required.

  • Global Ties U.S. Internships: Support international exchange programs and public diplomacy through communications, programming or nonprofit operations. Various internships can be remote. Interns receive a $3,000 stipend and work at least 24 hours per week. Current students at any level may apply through the online application.

  • Port of Los Angeles Student Worker Program: Gain government experience at one of the world’s busiest ports through assignments in San Pedro or Wilmington. Students may work up to 20 hours per week and earn $19.06 per hour as freshmen, sophomores or juniors and $26.01 per hour as seniors. Applicants must be enrolled in at least nine semester units with a 2.5 GPA. Application, questionnaire, resume and unofficial transcript required.

  • International Rescue Committee Community Engagement Internship: Support refugee resettlement through outreach, volunteer coordination and community events. The position is primarily remote through the IRC’s Los Angeles office in Glendale and requires 6 to 10 hours per week for at least four months. This is unpaid. Resume and cover letter required. Ongoing start dates are available each month.

  • Borgen Project Political Affairs Internship: Work remotely on global poverty legislation through political outreach, advocacy and meetings with public officials. This is an unpaid 12-week internship requiring 12 hours per week. Applicants should be prepared to participate in fundraising.

  • California Attorney General Civil Rights Enforcement Section, Downtown Los Angeles: Support civil rights investigations, evidence review and legal research at 300 S. Spring Street. This is an unpaid spring internship requiring at least 16 hours per week. Undergraduates may apply. Deadline: October 15. Submit one PDF containing a cover letter, resume, writing sample of no more than 10 pages and unofficial transcript to CivilRightsInterns@doj.ca.gov.

  • California JusticeCorps: Train under the supervision of attorneys to assist people representing themselves in family law, housing and other civil matters. Cal Poly Pomona is a partner campus and students may be placed at the Pomona courthouse. Academic-year interns complete 300 hours of service.

  • Los Angeles County District Attorney, Spring 2027: Assist with case research, evidence organization and court preparation for at least 16 hours per week. Students can request Pomona, West Covina or El Monte, although placements are not guaranteed. This is unpaid. Deadline November 15. Application packet, background forms, resume and photo ID required.

  • ACLU of Southern California Internships: Support civil rights advocacy through the Los Angeles, San Bernardino or Santa Ana office. Semester interns work at least 10 hours per week in a hybrid or remote format. This is unpaid. Spring deadline December 4. Summer deadline February 19. Cover letter, resume, writing sample and transcript required.

  • U.S. Attorney’s Office, Summer 2027: Work in the Criminal Division on trial preparation, memoranda and federal case materials at 312 N. Spring Street in Downtown Los Angeles. This is an unpaid summer externship for undergraduates returning to college in fall 2027. Deadline December 18. Resume, cover letter and writing sample required. Application materials must be written without AI assistance.

  • Riverside County District Attorney College Academy, Summer 2027: Spend eight weeks working with attorneys, investigators or victim-services staff at the DA’s office at 3960 Orange Street in Riverside. This is an unpaid internship meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Applicants must be current undergraduates and at least 18. Deadline January 29, or earlier if filled. Application, resume and two references required.

  • Orange County Public Defender Investigator Internship: Learn about criminal defense investigations while working alongside investigators and public defenders at 801 Civic Center Drive West in Santa Ana. This is an unpaid undergraduate internship with applications accepted throughout the year. Cover letter, resume and unofficial transcript required. Selected students must complete a Live Scan.

How to Get Started with an Internship

  1. Check your CPP email for messages from Political Science Department to find our latest internship announcements.

  2. Review the current internship opportunities listed on this page.

  3. Search Handshake and the CPP Career Center’s internship resources for additional openings and application support.

  4. If you need help or have secured a position, contact Dr. Jill Hargis for PLS 4421/A, Dr. Robert Nyenhuis for Senior Internship or Dr. Mario Guerrero for general guidance.

  5. Confirm that the position qualifies for academic credit before beginning and enroll in the internship course that fits your degree plan via BroncoDirect. PLS 4421/A requires no prerequisites or permissions. PLS 4411W requires senior standing.

    • For fall semester, the registration period for internship courses (PLS 4421/A or PLS 4411W) are April through early September
    • For spring semester, the registration period for internship courses (PLS 4421/A only) are October through early February
    • Between September and October, but also, February through April, class registration for internship programs are closed
  6. Complete the required internship hours and course assignments.

Do Not Wait for an Opening

Not every organization posts its internships publicly. If you are interested in a congressional office, state legislative office, city hall, county agency, campaign or nonprofit, contact them directly and ask whether they accept interns. Introduce yourself as a CPP Political Science student, explain your interest, provide your availability and attach a resume.

From Internship to Your First Job

An internship can become a first job, a reference or the beginning of a professional network. As you approach graduation, use these sites to search for fellowships and entry-level positions:

Internship Advisor and Professor

Dr. Jill Hargis

Email: jehargis@cpp.edu

Dr. Jill Hargis