Senior Capstone
Learn By Doing
Senior Thesis & Senior Internship
Every Political Science major completes an independent project with faculty mentorship, producing a paper and professional presentation based on original research or an internship.
Every Political Science major completes a year-long independent capstone project with faculty mentorship. Students choose between Senior Thesis and Senior Internship, write a substantial paper and present their work to faculty and classmates at the department’s annual capstone conference.
Senior Thesis students investigate a political question of their choosing and complete a 30-40 page research paper. Senior Internship students complete at least 200 hours in a position they secure, then write a 20-30 page paper connecting that experience to political science research.
Every Major Completes a Capstone
Both pathways conclude with a professional presentation at the department’s annual capstone conference.
When and how should I enroll in the project?
Students are only allowed to begin work on the Senior Project in fall semester. Although this is a two-semester sequence, students must begin with PLS 4610W (Senior Thesis I) or PLS 4411W (Senior Internship I). You should begin this sequence the fall before you graduate from Cal Poly Pomona. You can only sign up for these sections by attending the Senior Capstone Sign-Up Workshop.
Fall 2027 - Senior Capstone Sign-Up Workshop
Juniors are required to attend the hybrid Senior Capstone Sign-Up Workshop. This hybrid workshop is scheduled for February, with sign-ups due in March.
Subfield Specialization
American Politics
Public Administration
International Relations
Comparative Politics
Public Law
Political Theory
Senior Internship
The Senior Internship is a year-long capstone experience that provides hands-on, professional experience in political science-related fields. Students will apply theoretical knowledge and research skills gained in their coursework to a real-world setting through an internship at a political, governmental, legal, nonprofit, or policy-oriented organization. The specific focus of the internship will vary based on the organization and subfield in which the student chooses to work.
Throughout this experience, students will analyze key political, policy, or organizational challenges, conduct independent research, and write a 20-30 page capstone paper that integrates their internship experience with academic scholarship. By the end of the course, students will have completed at least 200 hours of internship work, gaining professional networks and practical skills essential for careers in political science, public service, law, advocacy, and beyond.
The internship paper primarily relies on qualitative data drawn from the student's experience, but may also incorporate quantitative analysis and additional qualitative research as needed.
Learn By Doing
Politics in Practice
Our students connect political science to civic life through faculty-guided research, internships and work with real institutions.