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Department
of Public Administration
Internship Guidelines for *Preservice Students
Definition and Goals of the Internship
Internship Application (PDF)
RegistrationI. Definition and Goals of the Internship
A. An internship is a guided work experience. It is designed to provide students with an opportunity to observe and participate in the practical application of theories, concepts and techniques taught in the Public Administration program.
B. The Department of Public Administration's goals for the internship program reflect the diversity of its students and are consistent with those recommended by our national accreditors, the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).
For Preservice students, the six-credit internship provides the experience of working in and analyzing organizations that are relevant to the student's career objectives. The internship requires the student to be engaged in relevant work experience for a specified amount of time. Relevant work experience is defined as performing professional responsibilities in administration, management or policy analysis. Activities such as administrative support, participation in program management, supervision, policy studies, training and research are some appropriate examples. The amount of time required for the internship is four months, full-time, or the equivalent in part-time work.
II. Enrolling in the Internship (PAD/EPS 694)
A. Since the internship is an opportunity to apply and test the knowledge and skills gained in the MPA program, students must have completed at least 21 credits of course work in order to enroll. . We recommend completion of PAD/EPS 687 Statistics for Managers and PAD/EPS 688 Research and Program Evaluation as these courses will enhance your value to the organization.
B. The internship may occur at any time during the year. However, students preparing to enter an internship must contact the internship instructor by April 30 for summer or fall semesters or October 30 for spring semesters.
C. An application is required which includes a plan for the internship. The plan includes the type of internship desired, agency preferred, learning objectives and any special conditions that the internship coordinator must meet or observe.
D. Prior to the formal approval of the internship, a planning meeting is conducted. This meeting includes the internship instructor, the student and the person(s) who will directly supervise the student. The purpose of this meeting is to agree upon a job description, a work schedule, performance expectations, learning objectives and remuneration (if any). The internship instructor will assist in assuring that the work experience meets both student and organizational needs, with priority given to the student's interests and to the assurance that the experience will result in learning outcomes acceptable to the Department of Public Administration.
E. Since the internship experience may be the basis for the student's final Project Paper, the Project Paper Guidelines can be reviewed and discussed with the internship instructor when planning the internshipF. Although an internship may involve some payment or stipend for the student, this cannot be expected in many cases. Anyone receiving college financial aid should check with the Office of Financial Aid regarding the implications of additional income from a paid internship.
G. After this meeting, the internship instructor will send a letter to all parties outlining the terms and conditions of the student's employment. This formal letter, or employment contract, must be sent by the Department of Public Administration to the student's field supervisor prior to any internship work.
A. You must register for the internship course during the semester that the internship will be completed. Course numbers are: PAD 694 Internship 6 credit for the General or Health Internship or EPS 694 for the Public Safety Internship.
B. You should contact the internship instructor before registering for the Internship course (PAD/EPS 694). Check the current course schedule for the instructor's name.IV. Grading for the Internship
A. The primary means of evaluation for grading purposes will be based on communication between the student, the supervisor and the faculty member. This may include conferences, letters, reports, and the supervisor's evaluation. Written reports, plans, management systems designed, and other products may be used as evaluative materials. Achievement of specified learning objectives should be addressed in the student's evaluation letter. Students who work for multiple supervisors (more than two) are encouraged to maintain a diary of activities. Whenever possible, the evaluative data should emphasize the application of theories, concepts and techniques relevant to the MPA program.
B. The time spent in conferences (and travel to such) is considered part of the student's internship assignment and work hours.
C. Students must present a final written evaluation of their internship prior to the final week of the semester in which the internship course is taken. If this written evaluation is not completed, a failing grade ("E") is given for the course.
*Upon admission the MPA Admissions Committee determines whether a student is Preservice or Inservice. In order to be considered for Inservice status, students must include a current résumé with the graduate application for matriculation. in order to be considered for Inservice status. Inservice status requires a minimum of two years of experience in administrative, managerial, or professional work (in a position that requires a baccalaureate degree) in an organizational context. Inservice students require a total of 42 credits to complete the MPA degree. Preservice students require 45 credits and must complete the six-credit internship course, PAD/EPS 694.
