Real-World Experience

Political science majors have many opportunities to gain real-world experience that will prepare them for a professional career or advanced study in a graduate or professional program upon graduation. The department offers academic credit for a variety of political science-related opportunities, including:

Internships

There are multiple internship opportunities made available to students. Internships provide students with work or academic experience that will serve them well in the future. Check out our Internship Success Stories!

Center for Community Engaged Learning

The Center for Community Engaged Learning works with partners to provide opportunities for students to engage in off-campus experiential learning through community work and place-based educational programs. Whether academically based or co-curricular, these experiences complement classroom learning, foster personal, professional and civic development, and allow students to work with others to enhance the well-being of our communities. 

National Student Exchange

National Student Exchange lets you explore a new place by studying away for a semester or an academic year at one of NSE's 200 member institutions throughout the United States, Canada, and US territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands.

Research

The University of Minnesota is known for its top researchers, and faculty within the Department of Political Science are no exception. Research opportunities allow you to work one-on-one with faculty of high caliber. Be sure to take the time to get to know our faculty and their interests.

Study Abroad

Study, internships, work, or volunteer experiences abroad can greatly enrich a major or minor in political science and your overall college experience. Many students report that study abroad is the highlight of their college careers. We urge you to take advantage of one or more of the hundreds of opportunities available worldwide.

When you have found a program you want to participate in, be sure to email our Political Science Undergraduate Advising Office (poladvis@umn.edu) with the program name and country. They will be happy to help you identify possible political science courses and assist you with submitting an international transfer course evaluation request to determine how your courses may fulfill your degree requirements.

For more information on learning abroad programs, financial aid, scholarships, application materials and deadlines, please visit the Learning Abroad Center website or Learning Abroad in Political Science.