Political Science Internships
Lizeth Ortega (2027) is a Political Science & Psychology major with a minor in Philosophy and concentration in Legal Studies. She is one of this year's recipients of the Scully Schalorship. The Scully Scholarship provides financial assistance for students to pursue internships in public policy and to honor the memory of long-time professor of history and political science, Timothy H. Scully.
"My interest in the legal field has also grown through my internships with the Rockland County District Attorney's Office and a judge in the New York State Unified Court System. Both experiences allowed me to see the important work attorneys do and better understand how different sides of the legal system operate. During my internships, I filed documents, observed court proceedings, and translated documents from Spanish to English. These experiences gave me a better understanding of the legal system and the different ways people contribute to it."
Sienna D'Ambrosio (2027) is a Political Science major with a minor in Criminology and concentration in Legal Studies. She is one of this year's recipients of the Scully Schalorship. The Scully Scholarship provides financial assistance for students to pursue internships in public policy and to honor the memory of long-time professor of history and political science, Timothy H. Scully.
"This summer, I had the opportunity to intern in Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Central New York office. Alongside my fellow interns, I took incoming calls from constituents regarding casework and political concerns. I participate in “Upstate Day” events with the senator, preparing various briefs, profiles, and statements in preparation. I got to expand my congressional background throughout the internship and contribute to the Senate even on a smaller scale. It helped redefine my interest in politics and congress."
Luca Morelli (2026) is a Political Science major with a concentration in Latin American and Latinx Studies. He was a recipient of the Scully Scholarship, interning with State Representative Joe McGonalge of the 28th Suffolk District of Massachusetts. The Scully Scholarship provides financial assistance for students to pursue internships in public policy and to honor the memory of long-time professor of history and political science, Timothy H. Scully.
"My summer internship was highly valuable because it introduced me to the people running Massachusetts government, educated me on key issues in the Commonwealth, and reinforced my desire for a public service career."
We strongly encourage political science majors to complete at least one internship prior to graduating from the university. Internships are an invaluable educational opportunity. In addition to assisting students in determining their long-term career aspirations, internships may easily improve students' chances of gainful and satisfying employment.
The University of Scranton is within walking distance to hundreds of internship opportunities, many of them specifically geared towards political science majors. Students frequently intern at the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Lackawanna County Courthouse, Lackawanna Pro Bono, and dozens of small and large law firms housed in and around Courthouse Square.
Government internship opportunities are available with members of the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, State Senate and House, and the Office of the Mayor. Our majors have interned with various state and county agencies and The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development, which is conveniently located on campus.
Students also have the opportunity to pursue internships in Washington, D.C. and while they are studying abroad. The possibilities are endless. Recent graduates have turned these internships into full-time jobs at Lackawanna Pro Bono and the National Institutes of Health.
Financial support for internships are available on a competitive basis through the Scully Scholars Program, Congressman and Mrs. Joseph McDade Program for Public Service Scholarship, and The Royal Experience Internship Program. For more internship information, contact Dr. JoyAnna Hopper, who overviews Political Science and Pre-Law internships, and The Gerard R. Roche Center for Career Development.