Phd Student Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This internship opportunity is only available to graduate students currently enrolled at select APA Internal Internship Program academic partner institutions: Howard University, Montclair State University, or University of Virginia. Applications from students outside of these academic institutions will not be considered.

About the Office & Position

Advocacy

The Advocacy Office of the American Psychological Association represents the largest and most visible national presence advocating for psychology at the federal and state level. APA works with our members, coalition partners, Congress, and the Administration to pursue an advocacy agenda that includes critical policy issues that promote the discipline of psychology and the professions of psychologists in scientific, educational, public interest, health service practice and applied practice settings.

Graduate Student Interns will learn how APA/APA Services utilizes psychological science to inform and influence the federal and state public policy process and psychology’s unique contributions to policy in areas related to behavioral health, health care financing, health equity, education, science and population health.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Intern responsibilities may include conducting literature reviews, reviewing advocacy materials, researching legislation or regulations, attending virtual or in-person congressional hearings or events, drafting policy briefs, attending congressional meetings with APA Services lobbyists, or assisting with our grassroots network and outreach.
• Interns will be placed with policy teams focused on health care financing, higher education, veterans, or underserved populations with opportunities to work on issues across the broader Advocacy Office.
• Interns will generally be expected to work for a minimum of 10 hours (including approximately 1 hour of Internal Internship Programming) per week. Specific hour-to-academic credit ratios will be agreed upon between the intern’s university and the APA hiring team.

Expected Learning Objectives & Professional Advancement Opportunities

• Graduate Student Interns are expected to develop their skills in the following areas:
• Conducting research on policy relevant psychological science
• Communicating the value of psychological science to inform and influence public policy
• Learning how APA/APA Services operates as an association to promote psychology as a health profession and a science, and pursues its social justice mission
• Developing advocacy skills to advance the practice of psychology in the public and private health care systems

Required Qualifications

• Students currently enrolled in a doctoral psychology program of study with an interest in public policy.
• Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills.
• We are currently only accepting applications only for interns who are (1) in graduate school [Master’s or PhD], (2) able to receive academic credit from their school for their internship; (3) able to commit to a full year [September 2026-May 2027]; and (4) living/working in an APA-approved state (Internships at APA).
• Enrollment at an APA Internal Internship Program academic partner institution (Howard University, Montclair State University, or University of Virginia) is required.

Application Instructions: 

Job Location - Remote: APA internships may be considered for remote work eligibility as defined in APA’s Flexible Work Policy and are subject to approval. Remote work interns may not work from the following states or U.S. territories: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, Wyoming.  

To apply for our internship program, click on the “Apply Now” button. APA requests a cover letter and resume as attachments with all applications. Please note that due to the high volume of applications, we request that students combine all application materials into one document (i.e. PDF) before submitting their application. Please note that we are not able to acknowledge each applicant; only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by the hiring manager. If you have any questions, please email internship@apa.org.  

The American Psychological Association is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected categories covered under local law.