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Political Science Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Political Science Intern

Springfield, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

This internship will allow students to gain hands-on experience tracking legislation, analyzing ... S. degree in Political Science, Public Policy, or International Relations. * Exceptional research ...

Those pursuing degrees in public health, education, social work, political science, community ... This internship offers a chance to directly contribute to advancing Birth justice for the ...

Those pursuing degrees in public health, education, social work, political science, community ... This internship offers a chance to directly contribute to advancing Birth justice for the ...

Department Political Science & Public Administration, Chair Compensation Negotiable General ... Experience supervising student internships and/or field experience Additional Application Materials ...

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Political Science Internship information

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How much do political science internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for political science internship in the United States is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Political Science Intern, and why are they important?

To excel as a Political Science Intern, you need a solid understanding of political theories, research methods, and current affairs, often supported by coursework in political science or related fields. Familiarity with data analysis tools, research databases, and presentation software is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, written communication, and teamwork skills make candidates stand out in this role. These abilities are vital for contributing meaningful insights, supporting research projects, and effectively collaborating in a dynamic policy or governmental environment.

What else can you do with a poli sci degree?

A political science internship provides skills applicable to careers in government, public policy, law, journalism, and nonprofit organizations. Graduates can pursue roles such as policy analyst, legislative assistant, campaign staff, or public relations specialist, often utilizing research, communication, and analytical skills gained during the internship.

Is 22 too old for an internship?

A Political Science Internship is open to individuals of various ages, including 22. Age is generally not a barrier, and internships often value skills, academic background, and interest in the field over age. Many interns are in their early twenties or older, especially if they are transitioning careers or gaining experience.

What is a political science internship?

A political science internship is a temporary position that allows students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in fields related to government, public policy, advocacy, or research. Interns may work with governmental agencies, non-profits, think tanks, or political campaigns, assisting with tasks such as research, policy analysis, event planning, and communications. These internships provide valuable exposure to real-world political processes and can help interns build professional networks and skills for future careers in politics or public service.

What is the difference between Political Science Internship vs Political Analyst?

AspectPolitical Science InternshipPolitical Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in political science or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in political science, public policy, or related field; sometimes requires experience
Work EnvironmentInternship programs in government agencies, NGOs, or political campaignsResearch firms, government agencies, think tanks, or media outlets
Employer & Industry UsageEducational and entry-level positions for gaining experienceProfessional role analyzing political trends, policies, and public opinion

In summary, a Political Science Internship is an entry-level opportunity for students to gain experience in political environments, while a Political Analyst is a professional role focused on analyzing political data and trends. Internships often serve as a stepping stone toward becoming a Political Analyst.

What types of projects or assignments can I expect during a Political Science Internship?

As a Political Science intern, you'll typically engage in a variety of projects such as conducting research on policy issues, drafting briefing materials, assisting with data analysis, and supporting event planning or outreach efforts. Interns often collaborate closely with policy analysts, legislative staff, or advocacy teams, gaining exposure to both independent and team-based work. The scope of your assignments may vary depending on the organization, but you'll likely develop strong analytical, writing, and communication skills while contributing to real-world political or policy initiatives.

What internships can political science majors get?

Political science majors can pursue internships in government agencies, legislative offices, political campaigns, non-profit organizations, and policy research institutes. These internships often involve research, policy analysis, communication, and advocacy, and may require strong writing and analytical skills. They provide practical experience and networking opportunities in the political and public policy fields.

What are the big 4 internships?

The 'Big 4' internships typically refer to internship programs offered by the four largest professional services firms: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. These internships provide experience in consulting, auditing, tax, and advisory services and are highly competitive for students pursuing careers in business, finance, or accounting. For political science internships, similar top programs include those with government agencies, think tanks, or international organizations, but the 'Big 4' are primarily known in the accounting and consulting sectors.
More about Political Science Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Political Science Internship jobs? Cities with the most Political Science Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Political Science jobs? The most popular types of Political Science jobs are:
What states have the most Political Science Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Political Science Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Political Science Internship job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 95% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,995 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
2026-27 AY Lecturer Pool - Political Science

2026-27 AY Lecturer Pool - Political Science

Sacramento State

Sacramento, CA

$5.5K - $6.6K/mo

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

2026-27 AY Lecturer Pool - Political Science

Apply now Job no: 554243
Work type: Instructional Faculty - Temporary/Lecturer
Location: Sacramento
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Faculty - Social Sciences, Temporary, Part Time

DEPARTMENT: Political Science

POSITION TITLE: Lecturer Pool - Political Science

POSITION DETAILS: 

The Department of Political Science is housed in the College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies, which includes ten academic departments, four interdisciplinary programs, and several centers and institutes, including the Project for an Informed Electorate and the Center for Race, Immigration, and Social Justice. The department promotes political understanding and civic engagement through teaching, research, and community engagement across the major fields of political science.

The department includes nearly 40 faculty members, evenly divided between tenure-line faculty and lecturers, and serves about 650 undergraduate majors. It offers undergraduate degrees in Political Science, International Relations, and Political Science/Journalism, as well as a Master's degree in Political Science.  Students benefit from strong experiential learning opportunities, including a robust internship program with year-round placements and the Sacramento Semester Program, based on both the main campus and downtown. The department also maintains a peer mentoring program.

We invite applications from lecturers qualified to teach Introduction to American Government, which is a particular and ongoing need for the department. We also welcome applicants across political science subfields, including political theory, comparative politics, public policy, international relations, identity politics, law and society, California state and local government, research methods, and American politics.

Duties of a part-time lecturer include instruction, class preparation, grading, and office hours. Other duties may be assigned based on departmental needs. Course assignments, including dates, time, and modality, are made by the Department Chair under the direction of the College Dean.

Part-time lecturers are instructional faculty with conditional appointments based on enrollment and budget. Hires from the pool of applicants are made when there are instructional needs to fill coursework offered by an academic department based on changing enrollment patterns, changes to tenure-track faculty assignments, and other factors that cannot be addressed with our existing faculty. Initial appointments are typically for one semester, but occasionally academic year initial appointments are made. Appointments may be renewed based on department needs, funding, and performance. Often appointments are made just prior to the start of the semester.  

Rank and Salary

Initial rank and salary for lecturer faculty are based on professional experience and educational background and are determined by the hiring department.

Most new lecturers are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank. As of July 2024, the classification salary ranges for the respective ranks are:

Lecturer A: $5,507 - $6,677

Lecturer B: $6,221 $13,224

Lecturer C: $6,825 $14,523

Lecturer D: $8,593 $15,211

The salary ranges indicated are based on a "fulltime rate" (15 weighted teaching units [WTUs]). A semester's worth of compensation is made up of six (6) payments of the given amount. To calculate your salary for a semester, the base rate would be prorated based on the units worked out of 15 WTUs. If you were a Lecturer A assigned 3 units at the minimum salary, your pay would be structured as follows: $5,507 x 3/15 (3 units out of a possible 15 units total) = $1101.40 x 6 checks = $6,608.40 total for 3 units/semester. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Master's degree in Political Science or related field is required to teach lower division courses.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Experience in teaching college courses.

APPLICANT INSTRUCTIONS:

New applicants are required to submit 

  • A cover letter
  • Current curriculum vitae (CV)/resume
  • Unofficial transcripts that include the highest degree or degree required for the position
  • A list of three professional references with contact information
  • In the Additional Questions section, please indicate what courses in the department that you think you are qualified to teach. Course listings can be found here: https://catalog.csus.edu/courses-a-z/. 
  • Complete the Statement of Professional Preparation and Experience form. Please click the link below to download the form. https://www.csus.edu/college/social-sciences-interdisciplinary-studies/internal/_internal/_documents/experiencestatement.pdf

About Sacramento State

Sacramento State is located in the heart of California's capital city, five miles from State Capitol. The lush, 300-acre campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the "Farm-to-Fork Capital," is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million. Sacramento State is a Hispanic and AANAPISI serving institution with about 31,000 students coming not only from the Greater Sacramento Region, but also from across the state, country, and world. Our 1,800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed to meeting our mission:

 "As California's capital university, we transform lives by preparing students to lead, serve, and succeed. Sacramento State will be a welcoming, caring, and inclusive leader in education, innovation, and engagement." As the regional hub of higher education, Sacramento State is dedicated to learning and student success; teaching, research, scholarship and creative activity; justice, diversity, equity and inclusion; resource development and sustainability; dedicated community engagement, and wellness and safety.

As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code, Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued.  Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning. 

To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.

Equal Employment Opportunity


California State University, Sacramento is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.

It is the policy of California State University, Sacramento to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need a disability related reasonable accommodation as part of the application and/or interviewing process, visit https://www.csus.edu/people-climate/human-resources/benefits/reasonable-accomodation.html.

The University is committed to creating an education and working environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. For more information on mandatory training for new employees, visit https://www.csus.edu/people-climate/human-resources/learning-development/support/csu-learn.html.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Fire Safety Right-To-know Act Notification

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery . 

The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at clery@csus.edu.

Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.

Background Check Disclaimer

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all California State University, Sacramento employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.  Effective May 2023.

Eligibility Verification

Candidate will be required to provide official transcripts of their highest degree earned and must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S.. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agent for non-tenure track (temporary/lecturer) faculty for the H1-B Visa.

Out of State Employment

Per CSU-wide policy (HR2021-04), all faculty who will begin initial employment (or return from a 12-month break in service) on or after January 1, 2022 are required to perform their work from within the State of California. Faculty hired prior to January 1, 2022 must be available to perform work in the State of California if their assignment is in-person.

Advertised: March 16, 2026 (8:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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