好色先生

At CSUDH, Political Science students gain hands-on experience through internships, field trips, Model United Nations, student organizations, scholarships, and professional development opportunities. These experiences connect classroom learning with real-world politics, government, law, public policy, and international affairs.

Field Trips and Experiential Learning

Learning extends beyond the classroom through educational experiences supported by the Chafee Endowment. Students have opportunities to engage directly with political institutions, public officials, community leaders, and international organizations while exploring politics in real-world settings.

Opportunities may include:

• Domestic field trips
• International field trips
• Conference travel
• Guest speaker events
• Study abroad support

Model United Nations

Political Science students participate in Model United Nations (MUN) through university support provided by the Instructionally Related Activities (IRA) program.

Students develop skills in:

• Diplomacy and negotiation
• Public speaking
• Policy analysis
• Resolution writing
• International collaboration

Participants represent countries at regional and national conferences while gaining practical experience in international affairs and multilateral diplomacy.

Internships and Academic Credit

Internships provide valuable professional experience while helping students explore career interests and develop professional networks.

Political Science students have completed internships with:

• Law firms
• Local elected officials
• Government agencies
• Public and nonprofit organizations

Eligible internships may be completed for academic credit through POL 496: Political Science Internship.

State and National Internship Programs

Students are encouraged to apply for competitive internship programs that provide immersive experiences in government, public policy, and public service.

Sacramento Semester Program

The Sacramento Semester Program allows students to spend a semester working in California state government while gaining firsthand experience with public policy and the legislative process.

Panetta Congressional Internship Program

The Panetta Congressional Internship Program offers selected students the opportunity to receive intensive preparation and intern in the United States Congress in Washington, D.C. CSUDH Political Science students have maintained a strong record of participation in this prestigious program.

Scholarships and Funding

Political Science students have access to scholarships and funding opportunities that support academic achievement, professional development, and experiential learning.

Department Scholarships

The Department of Political Science offers annual scholarships exclusively for Political Science majors, including:

• Michael N. O'Hara Scholarship
• Lori Cardenas Scholarship

Chafee Endowment

The Chafee Endowment supports high-impact educational experiences, including:

• Domestic and international field trips
• Conference travel
• Guest speaker events
• Study abroad opportunities

Student Organizations

Political Science students are active in student-led organizations that promote leadership, civic engagement, academic development, and professional networking.

Organizations in which Political Science students participate include:

• Association of Political Science Students (APSS)
• Model United Nations Club
• Pre-Law Society

Some organizations are open to students from across the university, providing opportunities to collaborate with students from a variety of academic disciplines.

Career Pathways

A Political Science degree prepares students for a wide range of careers by developing critical thinking, communication, research, and analytical skills. CSUDH Political Science graduates have pursued careers in law, government, public administration, education, journalism, business, nonprofit organizations, and international affairs. Many also continue their education through graduate and professional schools.

Political Science graduates pursue careers in:

• Law
• Government and Public Administration
• Public Policy
• International Affairs
• Business
• Journalism and Communications
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Education
• Graduate and Professional Schools

Students are encouraged to meet regularly with Political Science faculty advisors, pursue internships, participate in student organizations, and take advantage of experiential learning opportunities to prepare for future careers and graduate study.

Get Involved

Political Science students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities throughout their academic journey. Participation in internships, Model United Nations, student organizations, scholarships, and experiential learning helps students develop the knowledge, skills, experience, and professional connections needed for success after graduation.

For more information, contact the Department of Political Science or speak with a Political Science faculty advisor.