Internships
After their first year in the program, students without significant public sector or nonprofit work experience are required to complete an internship in a public or nonprofit organization. The internship requirement is typically met during the summer but may be met through part-time placements during the academic year, subject to approval by Dr. Guy Adams, Faculty Intern Coordinator. Interns are expected to complete an extensive written analysis of their internship and make a formal presentation before faculty and students during the fall semester of the second year. Three hours of credit are awarded for successful completion of PA8280-Public Affairs Internship. Students with significant public sector or nonprofit work experience may request an exemption from the internship requirement. Application for an exemption must be approved by Dr. Guy Adams.
PA8280-Public Affairs Internship is designed to provide students with an appreciation of the organizational and political realities of the profession. It provides work experience in an organizational setting, the opportunity to observe the organization in action, exposure to the complexities of the issues that the organization must confront, as well as exposure to the environment in which the organization must operate. On the job, interns apply what they have learned during the first year in the program, and they gain practical experience that enables deeper learning during second-year classes.
Recent internships held by students in the MPA program have included:
- Missouri cities, counties and regional governments including Columbia, Boonville, Osage Beach, Mexico, Maryland Heights, Gladstone, Boone County and regional planning commissions
- Missouri state agencies including the Department of Social Services, the Secretary of State’s Office, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, and the Department of Economic Development
- Nonprofit agencies including Lutheran Family Services, Rainbow House, Big Brothers Big Sisters, March of Dimes and agencies dedicated to serving the blind and victims of abuse
- Federal agencies including the Library of Congress, Federal Reserve Bank, Environmental Protection Agency, Homeland Security and the State Department
- U.S. cities including Key West, Florida; Savannah, Georgia; Lawrence, Kansas; and Charlotte, North Carolina
- Health care organizations including St. Mary’s Health Center, the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan, and University Hospital and Clinics
- International agencies including the United Nations and World Bank
Students should begin their search for an internship in September of their first year. Following completion of the internship, students will work with Dr. Guy Adams to prepare a written analysis of the internship and an oral presentation of their experience.