Internships

MPA internships are designed primarily to meet the experiential needs of pre-service students and to assist with post-graduation job placement. To ensure MPA students possess and can demonstrate at least some of the knowledge and skills required for professional success, internships are typically performed during the second year of a two-year MPA program of study.

The internship requirement is comprised of 200 working hours during which students perform professional administrative duties and tasks with an approved public/nonprofit organization. At the completion of the internship, each MPA intern writes an essay describing the experience and the learning gained from it. In addition, the intern’s supervisor(s) will complete and submit a written evaluation of the intern’s performance.

Approved internships may be performed by enrolling in URS 791 for 4 credit hours which, when successfully completed, will be applied toward the MPA degree. Students may also repeat URS 791, with the approval of the MPA Internship Coordinator, for an additional 4 credit hours. In addition, students may complete an internship to gain professional experience without enrolling in URS 791 or earning credit hours toward the MPA degree.

All MPA student internships must be pre-approved by the MPA Internship Coordinator, who is also available to assist students with all aspects of the internship process. In addition, WSU Career Services personnel are available to assist students with identifying potential internships, developing resumes, honing interview skills, and job placement.