Our MA with Cooperative Internship option blends rigorous academics with on-the-job experience, fast-tracking your path to a high-impact professional career. 

Graduate students admitted to the cooperative internshop stream typically complete their program within 12 months, in addition to a work term. The program is designed to  provide students with practical work experience in public policy, research, advocacy, and public administration, to prepare them for upper-level careers of public service, broadly construed. 

Students pursuing the expected program of study will complete two semesters of course work intended to provide them with a basic background in Political Science research. During these semesters they will also work with the HSS Co-op Office to secure a 12-16 week co-operative internship at a host organization. 

Formal Program Requirements

Students choosing the M.A. with co-operative internship must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours in political science graduate program courses of which 12 credit hours must be attained from POSC 6030 (6 credit hours), 602A/B and 6790. Further courses beyond the minimum number may be required, depending on the background and needs of the student.

For their final semester, students must identify and secure a 12 to 16-week co-operative internship in a position that is approved by the co-op office. In the months prior to the start of the work term students work closely with the Academic Staff Member in Co-operative Education and participate in a series of professional development activities to support the job search process.

Co-operative internships are normally paid, although compensation can vary. Students submit a series of short assignments during the work term and receive a grade based on the assignments and work term performance. 

Program Information

 The internship program is overseen by the HSS Cooperative Educaiton Office. For further information on this program, please contact the co-op office.

*Information for Employers