The Legislative Internship Program places selected interns with local and state legislators, members of Congress, political parties, interest groups, and lobbyists. Students will serve as aides, participating in the activities of these officials and political actors.

The Legislative Internship Program gives students an opportunity to become familiarized with the political process and with individual elected officials. The academic component is designed to give students a theoretical background and context to help them better understand politics.

Recently students have been placed in the offices of various members of Congress and the Maryland General Assembly. Students have also been placed outside the legislature including the Cato Institute, Maryland Democratic Party, the Maryland League of Conservation Voters, the Office of Press Secretary to the Governor, the Office of Lt. Governor and the campaign staffs of Maryland's U.S. Senator and Governor.

For more information, contact Dr. Thomas Schaller (schaller@umbc.edu, x52845, PUP 314)

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What are the qualifications for applicants?

Though there are exceptions, applicants must be of sophomore or higher standing and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

How does the application process work?

Applicants must complete an application form, including a statement of purpose, and have two letters of recommendation and a current academic transcript submitted directly to Prof. Schaller. The application deadline for prospective Maryland General Assembly interns is October 22, and MGA applicants must also fill out an additional form that is sent to Annapolis. For non-MGA applicants, the deadline is noon, November 21, 2008. After applications are received, Prof. Schaller will contact students to set up interviews. Students will be notified of acceptance shortly thereafter.

May I submit one application for both intern tracks?

Yes, but be sure to meet the earlier, October 22, deadline.  However, students should decide very soon whether they wish to intern in Annapolis or in Washington.  You may not do both.

Must I be a political science major?

No -- though a majority of the interns each year typically are majors.

How much academic credit will I receive?

Yes. Students will receive four (4) credits of POLI 428 and can contract to earn up to three (3) additional credits of independent study,
POLI 401, supervised by Prof. Schaller.

What are the academic requirements?

Students must register for and complete four (4) credits of POLI 428, which will be taught Tuesday nights by Prof. Schaller.  The class will be both theoretical and practical and nature, and will cover legislative activities on both the state and national level.  A term paper will be required.

Will I get paid?

MGA interns get a stipend in an amount based on the number of weekly interning hours.  This year, stipends range from $600 (2 days weekly) to $1,000 (4-5 days).  Some, but not all, of the D.C.-based and non-MGA, Annapolis-based internships come with stipends, but this depends largely on the placement organization.  There is no stipend guarantee for these interns as there are for MGA interns.

What sort of internship assignment might I get?

MGA interns generally are assigned to a particular legislator, and the assignments are made based on demand by legislators and the available number of interns statewide. (This program includes students from Maryland other colleges and universities; last year there were approximately 70 students total.) Students interview with members first in order to make sure the assignments work for both the legislator and his/her staff, as well as for the intern. For non-MGA interns, interviewing and placement is, again, done on a case by case basis; some prospective offices/employers require interviews in phone or in person and others do not. Again, typical assignments are with a particular legislator's office, but students have also interned with committee staffs, parties, lobbying firms, interest groups and think tanks. Prof. Schaller will facilitate the selection and assignment of placements.

What is the time period of commitment?

All credits are awarded during the Spring term; no Winter registration is required. Service expectation is 15 hours of interning weekly, for 15 weeks (not counting Spring Break), beginning with the start of Spring classes. Once again, MGA students are the exception, as they start (and finish) two weeks earlier -- i.e., begin in mid-January and end in late April -- to coincide with the legislative session calendar.

How will I get to Annapolis/Washington?

There's good news and bad news. The bad news is that, unfortunately, transportation to the internship is the student's responsibility.  The good news, however, is that free parking is typically arranged for students to avoid any additional, personal expense.

Where have students been placed in recent internships?

Recent (1999-2002) student placements include:

United States Congress: Senator Dianne Feinstein (D,CA); Representative Elijah Cummings (D,MD); Representative James Rogan (D,CA); and Representative Melvin Watt (D,NC).

Maryland General Assembly: Senator Thomas Bromwell (D,8); Senator George Della (D,47); Senator Brian Frosh (D,16); Senator Patrick Hogan (R,39); Senator Paula Hollinger (D,11); Senator Chris McCabe (R,14); Delegate Robert Flanagan (R,14b); Delegate Joseph Getty (R,5); Delegate Lisa Gladden (D,41); Delegate Sue Hecht (D,3); Delegate Wade Kach (R,9a); Delegate James Malone (D,12a); and Delegate James Rzepkowski (R,32).

Other placements: The Cato Institute (Washington); Maryland Democratic Party (Annapolis); Maryland NARAL, Inc. (Silver Spring); Maryland League of Conservation Voters (Annapolis); Congressional Historical Society (Washington); Office of Press Secretary to Gov. Parris Glendening (Annapolis); Office of Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (Annapolis); Ben Cardin for Congress 2002 (Towson); and, Bob Ehrlich for Governor 2002 (Towson).

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