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The Department of Government and Politics and the University
of Maryland offer a wide variety of research and internship opportunities for
undergraduate students. Below, you will find a sampling of the many programs
that are available. Undergraduate research and internships provide valuable ways
to expand your field of knowledge, improve your resume for graduate school or
future career, or test out a career interest.
Students work approximately 20 hours a week in a Congressional office and
participate in weekly seminars on campus. Applications are accepted the semester
prior to the internship; applicants must have a 3.0 GPA, have completed of 56
credits, and be a Government and Politics major. For more information, visit
the program
website.
Students work approximately 20 hours a week in a Maryland General Assembly
Office, interning for a Senator, Delegate, or Committee. The English Department
sponsors this program, although students of all majors are encouraged to apply.
Applications must be submitted in the Spring semester prior to the semester students
enroll in the program; application requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA, Junior
standing by the semester of the internship, and a grade of B or better in writing
courses.
The pre-requisite for the internship, ENGL 381, is taken in the Fall Semester;
the three-credit class satisfies students' Junior English CORE requirement and
prepares students for the tasks they will be assigned during their internship.
During this semester, students also have the opportunity to interview with Delegates
and Senators and choose their placement. The internship begins in early January
and runs for the 90-day session until the beginning of April. For more information,
visit the internship
website.
Students receive GVPT credit for completing an internship with a faculty member
or outside agency. Faculty members provide supplementary academic work in addition
to the internship. Students receive three graded credits through GVPT 388 and
three to six pass/fail credits for the internship work through GVPT 386.
To apply, students must have a 3.0 GPA, have junior standing (60+ credits
completed), and be a GVPT major. Application forms are available in the GVPT
advising office. Completed contracts should be returned to Brad Morse in GVPT
advising (TYD 1155).
Students spend four to six hours a week helping a faculty member with his
or her research project and receive a URAP notation on their transcript at the
end of the semester. This non-competitive program is open to students of all
majors; requirements include good academic standing (minimum grade point average
of 2.0), at least 15 credits completed at College Park, and a semester commitment.
To obtain a placement, students browse the Faculty Directory (available online)
to find research projects of interest, contact the faculty member who they wish
to work with, and come to an agreement regarding hours and expectations. The
program normally holds a number of information sessions at the beginning of each
semester where students can learn about past URAP experiences. To find more information
and search the Faculty Directory, visit http://www.ugresearch.umd.edu/URAP/.
The Honors Research Grant Program provides funding to support the research
efforts of Honors students in the departmental and college Honors programs. Students
may apply for grants up to $500 for any legitimate purpose that would enhance
their research efforts. Examples include travel to conferences, purchase of specialized
equipment, or fees for database searching. Grants will be awarded in both the
Fall and Spring semesters. To apply for a grant, students must be admitted to
college or departmental Honors program, be actively engaged in a research project
that will lead to the writing of an Honors thesis, and have their application
supported by their faculty mentor. Applications are usually available at the
beginning of each semester in an envelope on Dr. Lee's door (2126B Tydings) or
in the University Honors office in Anne Arundel Hall.
The Senior Summer Scholars Program is a competitive grant offered by the Office
of Undergraduate Studies that enables students to work with faculty mentors on
scholarly research or artistic projects. Each summer, approximately 30 seniors
are selected to receive the $2,500 grant. Scholars must participate in SSS activities
over the summer, submit research reports at the end of the summer, and participate
in Undergraduate Research Day the following Spring. For more information, visit
the SSS Program's website.
Each April, students from a variety of disciplines share their current research
and artistic endeavors at Undergraduate Research Day. The presentations are open
to the public, and over 500 students participated last year. To apply for a spot
in next year's event, look for the call for proposals at the beginning of the
Spring semester. Any work completed as part of a campus class, internship, or
program is eligible for submission. For more information about Undergraduate
Research Day and other research opportunities, visit the Maryland Center for
Undergraduate Research's website.
