Research & Internship Opportunities

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.
 
 

Capitol Hill Internship Program

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.

Maryland General Assembly Internship Program

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.

Faculty Sponsored Internships

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).

Undergraduate Research Assistant Program (URAP)

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/.

Honors Research Grants

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.

Senior Summer Scholars

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.

Undergraduate Research Day

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.