Santa Clara University

DOMESTIC PUBLIC SECTOR STUDY PROGRAMS

The Public Sector Studies Program at Santa Clara University offers an introduction to the areas traditionally known as public policy, public administration, public affairs, and urban planning, and is designed to provide a closer look at the creation, implementation, and analysis of public policies, and the operation of governments and public organizations. The program also provides an excellent foundation for those who would like to pursue graduate studies in public policy or public administration and an alternative perspective for students who wish to pursue public law.

Opportunities for Firsthand Study

Through the Public Sector Studies program in the Department of Political Science, students have the opportunity to participate in public sector internships, the Washington Semester Program, and the Panetta Institute’s Congressional Internship program. These programs offer preparation and training for students interested in working at the city, county, state, or federal level of government, in a public agency or nonprofit organization, or considering graduate-level studies in related fields.

Internships

Perhaps the best way to understand is by doing—students participating in public sector internships not only see what happens in the “real world,” but they are able to take part as well, gaining invaluable experience and knowledge. Placements in the public sector internships have included the San Jose mayor’s office, district offices of members of Congress and the California Legislature, government relations departments of high-tech corporations, public law offices, political campaigns, and nonprofit organizations. Many students end their internships with excellent employment prospects.

The Washington Semester Program

In the Washington Semester Program, students combine coursework taken at American University with hands-on experience via internships. In the past, SCU students have interned at the White House, the Justice Department, the FBI, interest groups, Fox News, various nonprofit organizations, and offices of members of the House of Representatives. The Washington Semester Program offers students the opportunity to live, study, and work in our nation’s capital for one semester along with other students from throughout the country, as well as from abroad. Numerous programs of study are available, including American Politics, Public Law, Foreign Policy, International Environment and Development, Economic Policy, Journalism, International Business and Trade, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Israel Studies, and Contemporary Islam. Students participating in the Washington Semester Program earn 22.5-24 quarter credits for one semester of study. Grades and units received at American University will count toward the student’s SCU GPA and course requirements for the department and the University.

The Panetta Institute’s Congressional Internship Program

The Panetta Institute at California State University—Monterey Bay, headed by Santa Clara political science alumnus and adjunct faculty member Leon Panetta, offers an opportunity for students to gain an inside look at the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government and Washington politics. This Congressional internship begins with a two-week course at California State University—Monterey Bay, wherein students work directly with Leon Panetta or other seasoned veterans examining the legislative process and its functions. The remaining two and a half months of the internship are spent in Washington, D.C. working on Capital Hill in the office of a member of the California Congressional delegation. One exceptional Santa Clara University student is chosen each year for this fully subsidized internship.

Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in a Public Sector Studies Program, students must have completed at least 88 quarter units of credit by the date that the program of study begins, must not be on academic or disciplinary probation, and must be in good financial standing with the University. Students must also meet grade point average and other eligibility requirements for the specific program.

For more information about the Public Sector Studies Program, please visit: http://www.scu.edu/cas/polisci/publicsector.cfm or contact the director of the Public Sector Studies Program.