Political Entrepreneurship through Internships: Local to Global, Certificate


Do you want to see how leaders advance policy in real time? An internship with an organization that aligns with your interests offers the opportunity to observe firsthand how change occurs and policy is made.

Program Description

Students pursuing this interdisciplinary certificate begin with foundational instruction on U.S. political institutions or global politics before taking advanced coursework that examines public policy, political leadership and political change. Through experiential learning, including internships, students apply these skills in practical settings, developing leadership and professional skills and gaining a deep understanding of related institutions. This program equips students to be active, informed participants in the policy process. Whether students are interested in global, national, state or local issues, a variety of internship opportunities help them engage civically and influence policies at multiple levels of governance.

Learning Outcomes
  • Compare stakeholder perspectives of governance and/or global issues.
  • Evaluate the powers of the Presidency.
  • Communicate using clear and concise language on topics related to political science.

At a Glance: program details

Certificate Map

  • Location:
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Program Requirements

Enrollment Requirements

Requests to declare this certificate are reviewed by the academic advisor in the academic unit offering the certificate. Students may be contacted to discuss the certificate before it is added to their student record.

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


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Career Outlook

Graduates with this certificate are prepared for policy careers in a variety of organizational settings, domestic and global. Some graduates focus on developing or implementing policy; others engage in issue advocacy or critical assessment of policy.

Graduates who have combined this certificate with their major program of study are more marketable to employers. They often pursue employment in government, lobbying, public affairs consulting or nonprofit organizations.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Management Analysts


  • Growth: 8.8%
  • Median Salary*: 101190
  Bright Outlook

Chief Executives


  • Growth: 4.3%
  • Median Salary*: 206420

Training and Development Managers


  • Growth: 5.8%
  • Median Salary*: 127090
  Bright Outlook

General and Operations Managers


  • Growth: 4.4%
  • Median Salary*: 102950
  Bright Outlook

Lawyers


  • Growth: 4.1%
  • Median Salary*: 151160

Political Scientists


  • Growth: -3.1%
  • Median Salary*: 139380

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 2%
  • Median Salary*: 94680

Legislators


  • Growth: 3.4%
  • Median Salary*: 44810

Public Relations Managers


  • Growth: 5%
  • Median Salary*: 138520
  Bright Outlook

Urban and Regional Planners


  • Growth: 3.4%
  • Median Salary*: 83720

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


Program Contact Information

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