Department of Government and Justice Studies

The Department makes its educational programs relevant by providing  real-world experiential learning opportunities. As an integral part of the academic program, internships are required in various parts of the Department's curriculum and encouraged in all. 

Criminal Justice students are required to complete a semester-long, full-time internship in order to satisfy 12 credit hours. Students are not allowed to register for any other courses during the internship semester.

Public Administration students are required to complete a semester-long, full-time internship in order to satisfy 6 credit hours. Students are not allowed to register for any other courses during the internship semester.  

Political Science students are urged to participate in an internship for 3, 6, or 9 elective credits, but it is not required. Graduate PS students are required to complete an internship for 3-6 credits.

To be eligible to participate in GJS internships, students must:

• Be a declared major;
• Have completed ninety (90) semester hours;
• Have an overall G.P.A. of at least 2.0;
• Have a G.P.A. within the major of at least 2.0;  and
• Any additional prerequisites, as per your checksheet

To apply for an internship, you should:

• Review the detailed information provided on the AsULearn GJS Internships page. This is your one-stop source of info about how to secure an internship.
• Schedule an appointment with the Internship Director Dr. Christina May.

GJS Internship Deadlines (date by which a contract must be generated):

• Summer Internship - April 1st
• Fall Internship - July 1st
• Spring Internship - Nov 1st of the year before

IMPORTANT:  Check agency websites or contact organizations directly to determine internship application deadlines.  Generally, applications are submitted to organizations 10 - 12 weeks before the internship will begin.  However, national and international internships often require additional processing time and some state organizations have early submission deadlines.

Dr. May has over 25 years of professional and volunteer leadership experience in the fields of government, public administration, and nonprofit organizations.  She has worked with senior public executives, military, contractors, and Congressional leaders. She is a retired Naval officer and during her career developed expertise in policy analysis, project and program management, human resources, and organizational development.  Dr. May has taught at Appalachian since 2015.  You can read her full bio here.

Schedule an appointment 

351 C Anne Belk Hall

maycm@appstate.edu

Phone: (828) 262-6871

Fax: (828) 262-2947