MPA Internships
Department of Public Administration and Policy Analysis
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Paid internships that help you build public service skills, grow your network, and fund your graduate education.
Are you looking for a way to gain real-world experience, build your resume, and help finance your graduate degree? The Department of Public Administration and Policy Analysis (PAPA) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers paid, professional internship opportunities for Master of Public Administration (MPA) students and other graduate students pursuing related fields.
These competitive internships allow you to apply what you’re learning in the classroom to real public service work — all while receiving a tuition waiver, bi-monthly stipend, and valuable hands-on experience that can launch your career.
MPA Internship Program Benefits
✔ Full tuition waiver
✔ Bi-monthly stipend payments
✔ 15 or 20 paid work hours per week (based on placement)
✔ Up to three hours of graduate credit
✔ Applied, real-world experience with public and nonprofit organizations
✔ Professional networking and career development opportunities
✔ Flexible work arrangements
✔ Possibility of continued employment through graduation
What You’ll Be Doing
As an intern, you will be appointed as a graduate assistant and placed with a government agency or nonprofit organization. Assignments vary by placement but may include:
- Information systems management and data analysis
- Human resources and personnel administration
- Budget development, financial operations, and fiscal monitoring
- Policy research and preparation of reports or recommendations
- Grant writing, administration, and compliance tracking
- Program evaluation and performance measurement
- Public relations, marketing, and community outreach
- Event planning and coordination
- Stakeholder engagement and partnership building
- Strategic planning assistance
- Records management and administrative support
- Survey design, data collection, and needs assessments
- Social media management and digital content development
- Special projects tailored to the organization’s mission
This internship provides the chance to gain practical, meaningful experience that directly prepares you for a career in public service or nonprofit leadership.
Recent Internship Placements
Local Government Partners
- Edwardsville Township, IL
- City of Highland, IL
- City of O'Fallon, IL
- City of Hazelwood, MO
Nonprofit Organization Partners
- Beverly Farm Foundation
- Catholic Urban Programs
- Feed My People
- Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation
- Monroe County Economic Development Corporation
- ALIVE STL
Additional placements have included East St. Louis Housing Authority, City of Granite City, and Madison County Leadership Council.
How to Apply
Interested in applying? Follow these steps:
- Download and complete the Internship Application (PDF)
Application Instructions:
✔ Download the form to your computer before filling it out
✔ Complete the form and save the file
✔ Email the form to yourself to ensure readability
✔ Submit the completed form as an attachment to mpaprogram@siue.edu
For questions or more information, contact the department at 618-650-3762 or mpaprogram@siue.edu.
Resources for Current Interns
As an intern, you are appointed as a graduate assistant, meaning you’ll follow department and university policies for graduate assistants. The resources below will help you understand expectations, track your hours, and complete required documentation. Some items are for reference only, while others may need to be submitted as directed.
Available Resources:
- Graduate Assistant Handbook (PDF) — Informational guide to policies, expectations, and procedures
- Graduate Assistant Orientation — Mandatory training providing key information about your role, responsibilities, and benefits
- GA Timesheet (Excel) — Used to track hours worked; submission instructions will be provided by your supervisor or the department.
- Absence Request Form — Required if you need to request time off; submitted to your hiring unit for HR records
- Monthly Intern Evaluation (PDF) — Submitted to the Internship Director to track ongoing progress
- Final Intern Evaluation (PDF) — Submitted at the conclusion of your internship placement
If you have questions about these resources, submission instructions, or your internship, contact the department at mpaprogram@siue.edu or 618-650-3762.
Frequently Asked Questions — MPA Internships
Who is eligible to apply for an internship?
MPA students and other graduate students pursuing a related field are eligible to apply. Most internships are available to students enrolled full time and in good academic standing.
When should I apply?
It’s recommended that you apply early in your graduate studies. Internship placements are competitive and may have specific start dates aligned with the academic calendar. Reach out to the Internship Director for current timelines.
Are internships guaranteed for all students?
No, internships are awarded on a competitive basis. Available positions depend on organizational needs and applicant qualifications.
How many hours per week do interns work?
Interns typically work 15 or 20 hours per week, depending on the placement and agency needs.
Do interns receive a tuition waiver and stipend?
Yes! Interns receive a full tuition waiver and bi-monthly stipend payments as part of the internship appointment.
Can I earn academic credit for my internship?
Yes, interns may earn up to three hours of graduate credit for their internship experience.
Where will I be placed?
Interns are placed with local government agencies or nonprofit organizations in the region. Placement depends on available opportunities and your background, interests, and career goals.
Can I stay with my placement after the internship ends?
Many interns have the opportunity to continue working with their host organization through graduation, based on performance and agency needs.
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Still have questions? Contact the department at 618-650-3762 or mpaprogram@siue.edu - we're happy to help you explore this opportunity.
