Real-world work experience is a critical component of our MPA program. It challenges you to take the academic concepts you have learned in the classroom and put them into practice.

To fulfill the Practical Experience component of the degree, most students choose to complete an internship in the summer between the first and second year of study or to do an externship while enrolled in one of CIPA’s off-campus semester programs. The CIPA Office of Career Management will assist you through each phase of your internship search.

Given that many of the most challenging and rewarding positions in the field of public affairs are unpaid, CIPA has developed a competitive grant program to help defray the costs of unpaid internships. Applications for funding are sent out to students each spring.

Representative Summer Internships by Location

• 43% international
• 57% domestic

Representative Summer Internships by Sector

• 31% public/IGO
• 31% private
• 38% non-profit

Internships and Externships

Externships through CIPA Off-Campus Study Programs

Students who choose to spend a semester in one of CIPA’s off-campus study programs earn academic credit while completing an externship. Representative externship organizations are listed below by location.