The Public Service Internship Program involves participation by undergraduate students. Undergraduate students enroll in SPEA V380 Internship in Public Affairs or SPEA J380 Internship in Criminal Justice. Graduate students enroll in SPEA V585 Practicum in Public Affairs. Full-time assignment in a public service internship for one semester is acknowledged up to 6 credit hours. Internship credit is recommended for preservice undergraduate students. In the undergraduate program, a maximum of 15 credit hours is allowed for participation in off-campus experiences.

Internship possibilities are developed by the school and involve specific job descriptions from public and private agencies willing to involve students in significant professional activities in public and environmental affairs. The student has the option of identifying their own internship site; however, the site must be approved by the internship coordinator. In all cases, specific job details and descriptions of supervisory capacity of the agencies must be filed before credit may be arranged. No off-campus experiences are approved for credit unless the necessary information is filed and approved before the assignment begins.  It is recommended the approval process be complete prior to the internship semester. Information can be obtained from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU Northwest.