Public Service Program

Hampden-Sydney's principal program for preparing undergraduates for careers in government agencies, non-profits, and non-governmental organizations (ngos) is the James Madison Public Service Certificate Program. This academic minor (16 credit hours) includes an internship and a major research paper.

Students prepare for their internships in a special seminar, and take courses in Ethics, Economics, Psychology, and Public Speaking. They also meet with elected and career public officials in Washington, D.C. and Richmond, as well as on campus. Current Membership

Robert B. Thompson is pictured with Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli during a summer internship at the Virginia Attorney General's Office 
Summer internships...
All these activities prepare students to take the step from academic study to meaningful public service. Students receive a certificate acknowledging completion of the requirements of the Public Service Program at an awards banquet in the spring of their senior year. Beginning in 2008, the public service program was elevated to the status of an academic minor.
"... great summer internships! I have friends who went to London, Prague and Washington, D.C., and others found internships at home. You can do your internship almost anywhere you choose.

Another great aspect of the program is the wonderful speakers
it brings to Hampden-Sydney. In one semester we had
presidential and gubernatorial candidates on campus...
The Center and Hampden-Sydney bring the world to you."
- Ryan Pemberton '00

Student internships have been arranged at the White House, in the Office of the Vice-President, on Capitol Hill, the American Embassies in Brazil and Turkey, the United States Information Services office in the Czech Republic, the Virginia Port Authority in Belgium, and the European Parliament, as well as with state and local government agencies from Pennsylvania to California.

Application to the Public Service Program