Outside the Classroom

Gain practical experience with an internship

We strongly encourage you to pursue internship opportunities during your time at Mercer University. Internships provide you with practical experiences connected to the curriculum you are learning in the classroom. You can also form strong, lasting relationships with industry professionals in a career path you are interested in pursuing, sometimes opening up job opportunities after graduation. Many Law and Public Policy majors choose to complete internships with:

  • Elected officials
  • Governmental agencies
  • Law firms
  • Nonprofit organizations

You can receive academic credit from completing your internship if you meet the following requirements:

  • Complete nine on-site hours per week
  • Engage in regular discussions with a Mercer faculty member
  • Complete a written reflection on the legal, policy, and ethical questions raised by your internship experience.

For more information on internship opportunities, contact Law and Public Policy Director Dr. Lori A. Johnson.

Additional Opportunities

Tarver Library

Research

As a Law and Public Policy major, you will gain hands-on experience in advanced academic research methods as you analyze and research complex problems. You will present your findings at BEAR Day or other academic conferences.

An aerial shot of students standing to spell out MU

Organizations

There are many opportunities for you to be involved on campus. Some organizations include the College Republicans, Young Democrats, Pre-Law Club, Mercer International Affairs Organization, and Mercer International Mock Conference Association.

A view in South Africa

Study Abroad

Our faculty lead a number of study abroad and domestic experiential learning opportunities. In the past, we’ve led programs to Belgium, Costa Rica, Moldova, Morocco, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

Postgraduate Opportunities

When you graduate with a Law and Public Policy degree, you will have the skills to succeed in your next step. Our curriculum builds your aptitude and confidence in academic writing, problem-solving, critical thinking, and presentation skills. This serves as a strong foundation for enrollment in a number of rigorous graduate programs and advancement in a wide spectrum of careers.

This major is not designed as a “pre-law track,” but it does prepare you for a number of careers in policy-related fields that include law, such as government, public administration, health care, non-government organizations, and nonprofit groups. Some opportunities include:

  • Activist
  • Administrator
  • Advocate/organizer
  • Attorney
  • Campaign operative
  • Corporate economist
  • Corporate, government, or nonprofit executive
  • Educator
  • Financial consultant
  • Intelligence officer
  • International business executive
  • Journalist
  • Lobbyist
  • Mediator
  • Research analyst
  • Urban policy planner