Department of Political and Global Affairs
Tennessee Legislative Internship Program
Applications for Tennessee Legislative Internship Program Spring 2027 are coming soon! Please check back or email pga.internships@mtsu.edu.
Representatives from the Tennessee Legislative Internship Program will be attending the MTSU BIG Career Fair on September 24, 2026 in the Campus Recreation Center! Be sure to attend their booth if you are interested and have questions! Click below to learn more!
Are you interested in public policy, political science, economics, lobbying, state and local government, and/or specific legislation areas such as healthcare, education, or energy?
The Tennessee Legislative Internship Program offers a full-time*, paid internship with the Tennessee General Assembly from January to May 2027 in Nashville, Tennessee. Join students from across Tennessee in this long-standing paid internship program running from January – May 2027. TLIP provides the perfect opportunity to learn more about the legislative process and engage with Tennessee politics!
Who You Are: Junior, Senior, Graduate Student, or a December 2026 Graduate. Any major can do this internship. Course credits are available through the Department of Political & Global Affairs.
GPA: 3.0 or higher required
Age: 20 years of older at the start of the internship in January 2027
Credits: Keep in mind that this is normally a full-time internship experience, so you are not permitted to take in person classes at the same time. We can work together with your academic advisor(s) to see if your individual circumstances all for you to complete the internship requirements and maintain enrollment, earn credits, etc.
Fall 2026 Grads: If you’re graduating in December 2026, you can do this internship as a postgraduation experience from January to May.
For more information, please access the resources below. Contact pga.internships@mtsu.edu to inquire about TLIP or to ask any questions you may have.
Ready to Apply?
Send completed applications to pga.internships@mtsu.edu with your subject line clearly indicating your submission. Example: TLIP Application 2027 for Student Name
Internal MTSU Application Checklist: Application Packet (Signed), Autobiography Essay (prompt is on the Intern Application packet), Transcripts, Resume, Faculty Appraisals (2)*
*Faculty Appraisals need to be from two separate professors with whom you have had a class. Any subject is fine — just think of those who know you the best and can address your characteristics appropriately.
Due Date: Deadline has been extended to October 2, 2026, although early applications are appreciated. This is the latest date we can accept materials. Please be ready for potentially interviewing in person or via Zoom. We are scheduling interviews on a rolling basis.
Application Materials
You will also need to submit your autobiography (instructions are in the application packet) and your transcripts.
Next Steps
If your application is accepted and you meet eligibility requirements, you will be asked to meet with the MTSU Faculty Representative on campus to go over the program, your application materials, and your interest in participating. Participating institutions are limited in how many students can be sent to participate in the program; as a result, it is a highly competitive process.
After you submit your application, the internship coordinator will look over your documents, confirm your eligibility to participate, and then reach out to schedule a time to talk about your materials and interest in the program. It is incredibly important that you maintain contact with the liaison via MTSU email, as the application cycle moves quickly and spots are limited.
You will then interview with faculty representatives from the Department of Political and Global Affairs. It is encouraged to take this interview seriously — dress sharply, know your materials well, and represent yourself as you would interviewing with your potential internship placement site.
If selected from this stage forward, you will then work with the internship coordinator to ensure all of your application documents fit the requirements for the State of Tennessee’s criteria. We will submit the applications to the General Assembly at the end of September through to the beginning of October 2026. Early application submissions are highly recommended and appreciated.
Any questions? Please email pga.internships@mtsu.edu at any time to discuss.
TLIP News & Past Participants
Spring 2026
