Students in Health and Social Policy
Lyndon Johnson put high value on improving health and social policy to reach his conception of a “Great Society.” Health and social policy students at the LBJ School of Public Affairs embody the spirit of the school established by its namesake and early founders. CHASP highlights their achievements and gives them opportunities to advance their studies through internships and other activities.
Internships and Opportunities:
As part of the master's curriculum, each student is required to complete an approved full-time internship. This ensures that students participate in the daily activities of a local, state, or federal government agency or a nongovernmental agency with a public policy focus.
The CHASP/DSHS Internship in Mental Health Policy:
Through a program coordinated by CHASP, the Texas Department of State Health Services offers internship opportunities in its Mental Health/Substance Abuse (MH/SA) Division. Enrolled graduate students in Sociology, Theology, Social Work, Psychology and Public Affairs are eligible to apply. MH/SA Internships are open to students from The University of Texas at Austin, The Theological Seminary of the Southwest and Texas State University.
As described by the agency, the internships will serve the dual purpose of workforce development and creating “community ambassadors.” Hours are flexible, but selected interns may work up to 30 hours per week (up to 40 in the summer) on specific projects at the department. Projects are tailored to the students' backgrounds and degree requirements, with the general goal of improving delivery of mental health/substance abuse services of the agency’s MH/SA outreach programs and developing policies based on research and/or direct field experience.
Contact Robin Pearson for additional information.
Research Assistants:
Many students have been employed as Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) under the direction of CHASP Executive Committee faculty members, enabling them to study a variety of policy issues in depth. Graduate Research Assistants have contributed to many CHASP publications, including peer-reviewed journals; assisted in planning and holding conferences; and created websites and newsletters to highlight particular issues.
CHASP Executive Committee members offer GRA positions directly to students.
