Washington, DC Internship Program (Summer)

This program offers students the opportunity to spend ten weeks studying and interning in one of the world’s most important capital cities. Although known primarily as the capital city of American politics, Washington, DC, plays a pivotal role, both nationally and internationally, in business, law, the sciences, media, and the arts.  The program offers students the opportunity to focus on leadership, public policy and agenda setting in their own area of interest.

In Summer 2012, the program will include a special focus on the 2012 Presidential and Congressional elections with a course on political parties and the nomination process leading up to the Republican and Democratic National Conventions.

Program Curriculum

Students enroll in one course and participate in a professional internship. Upon successful completion of the program students earn eight Boston University credits. Note: Syllabi are for course approval and reference only. Students will receive up-to-date syllabi when their courses begin.

Required Courses

Students enroll in one of the following courses and an internship course:

CAS PO 406: Introduction to Congressional Policymaking (4)

A comprehensive analysis of the U.S. Congress and the way policymaking is conducted by this legislative body. This course combines theoretical and practical knowledge for a thorough assessment of the U.S. legislative and political process. Syllabus

Game Change?: Political Party Conventions and Elite Agenda Setting

(Pending approval.) This course provides a comparative, historical and critical examination of American political parties and the distinctive American innovation of the nominating convention and its contemporary role in agenda setting, elite recruitment and consensus building within parties. Seminar format.

CAS IR 595: Democratization and Global Development

(Pending approval.) Examines rise of democracy in Africa, the Arab World, Asia, Latin America, and the former Soviet Union from both economic and political perspectives. Considers emerging debates on the best path to economic development and the primacy of the democratic governance model.

Internship Areas

The Washington, DC Internship Program provides internship opportunities in almost every discipline, and students from all fields are encouraged to apply. All students are interviewed by the program directors and staff who guide students in their internship placements based on academic training, previous work experience, intellectual objectives, and unique Washington, DC opportunities.

Past placements have included the White House, Congressional offices, the Department of Justice, the Heritage Foundation, the Sierra Club, the Smithsonian Institution, People for the American Way, public affairs offices, and advertising agencies.

All internship placements are arranged before arrival in Washington, DC.

Internship Courses

Students enroll in a four-credit internship placement. Course numbers depend on the field of specialization in which the students complete their internships. Placements are contingent upon the students’ past experiences, professional interests, and relevant academic history, as well as the availability of opportunities in any given semester; flexibility is essential.

  • CAS AH 505 Internship in Arts/Architecture
  • CAS EC 497 Internship in Business/Economics
  • CAS EE 404 Internship in Energy/Environmental Policy
  • CAS PO 404 The Washington Internship
  • CAS PO 451 Internship in Politics
  • CAS PO 453 Internship in Comparative Law
  • CAS PO/IR 455 Internship in International Organization
  • CAS PS 495 Internship in Health/Human Services
  • COM CM 471 Internship in Advertising/Public Relations
  • COM FT 493/494 Internship in Film/Television
  • COM JO 411 Internship in Journalism
  • SHA HF 390 Field Placement in Hospitality Administration

Program Details

Requirements
Program Dates
  • Summer Term: May 20 to August 6, 2012
    • Program Arrival: May 20, 2012
    • Program End: August 6, 2012
    • Depart: TBD
Cost
  • Summer 2012 Tuition & Fees: $8,200

Cost includes tuition, housing, internship placement, field trips, and emergency travel assistance coverage. The cost for Summer 2013 has not yet been announced and will be subject to approval by the Board of Trustees at Boston University. Additional expenses to consider for the summer. Financial aid is available.
Credits
  • Upon successful completion of the program, students earn eight Boston University credits. Students must enroll for a total of eight credits.
Housing
  • The newly built housing offers suite-style apartments with shared kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas. There are usually two occupants per bedroom and up to 12 students per suite. Singles are available. Each common room is wired for telephones and cable television.
  • The housing is situated near the majority of Washington, DC government agencies and bureaus, national and international cultural attractions, and national historical landmarks. The surrounding neighborhood is well-established and boasts a variety of ethnic restaurants along its tree-lined streets. Students are just steps away from the Woodly Park/Zoo Metro stop.
Application Deadlines
  • Summer Term: February 15

      Summer internships in Washington are extremely competitive. Students are encouraged to submit their applications for the program prior to the application deadline. Every effort will be made to place students in internships that meet their academic interests, but students who apply after the February 15 deadline cannot be guaranteed a choice of internship.

Download a description of the Washington, DC Internship Program (Summer).

Program Staff

The Boston University Washington, DC Programs are administered by staff in both our Boston and DC offices. In Boston, a program manager facilitates the admissions and pre-departure procedures, and maintains contact with students prior to their arrival in DC. The Boston office also houses administrative personnel, who are responsible for everyday operations. In DC, the staff comprises a resident director and administrative, academic, and housing personnel.

Staff Profiles

Debbie Miller, Assistant Director, Program Management

On-Site Staff

Ready to go abroad? Apply now!