Students are enrolled in one required course, an internship course which includes a non-unit Hub co-curricular, and participate in a professional internship. Upon successful completion of the program, students earn eight Boston University units.
Required Course
Students enroll in one of the following courses. Course availability is subject to adequate enrollment and faculty availability. Not all courses will run but students can indicate their course preferences shortly after admission.
CAS HI 281/PO 201/IR 356/IR 656 The President in Foreign Affairs
Overview of American presidencies of the late twentieth century, specifically considering how politics relates to foreign policy in America. Concepts including isolationism, manifest destiny, moralism, rule of law, national self-interest, and terrorism are discussed. Special focus on Iraq and Afghanistan.
Units: 4
CAS PO 280/IR 324/IR 624 American Policymaking in the Global Era: American Grand Strategy and Decision Making in a Rapidly Changing Global Environment
Course examines American international economic decision-making in a changing global economy and addresses current theories of International Political Economy with respect to trade, finance, and the development of global corporations. Explores how American policy shaped the post-World War II global economy.
Units: 4
BU Hub areas:
Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
Oral and/or Signed Communication
CAS IR 391/PO 246 Democracy in the 21st Century: Reality and Reinvention
Comparative perspective on the history of democracy and democratization. Explores conditions, catalysts, and processes of democratic change with a focus on current trends in the democratization debate. Special focus on Iran as a case study.
Units: 4
BU Hub areas:
Creativity/Innovation
Ethical Reasoning
Social Inquiry 1
CAS PO 476/IR 576 Artificial Intelligence, Disruptive Technology and Democratic Governance
Artificial Intelligence and other disruptive technologies are fundamentally reshaping our society, economics, and security, challenging traditional governance structures across the world. This course examines the disruption and impact that these technologies have by looking at the issues through the policy lens of Washington, D.C. We will explore the mismatch between the rapidly evolving power of new technologies and the comparatively outdated institutional frameworks currently in place and examine what challenges these are creating for democracy, public trust, and social and international stability.
Units: 4
CAS PO 202 Introduction to Congressional Policy Making
Formerly CAS PO 406
The purpose of this course is for the student to gain a working knowledge of the US Congress, from both a theoretical and a practical perspective. The course features assigned readings and lectures as well as guest speakers, current periodicals, and in-class discussions.
Units: 4
CAS PO 456/COM CM 556 Lobbying in Action: Policy & Politics in Washington, D.C.
This course explores how ideas become laws through lobbying and advocacy in Washington, D.C. By combining theory with hands-on activities, ethical analysis, and real-world simulations we will develop practical skills for influencing policy and having an impact.
Units: 4
BU Hub areas:
Ethical Reasoning
Teamwork/Collaboration
CAS PO 470/ IR 570 Executive Orders: Law, Ethics, and Governance
This course explores the legal, ethical, and political dimensions of executive orders in American governance. We will analyze presidential power, both domestically and abroad, debate contemporary controversies, assess social justice implications, and develop skills vital for understanding executive action and its impact on society.
Units: 4
BU Hub areas:
Ethical Reasoning
Research and Information Literacy
Internship Areas
Students are supported by Washington, D.C. staff throughout the internship search process. This support includes access to internship search resources, feedback on résumés and cover letters, and interview preparation. However, students are responsible for identifying and securing their own internships.
Internship opportunities are informed by a student’s academic background, prior experience, professional goals, and the unique opportunities available in Washington, D.C. Students are encouraged to begin their search early, communicate often with the Washington D.C team, and remain open to a range of professional options.
Possible internship opportunities have included organizations such as congressional and federal offices, law firms, think tanks, PR and communications firms, public affairs offices, NGOs, advertising agencies, museums and galleries, and advocacy groups. Please note that these examples reflect past internship experiences only. Opportunities vary each term based on industry availability. While we aim to provide a broad overview of potential internship settings, additional opportunities may exist in academic and professional areas not listed here.
Internship Courses
Study Abroad will enroll students in a non-unit Hub co-curricular and a four-unit internship course, which includes a classroom component. The internship seminar meets most Fridays and complements the internship experience by developing student’s professional skills and career readiness, while also learning about the unique culture of Washington, D.C.
Upon successful completion of the internship experience, students will receive a Hub requirement in the area Individual in Community (IIC) from the co-curricular HUB SA 330.
HUB SA 330 Study Abroad Internship
This course is a Non-unit Hub Co-curricular.
Units: 0
BU Hub areas:
Individual in Community
COM CM 471 Internship in Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations
Units: 4
CAS AH 505 Internship in Arts/Architecture/Arts Administration
Units: 4
CAS EC 497 Internship in Business/Economics
Units: 4
SHA HF 390 Field Placement in Hospitality Administration
Units: 4
COM JO 412 Internship in Journalism
Units: 4
CAS EE 404 Internship in Energy/Environmental Policy
Units: 4
CAS PO 401/IR 451 Internship in Politics/International Relations
Units: 4
CAS PO 403 Internship in Comparative Law
Units: 4
CAS PO 405/IR 455 Internship in International Organizations
Units: 4
CAS PS 495 Internship in Health and Human Services
