The Washington, D.C. Internship Program offers students the opportunity to study and intern in one of the world’s most important capital cities. Although known primarily as the capital of American politics, Washington, D.C., plays a pivotal role, both nationally and internationally, in business, law, the sciences, public relations, media, and the arts. The program offers students the opportunity to focus on leadership, public policy, and agenda setting in their area of interest.
Requirements & Considerations
- All students must enroll according to, and remain in compliance with, the Boston University Study Abroad Course Load Policy.
- Admissions requirements for all programs
Curriculum
An introductory course in either American politics or International Relations is recommended prior to enrollment in this program.
Students also have the option to take one class at George Washington University as part of the program. They can enroll in any of George Washington's seven undergraduate colleges, and the full spectrum of course offerings is open to them while they are enrolled in the Washington Internship Program.
Students participating in the program work at their internship four days a week and enroll in night courses. Note: Syllabi are for course approval and reference only. Students will receive up-to-date syllabi when their courses begin.
Washington, D.C. Internship (Standard)
Elective Courses
Students will choose three of the following courses, or may replace one of them with a course at George Washington University as part of the program. Course availability at the BU Center is subject to adequate enrollment. Students will indicate course preferences shortly after admission.
Elective Course List
- CAS HI 281/CAS IR 356/CAS PO 201 American Governance: Foreign Affairs (4 credits)
- Formerly CAS HI/IR/PO 356
- 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.
- Syllabus
- CAS HI 327/CAS PO 204 The Modern US Senate: From Collaboration to Confrontation
- Examines the history of the US Senate with a special focus on increasing partisanship since WWII. Addresses major policy issues and landmark pieces of legislation as well as the lives and legacies of prominent individual Senators. Includes guest lecturers.
- Syllabus
- CAS IR 324/CAS PO 280 American Policy-Making in the Global Era: International Trade, Finance, Innovation, and the Global Corporation
- 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.
- Syllabus
- CAS IR 338 Conflict, Violence and Peacebuilding
- This course introduces the field of peacebuilding and conflict and examines its various facets to equip students to analyze the social and political dynamics of peace and conflict. Students will learn about the basics of the field, the importance of conflict analysis, and the options for nonviolent responses to prevent and resolve conflicts and ensure sustainable post-conflict transformation. The last part of the course will offer students an opportunity to simulate real-world conflict negotiations and problem-solving efforts experienced by policy makers involved in conflict resolution. There are no prerequisites for the course but the ideal student will have an interest and background in international relations and be a keen follower of current affairs.
- CAS IR 391/PO 246 Democratization: Its History and Future Challenges (4)
- 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.
- Syllabus
- CAS PO 202 Introduction to Congressional Policy Making (4)
- 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.
- Syllabus
- CAS PO 203/COM CM 556 Strategies for Issue Development and Policy Change (4)
- Formerly CAS PO 321/COM CM 556
- Focuses on the specialized forms of communication that political professionals use to win public support for their issues, candidates, and policy positions; and teaches concrete planning skills for those interested in influencing public policy using both inside and outside (or grassroots) strategies.
- Syllabus
- COM CM 305 Public Relations Inside the Beltway (4)
- Provides students with an overview of professional principles and practice for public relations in the Washington area with a special emphasis on governmental public relations. Includes an examination of the history, organization, and scope of the public relations field throughout the nation and in D.C. Theories, strategies, and tactics of current public relations practice are emphasized as well as opportunities and requirements for work in the field.
- Syllabus
- HUB XC 433 BU Cross College Challenge
- This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Creativity/Innovation, Research and Information Literacy, Teamwork/Collaboration
- The Cross-College Challenge is an opportunity unlike any other offered at BU. Students gain real-life experience while developing leadership, teamwork, and communication skills within teams of 6-8 students from schools and colleges across Boston University. In this project-based course, you will tackle pressing contemporary problems and enduring human questions while sharing your expertise.
Internship Course
Students enroll in a four-credit Internship Course. Internship placements are contingent upon the student’s past experience, professional interests, and available opportunities in any given semester; flexibility is essential. Course numbers depend on the field of specialization in which the students complete their internships. The Internship Course, also known as “The Washington Experience,” meets weekly and is intended to complement the internship experience by helping students understand Washington culture and hot-button topics in the nation’s capital while grooming them for the possibilities of a career in Washington.
Internship Course List
- CAS AH 505 Internship in the Arts/Architecture
- CAS EC 497 Internship in Business/Economics
- CAS EE 404 Internship in Energy and Environmental Policy
- CAS HU 425 Practicum in Visual/Performing Arts
- CAS IR 455/PO 405 Internship in International Organizations
- CAS PO 400 The Washington Internship
- CAS PO 401/IR 455 Internship in Politics
- CAS PO 403 Internship in Comparative Law
- CAS PS 495 Internship in Health and Human Services
- COM CM 471 Internship in Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations
- COM FT 493/494 Internship in Film/Television
- COM JO 411 Internship in Journalism
- SAR HS 405 Health Sciences Practicum
- SHA HF 390 Internship in Hospitality Administration
Health Policy Special Curriculum
BU’s College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College and BU Study Abroad have designed a unique internship curriculum for Health Science majors and Public Health minors, giving students the chance to gain valuable professional experience in the field of health policy while taking courses that fulfill major requirements.
Required Courses
Students enroll in one required course and the practicum course.
Required Course List
- CAS PO 203/COM CM 556 Strategies for Issue Development and Policy Change (4 credits)
- SAR HS 405 Health Sciences Practicum (4)
Elective Courses
Students enroll in two additional courses and can choose from the following three options at the George Washington University and/or from electives offered by the BU Washington Center.
George Washington University Elective List
- PubH 3131 Epidemiology, 3 credits (fulfill SAR HS 300)
- PubH 3132 Health and Environment, 3 credits (fulfill SAR HS 345)
- PubH 3133 Global Health & Development, 3 credits (SAR HS 363 in both the public health minor & HS major; or public health minor elective)
BU Washington Center Elective List
- CAS HI 281/CAS IR 356/CAS PO 201 American Governance: Foreign Affairs (4 credits)
- Formerly CAS HI/IR/PO 356
- 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.
- Syllabus
- CAS HI 327/CAS PO 204 The Modern US Senate: From Collaboration to Confrontation
- Examines the history of the US Senate with a special focus on increasing partisanship since WWII. Addresses major policy issues and landmark pieces of legislation as well as the lives and legacies of prominent individual Senators. Includes guest lecturers.
- Syllabus
- CAS IR 324/CAS PO 280 American Policy-Making in the Global Era: International Trade, Finance, Innovation, and the Global Corporation
- 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.
- Syllabus
- CAS IR 391/PO 246 Democratization: Its History and Future Challenges (4)
- 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.
- Syllabus
- CAS PO 202 Introduction to Congressional Policy Making (4)
- 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.
- Syllabus
- CAS PO 203/COM CM 556 Strategies for Issue Development and Policy Change (4)
- Formerly CAS PO 321/COM CM 556
- Focuses on the specialized forms of communication that political professionals use to win public support for their issues, candidates, and policy positions; and teaches concrete planning skills for those interested in influencing public policy using both inside and outside (or grassroots) strategies.
- Syllabus
- COM CM 305 Public Relations Inside the Beltway (4)
- Provides students with an overview of professional principles and practice for public relations in the Washington area with a special emphasis on governmental public relations. Includes an examination of the history, organization, and scope of the public relations field throughout the nation and in D.C. Theories, strategies, and tactics of current public relations practice are emphasized as well as opportunities and requirements for work in the field.
- Syllabus
Housing & Student Services
- Students live in apartments, sharing kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas.
- Bedrooms are double occupancy.
- Singles are available on a space-available basis for a supplemental fee.
- The apartments are centrally located, near a DC metro stop.
- Board is not included. However, there are many nearby grocery stores and restaurants.
- Students have full access to amenities offered through this centrally located apartment complex, including a seasonal rooftop pool, internet and onsite laundry facilities.
Program Dates
- Fall Semester: late August to mid-December
- Spring Semester: mid-January to mid-May
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester: April 1
- Spring Semester: November 1
This program is rolling admissions; applications are reviewed once all application materials are received, prior to all deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received by the BU Study Abroad office. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.
Information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision and exceptions to the standard admission calendar for all students can be found here.
Cost & Financial Considerations
- 2023/2024 Tuition & Fees: $37,929
Cost includes tuition, housing, program related activities, and administrative fee. - Budget sheet, including cost of living expenses.
- Grants and Scholarships available