Washington Semester Internships

The University of Rochester, in cooperation with The Washington Center (TWC), offers semester-long programs in Washington, D.C., that combine a credit-bearing internship with a course taught by faculty from area universities. Undergraduate students gain an immersive experience in professional fields, unique academic opportunities, and the chance to explore life and work in the nation’s capital.

• • Internship

    Internships give students the chance to work almost full-time, allowing them to feel like a member of the staff at their office. The Washington Center maintains ties with hundreds of organizations, which provide high-quality internships in the D.C. area, and helps students be considered for opportunities that best fit their interests and talents.

    You’ll be assigned an internship advisor with whom you’ll stay in close touch throughout the internship matching process. Most students are most actively engaged in this process during the three months prior to check-in. You will likely have a phone interview with any potential interested supervisor and will have the chance to accept or decline an offer after it is extended. TWC internship advisors provide guidance regarding specific options to help students make the final decision.

    Upon approval from the Rochester faculty supervisor, students are eligible to earn 16 academic credits for the internship experience.  12 of these credits are through the internship and 4 credits are provided by completing coursework supervised by the University of Rochester faculty.  These assignments are often writing intensive to help capture your experience in Washington.

  • Academic Course

    An evening academic course is an integral part of the Washington Semester learning experience. Students choose one course from approximately 30 courses typically offered each semester or summer term. All courses meet for three hours one night a week but are otherwise like the courses taught at Rochester.

    Students can only receive academic credit through the University of Rochester during the fall and spring semesters.

    The courses are led by highly qualified faculty who are dedicated teachers. They are grounded in traditional disciplines yet taught within the context of the many resources offered in Washington, D.C.

  • Career Readiness Programming

    Develop the professional skills needed to excel in any work environment. You’ll engage in a mix of workshops, sessions and networking events designed to complement what you’re learning at your internship.

    At the end of your TWC experience, you’ll come away with the tools to help you succeed in the job market and a professional network to get your foot in the door. Learn more and see sample workshops and events.

  • Portfolio

    While in Washington, D.C., you will create a portfolio of work documenting activities and accomplishments for the University and prospective employers. The portfolio will also give you a chance to reflect on your strengths and plan strategically for your future path of leadership.

    Hear from current and former students at TWC.

  • Eligibility

    Students must meet the following requirements to participate in the Washington Semester:

    • A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
    • At least sophomore standing
    • Not your final semester at the University
    • Making satisfactory progress toward completing a degree
    • No missing or incomplete grades from previous semesters

    Students on academic probation, disciplinary probation, or who have disciplinary action pending against them are ineligible. Poor academic performance in the semester prior to Washington Semester may jeopardize student eligibility.

  • How to Apply

    Students interested in applying to Washington Semester are advised to take the following steps:

    1. Visit the TWC internships page to learn more about TWC’s internship program.
    2. Attend a Washington Semester Information Session and fill out the interest form.
    3. Email the campus liaison, Faith Welsford, who will formally approve or deny the student’s application with TWC based on the student’s eligibility.
    4. Meet with your faculty sponsor to discuss plans, review your application, and decide on an academic course. Your faculty sponsor must approve your plan to gain Instructor Permission to register.
    5. Begin TWC online application.
    6. Apply by the TWC due date.

  • Faculty Sponsors

    In order to earn academic credit for Washington Semester, each student works closely with a Rochester faculty member who serves as the faculty sponsor. This faculty member consults with the student on their area of interest for Washington Semester and their academic course selection, reviews the student’s work, and awards the student’s final grades.

    Faculty sponsors must serve students in the academic division appropriate for the type of internship being completed: natural sciences and engineering, social science, or humanities.

    Students interested in applying Washington Semester credits toward their major must contact the appropriate faculty member in the department of their major. Students looking to use Washington Semester credits as general credit hours need to contact the Greene Center.

    Greene Center

    Faith Welsford
    Social Good Career Advisor
    fwelsfo2@ur.rochester.edu

    Humanities

    Jeffrey Tucker
    Department of English
    (585) 275-2064
    tckr@ur.rochester.edu

    Natural Sciences and Engineering

    Karen Berger
    Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
    (585) 275-7611
    karen.berger@rochester.edu

    Social Sciences

    Stu Jordan
    Department of Political Science
    stuart.jordan@rochester.edu
    585-273-4780

    Molly McNulty
    Public Health
    (585) 276-5305
    m.mcnulty@rochester.edu