Skip to content Skip to main nav
  • Guests
  • Log in
  • Sign up
University of Rochester University of Rochester Logo
Greene Center for Career Education and Connections
Handshake
Meliora Collective
  • Home
  • Design Your Career
    • Get Curious
      • Explore Careers
      • Connect Your Academics
      • Take a Class
      • Develop Competencies
    • Try Stuff Out
      • Build Success Skills
      • Explore Internships
      • Get A Job
      • Maximize Your Summer
    • Tell Your Story
      • Resumes & CVs
      • Cover Letters
      • Personal Statements
      • Portfolios
      • Interview Prep
      • Negotiate an Offer
      • Writing Courses
    • Talk to People
      • Build your Network
      • Informational Interviewing
      • The Meliora Collective
    • Consider Grad School
      • Graduate School
      • Medical School & Health Professions
      • Applying to Law School
  • Find Your Community
    • Career Communities
      • What is a Career Community?
      • Exploratory
      • Consulting, Finance, & Marketing Community
      • Emerging Technology Community
      • Engineering & Applied Sciences Community
      • Healthcare Community
      • Creative Community
      • Social Good Community
    • Identity Communities
      • BIPOC Students
      • First-Generation College Students
      • Graduate Students
      • International Students
      • LGBTQ+
      • Students with DACA
      • Students with Disabilities
      • Veterans
      • Women
    • Bridge to Career Success
      • Events & Programming
      • Class of 2025
  • Career Milestones
  • Explore Resources
    • Bridge to Career Success
    • Career Clothing Closet
    • Career Education Milestones
    • Career Exploration Summit
    • Career Week Events
    • Employer Road Trips
    • Funding Support
    • Highlighted Resources
    • International Student Search Series
    • Podcasts
    • Signature Events
    • Video Library
  • Partner With Us
    • Alumni
    • Employers
    • Faculty & Staff
    • Parents & Families
    • Recognition
    • Student Leaders
  • For Employers
  • About Us
    • Mission, Vision, & Values
    • Career Outcomes
    • Career Advising
    • Connect with Us
    • Our Staff
    • Join Our Team

Washington Semester Internships

Location: Washington, DC
Experience Type: Internship Program
  • Share This: Share Washington Semester Internships on FacebookShare Washington Semester Internships on LinkedInShare Washington Semester Internships on X

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, Scott Sheehan, 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

      Scott Sheehan
      Director of Advising
      scott.sheehan@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

Career Service Hours

M Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
T Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
W Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
TH Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
F Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Learn more about 1:1 advising appointments here.

Contact & Location

Phone
(585) 275-2366
Email
career.center@rochester.edu
Address

4-200 Dewey Hall
500 Wilson Blvd
Rochester, NY 14627

Social
Follow Us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Follow Us on LinkedIn Follow Us on YouTube

Our Staff

Jodyi Wren
Executive Director & Assistant Dean
Meet Jodyi
Scott Sheehan
Director of Advising
Meet Scott
Jonathan Bratt
Career Advisor
Meet Jonathan
Alissa Roger
Career Advisor
Meet Alissa
Alyssa Rodriguez
Career Advisor
Meet Alyssa
Cordelia Smith
Career Advisor
Meet Cordelia
Daniel Greninger
Career Advisor
Meet Daniel
David Cota-Buckhout
Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Career Support
Meet David
Eugene Mont
Career Advisor
Meet Eugene
Hannah Holland
Career Advisor
Meet Hannah
Lynn Donahue
Director, Career Curriculum Initiatives
Meet Lynn
Kellie Hernandez
Senior Career Advisor
Meet Kellie
Jake Gilmer
Director of Corporate Development & Engagement
Meet Jake
Brittney Turner
Employer Engagement Program Director
Meet Brittney
Christina Pero
Employer and Alumni Experiences Manager
Meet Christina
Mindy Peet
Volunteer Program Director
Meet Mindy
Taylor Mende
Assistant Marketing Director
Meet Taylor
Amber Graham
Director of Data and Operations
Meet Amber
Rory-Stefan Affoon
Systems Administrator & Project Manager
Meet Rory-Stefan
Deborah Baker
Department Coordinator
Meet Deborah
Julie Moore
Recruiting and Customer Experience Manager
Meet Julie

Blog  |  Events  |  Jobs  |  Research Industries  |  Resources  | Videos | Staff

University of Rochester
Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
Copyright © 2025 University of Rochester
Powered by uConnect