The Graduate Gateway Program is a one-semester program (during either the Fall or Spring semester) that introduces students to graduate level course work, while interning in D.C. in their respective field. The program is specifically designed for students who have already completed their bachelor degree and are looking to either start their career or prepare for a graduate degree. Recent alumni have used this program to strengthen graduate school applications or build the career foundation they needed to succeed in today’s job market.

Grad School Credit 

Keep your foot in the ‘door’ of academia by taking 2 graduate level courses and earning 7 transferable credits. Faculty are well-connected experts in their fields and the academic seminars feature numerous guest speakers. Choose from five different tracks: Applied Politics, Biotechnology, Changing World of News Media, International Affairs, and Global Business and Trade.

Real World Internships

Intern three to four days a week and build connections around Washington, D.C. Our faculty and staff, using the city’s largest internship database, will assist you in finding an internship suited to your interests. Use your internship to build upon your job skills and enhance your resume. Past internships include: U.S. Congress, The Smithsonian, ABC News, MSNBC, Amnesty International, U.S. Department of State, and the Federal Trade Commission.

In a City that Never Stops

Washington ranks among the top U.S. cities for young professionals like you, which are the lifeblood of the city. During your time in D.C. we recommend you use the city as a classroom, make connections within your field, and explore everything that D.C. has to offer as a cultural and political center. You will have the opportunity to live on Capitol Hill in either a townhouse or apartment sponsored through American University.