"This was the experience of my life. . . I met some life-long friends, learned a lot about working in the real world, and I have a better understanding of my career goals. This truly is an incredible program!" -Laura Donovan, University of Arizona, Print and Broadcast Journalism
- Washington Semester Summer Internship Program
- Washington Semester Online Courses
- Washington Semester American Indian Program—
Washington Internships for Native Students (WINS)
WASHINGTON SEMESTER SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
For more information, contact us at 202-895-4900 or 800-424-2600; e-mail summerintern@american.edu or go to Washington Semester Summer Internship Program.
Spend a summer in the power capital of the world, gaining professional experience and academic credit. For more than 60 years, the School of Professional & Extended Studies Washington Semester Program has been providing bright, ambitious students the learning opportunity of a lifetime. Students gain hands-on skills interning full time for a professional organization in Washington, D.C., and augment their experiences through a seminar in their field of study that meets one half-day per week.
Taught by an American University faculty member, the seminar gives students an overview of their area of interest from a Washington perspective through interactive sessions introducing students to important decision makers and practitioners. Internships are available in many fields, including national government and politics, foreign policy and international affairs, economic policy and international business, justice and law, and journalism and new media. Students will be paired with a placement coordinator who will guide them in polishing their résumés and improving their interview skills.
WASHINGTON SEMESTER ONLINE COURSES
The American University Washington Semester faculty offers a variety of diverse and exciting online summer courses. All of these courses emphasize experiential learning and many include travel components. Through this ‘online’ teaching model, students explore subjects in depth with a flexible schedule and learning environment.
Below are brief descriptions of some of our summer online offerings. For more information on these courses, you can e-mail the professors directly at the address listed below or contact our office at washsem@american.edu or 202-895-4900.
More course descriptions are coming soon!
- Equal Protection: Colorblind or Race-based Decision Making
Students will analyze the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution, and seminal Supreme Court cases related to race, affirmative action, minority set-asides, and voting rights. The class will explore questions such as: Should racial preferences be used in admission to institutions of higher education? Should racial preferences be used in employment? Students will also explore voting rights issues as they relate to race. if you have questions, please contact Jason Fabrikant at Fabrikan@american.edu.
WASHINGTON SEMESTER AMERICAN INDIAN PROGRAM—
WASHINGTON INTERNSHIPS FOR NATIVE STUDENTS (WINS)
WINS offers American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students as well as others the opportunity to build leadership skills while living, studying, and interning in Washington, D.C. This enriching program provides qualified students full scholarships funded by American University and sponsoring organizations.
Participants gain professional work experience through internships at a private firm or a federal agency, such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Protection Agency, or Department of Agriculture; take courses focusing on Native American public policy concerns; and enjoy social and cultural extracurricular activities.
For more information, call 202-885-5934 or 800-853-3076; e-mail wins@american.edu, or go to the WINS program online. Internships fill quickly, so apply now for best selection.



