With over 75 years of experience, American University’s Washington Semester Program has enabled more than 50,000 students from hundreds of domestic and international universities to live, work, and study in Washington, DC. Often credited with establishing the first DC internships for undergraduate students, the Washington Semester Program (WSP) allows students to earn American University academic credit that can count towards the requirements of their home school degrees. 

The WSP motto “DC Is Our Classroom” highlights the unique value of the program: combining coursework from a nationally ranked university, experiential learning through topical seminars with structured and supervised internships at some of DC’s most dynamic institutions. The 3 days-a-week internship, program-specific seminars, and AU elective courses allow students to earn from 8 to 16 credits.

Students study at AU for the fall, spring or summer semesters and enjoy the services and benefits of full-time AU students. Additionally, students learn from experienced AU faculty and are supported by dedicated program administrators and academic advisors. Students can participate in many of AU’s hundreds of clubs and activities and immerse themselves in the richly diverse campus community.  

Program Highlights

• DC internships of every interest
• Career-Readiness workshops
• Experience life in DC
• Take AU courses
• Transfer credits to your home college