The Washington Internship Program

Each fall term the Department sends about 15 students to Washington, D.C., for a combined internship/academic experience. This program is open to all TCU students regardless of major. The internships are arranged through our onsite partner - The Washington Center - which also offers college courses and other required academic programming for our students.  [For information on The Washington Center, visit its web page at http://www.twc.edu.]

Students receive 12 semester-hours of senior-level political science course credit for the successful completion of their supervised internship, which normally comprises a 4.5 day workweek. Students are also required to take an academic course there (to round out a 15 credit hour semester load), and they are required to participate in The Washington Center’s programming and events.

Admission to this program is competitive. Eligible students are those who will be juniors or seniors at the time of their internship, who will return to TCU for at least one semester before graduating, and who have at least a 3.00 GPA.  Students apply to the TCU program in the fall term one year prior to the fall term when they would be in Washington.  There is a noncredit preparatory seminar in the spring term before they go to Washington, and participation in this spring seminar is also a program requirements.

For Application to the Washington Internship program at TCU, click here.

Alumnus Vanessa Van Auken states of the program:

"Point blank, my time in Washington, D.C. was the most exhilarating learning experience in all of my four years at TCU. My internship solidified my commitment to public service and showed me that despite the stereotype there really are caring and compassionate people serving our country."

Alumnus Federico E. Ranero states of the program:

"In my case, coming from a third world country, being part of corporate America at its highest level was something hard to believe. The Washington Center has given me the opportunity to do so, and most importantly, it has given me the opportunity to enrich myself through experiential education. I consider myself a more attractive and prepared candidate for future positions in my field, and I am sure you will feel the same way. I can proudly say that my career has taken a different path thanks to The Washington Center."

Alumnus Whitney Grey states of the program:

"The TCU Washington Internship Program was one of the highlights of my TCU career. My internship with the not for profit research organization, The Protection Project, allowed me to refine my research skills as well as learn about the international epidemic of human trafficking, especially of women and children. TCU's affiliation with The Washington Center gives students the ability to tour embassies, attend speaker events, and meet other students from around the globe. For any student interested in politics, domestic or international, there are endless opportunities in D.C. to satiate your curiosity!"

Legal lnternships (POSC 40950)

A small number of students can be placed at public or pro bono (not for profit) law-related offices in the Fort Worth/Dallas area. Three hours of academic credit (P/NC) are awarded in exchange for 150 hours of voluntary service over the course of a semester. Professor Jackson (d.w.jackson@tcu.edu) directs this program.

Civic Literacy Internships (POSC 40960)

Civic Literacy Internships require 150 hours of service with a local agency (governmental or non-governmental) to receive 3 hours of P/NC Political Science credit.  Recent internship placements include the City of Fort Worth Office of Community Relations, Judge Sharen Wilson, Sister Cities International, and Baylor All Saints.  Karen Anisman, Director of Outreach and Public Service Internships, will work with students to find the appropriate placement and to complete their application materials.

Real School Gardens Internship