A semester-long program in conjunction with American University (AU) in Washington D.C., it combines volunteer service as an intern complemented by relevant coursework taught by AU faculty.
Participating students concentrate in one of 10 program areas: American National Politics, Islam and World Affairs*, Transforming Communities, US Foreign Policy, International Environment and Development*, International Law and Organizations*, Journalism and New Media, Justice and Law, Peace and Conflict Resolution* and Global Economics and Business*.
*denotes programs with a three week, international travel component.
The International Environment and Development and Peace and Conflict Resolution programs also include a three-week overseas practicum. In the past, Environment and Development students have visited Brazil and South Africa. Peace and Conflict Resolution students have traveled to Northern Ireland and Bosnia/Kosovo.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Washington D.C., numerous internship opportunities exist with the federal government, non-profit agencies, public interest organizations, and national media outlets. The semester prior to your departure, McCarthy Center staff will work with you to revise your resume and cover letter and begin the internship search process. Once in DC, American University will also assist you in securing an internship by holding an internship bazaar when you arrive on campus. Past placements have included:
- Congressional committee staff
- Members of Congress
- White House Offices
- Federal Agencies
- Human Rights Watch
- Common Cause
- Sierra Club
- CBS News
- Washington Post
- World Bank
- AFL-CIO
- and more.
Students enroll and pay tuition at USF. They then sign up for a total of 16 credit units spread over three courses in AU's Washington Semester program. The courses are: Policy seminar (8 units), Internship (4 units), and a Research Project or Elective (4 units). Grades will be assigned by AU faculty and appear on the student's USF transcript. Students also satisfy the Core Curriculum service-learning requirement with the internship course. Credit may count toward multiple USF majors including Politics and International Studies. McCarthy Center staff will work with you to ensure credit transfer to other majors when possible.
The program is open to all USF students with sophomore standing and a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Space is limited.
Graduating seniors are also eligible to apply.
Students live in AU housing on the Tenley Campus. This housing is specifically set aside for the 400+ students enrolled in the Washington Semester program. This location puts students steps away from their classrooms, the Washington Semester administrative office, computer labs, and a dining hall. Meal plans are available through AU.
The Tenley Campus is also 2 blocks from a Metro subway station, providing easy access to the entire D.C. metropolitan area. AU also provides shuttle service to the main campus with access to library and recreational resources. Students are responsible for the cost of housing and meal plans. Details here.
American University's Washington Semester Program is the oldest, most prestigious, and well-known experiential education program in D.C. It has been setting the standard for applied education since hosting its first class of students in 1947.
Located at AU's Tenley campus, the program boasts its own 
faculty, classrooms, and dormitory facilities. Each semester, approximately 400 students, representing over one hundred and fifty colleges and universities around the nation, participate in one of the 12 unique programs.
More information can be obtained by contacting Fernando Enciso-Márquez at the McCarthy Center (MA 106) at mccarthycenter@usfca.edu or fjencisomarquez@usfca.edu.
Interested students also can call: (415) 422-2033.
Finally, students may want to visit American University's Washington Semester website.
