OpenFieldBoston University - Washington, DC Academic Center
The Boston University Washington, DC Academic Center is a flagship residential and scholarly facility in the heart of the US capital, providing accredited semester study, congressional fellowships, public policy research, and investigative journalism practicums.
Academic overview & excellence
Located in the Dupont Circle historic district of Washington, D.C., Boston University's Washington Center combines rigorous academic coursework with high-level professional internships across Capitol Hill, federal regulatory agencies, global embassies, and international NGOs. The center houses modern seminar suites, residential student suites, a broadcast media studio, and policy briefing rooms. Scholars pursue specialized curricula in American Politics, Public Policy, International Relations, Law & Media, and Global Health Governance.
Research admissions & criteria
Admission to the BU Washington DC Program requires formal application through Boston University Study Abroad. Candidates must be enrolled undergraduate or graduate students in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0. Applicants submit an academic statement of purpose detailing policy or journalistic objectives, a professional resume tailored for federal or non-profit placement, official university transcripts, and two academic references. International students must possess valid F-1 visa status and English fluency.
Verified opportunities & funding programs (7)
Boston University Washington DC Congressional Internship Practicum
Full-semester immersion placing students directly in congressional offices on Capitol Hill, committee staffs, or federal agencies for four days per week, accompanied by evening seminars in legislative drafting.
Master of Arts in Global Policy and International Affairs (DC Semester)
Two-year graduate program through the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, integrating a semester residency in Washington, D.C. focused on multilateral diplomacy, international security, and trade negotiations.
Albert & Jessie Danielsen Fellowship in Public Policy & Ethics
Post-baccalaureate residential fellowship supporting research on bioethics in federal healthcare policymaking, religious pluralism in public debate, and institutional integrity in democratic governance.
BU Washington Journalism & Investigative Reporting Semester
Comprehensive media internship placing journalism scholars in major Washington bureaus (NPR, CNN, Roll Call, The Washington Post) reporting on congressional hearings, White House press conferences, and the Supreme Court.
Washington Academic Center Dean's Leadership Scholarship
Merit-based award recognizing students with exemplary civic leadership, high academic standing, and demonstrated dedication to public service careers in the federal or international sector.
Global Health Policy & Multilateral Organizations Practicum
Semester-long public health policy placement embedding scholars with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), USAID health programs, or global healthcare think tanks in Washington.
Executive Certificate in Federal Regulatory Affairs & Lobbying Compliance
Eight-week executive seminar instructing government relations professionals in the Administrative Procedure Act, Congressional lobbying disclosure requirements, and federal agency rulemaking.
Distinguished faculty & researchers (3)
Dr. Walter Douglas
Executive Director, BU Washington Programs · Washington, DC Academic Center
Dr. Walter Douglas is a former senior career Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State, directing BU's Washington Academic Center and analyzing international diplomacy and security.
Prof. Douglas Kriner
Affiliated Professor of Political Science and Executive Politics · Department of Political Science
Prof. Douglas Kriner is a prominent scholar of American political institutions, examining the constitutional dynamics between the presidency and Congress, war powers, and presidential unilateral action.
Dr. Michelle Amazeen
Associate Professor and Director of Communication Research Center · College of Communication
Dr. Michelle Amazeen researches the impact of political fact-checking, journalistic corrections, and native advertising on public perceptions, media trust, and democratic decision-making.
Editorial & verification standards
Institution profile and program records reflect official documentation verified on 2026-10-15. OpenField is an independent student academic resource and is not formally affiliated with Boston University - Washington, DC Academic Center.