Washington D.C. Internship Program
Call Washington, D.C. home for a semester!
Earn up to 16 Stockton credits while gaining real-world experience in a professional internship, expanding your network, and developing skills employers value. Spend a semester living and working in one of the country’s most exciting cities, with unparalleled access to history, culture, and countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. It’s more than an internship. It’s a “study away” experience that can shape your future.
About the Program
Stockton partners with The Washington Center (TWC). TWC works with students to secure internships in their field of interest, provides apartment-style housing in the heart of D.C., and offers academic coursework and professional development throughout the semester.
There are three core components to the Washington Internship Program. You’ll receive academic credit for each component.
Internship (up to 8 Stockton credits)
Spend at least 32 hours per week gaining hands-on experience through a hybrid or in-person internship in your field. Washington, D.C. becomes your classroom as you build professional skills and explore potential career paths. Learn more and see a sample of internship sites here.
Academic Course (4 Stockton credits)
One night each week, you’ll take an academic course taught by industry professionals designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application.
You’ll choose from a range of subjects, allowing you to fulfill degree requirements or explore new areas of interest. Learn more and see common course options.
Career Readiness Programming (4 Stockton credits)
Participate in professional development workshops, networking events, and speaker programs designed to strengthen your resume, expand your network, and prepare you for life after graduation. Learn more and see sample workshops and events.
Program Cost
The cost for this program is comparable to a full-time semester at Stockton, including housing.
Once a student applies to TWC, is accepted, and commits to the program, the student will enroll in the three Stockton courses associated with this experience. The student will then be billed by Stockton University through the normal tuition and payment process. All payments go through the Bursar’s Office. You will not be billed by TWC.
Most scholarships, grants, loans, or other financial assistance that students receive during a typical semester still apply for this program. Students should contact the Bursar’s Office with questions about their specific case.
The Washington Center also offers – on a competitive basis – scholarships of various amounts. There is not a separate application for scholarships. All applicants are considered.
Students are responsible for paying for their own groceries, transportation expenses, and incidentals.
Next Steps:
Talk to your academic advisor or program chair about whether the credits you would earn through this experience fit into your degree program and can count toward your graduation requirements.
Review this page thoroughly including the FAQs.
Schedule an appointment with Stockton’s Washington Internship liaison.
Submit your application on TWC’s website.
Alyssa Maurice
The Washington Center Liaision, TWC alumna, and Head of Research at the Hughes Public Policy Center
609-626-3542
L-212 Hughes Center Offices
Student Testimonials
These experiences have collectively enhanced my skills in client relations, communication, digital marketing, writing and creative content development. I would recommend this program to those looking to gain professional experience before they graduate. Those skills, mixed with city living, create an incredible dynamic and a fun story to tell years from now.
Communication Studies
I would definitely recommend this program to other students. The experience you get in the “real world” and in the city is something that you cannot get in Stockton or anywhere else.
Communication Studies
I wanted to explore a bit while still earning credits for my undergraduate degree. TWC seemed convenient and also allowed me to earn valuable work experience. My favorite part is the diversity. From languages and music to food – D.C. has it all!
Psychology
This internship has helped me find confidence and build a future. I am so lucky to be a part of The Washington Center, and I hope that if you have the chance that you take this internship because you won’t regret it.
Criminal Justice
After this experience, my passion to become a Human Rights lawyer has remained steadfast. This experience has solidified my passion for helping people and has shown me that even though I have a plan in place to achieve my goals, unexpected journeys can open doors about options that would not even be on the table.
Political Science
FAQs
Why should students consider a Washington D.C. internship?
Internships help students build professional experience, strengthen their resumes, and develop workplace skills that employers and graduate schools value. Students also expand their professional networks and often gain mentors, references, and career connections that extend well beyond their semester.
What types of internships does TWC offer?
As the largest internship organization in the country, TWC utilizes its vast network of contacts to facilitate student placements in numerous sectors including:
- Government and public policy
- Business and finance
- Communications and media
- Law and criminal justice
- Nonprofit and advocacy
- Arts and culture
- International affairs
- Healthcare and science
What are the eligibility requirements?
To be eligible to participate, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be enrolled as an undergraduate student at Stockton University.
- Be a sophomore or above while participating in the program and have completed at least two semesters on campus by the start of our program.
- Maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
How do I apply?
Stockton students apply for the TWC Academic Internship Program directly through The Washington Center.
The TWC provides an application checklist with a complete list of the application requirements, including a one-page resume, Statement of Professional Interest, and Issues Essay or Writing Sample.
The $60 application fee can be waived with the code "TWC60".
Please note, this is only your application to begin the program. Once you are accepted, you will work with a TWC Program Manager to begin the application process to various internship sites.
Once accepted to the program, how am I placed for an internship?
Once accepted, TWC handles the internship placement process. They provide resources for students to compare opportunities and really think about what they want to do while they're in DC. You will be paired with a Program Manager who will direct you to apply for relevant internship opportunities. You will do virtual interviews with any organizations interested in your application until you are offered and accept a position.
What are the withdrawal policies?
Once you confirm your participation and submit your $200 deposit, your participation is expected unless you notify TWC in writing of your intent to withdraw, at which point the following policies apply to all students:
- The $60 application fee and $200 program deposit are nonrefundable.
- Initial Payment Due Date – If you choose to withdraw or are removed from the program after this date and before the final payment due date, you will be responsible for 50% of the costs shown here. Scholarships or financial support from TWC will not be applied in the instance of withdrawal or removal. This includes state scholarships, private scholarships and TWC scholarships.
- Final Payment Due Date – If you choose to withdraw or are removed from the program after the final payment due date, you will be responsible for the full costs shown here. Scholarships or financial support from TWC will not be applied in the instance of withdrawal or removal. This includes state scholarships, private scholarships and TWC scholarships.
- Questions can be sent to info@twc.edu.
If a student is removed due to conduct issues, they owe 100% of the program fee. If the student drops out at any time and has an offer, they owe 100% of the program fee.
What Stockton courses do I enroll in to receive the semester’s worth of academic credit for this experience?
Committed students will enroll in the following three Stockton courses to receive academic credit for the three components of the Washington Internship Program:
WASH 3940 – Washington Internship (8 credits for the fall and spring; 4 credits for the summer): These credits are for the full-time internship.
WASH 3620 – Washington Seminar (4 credits): These credits are for the evening academic course that you will take one night per week in DC. You choose the course out of the options offered by The Washington Center.
WASH 3300 – Lead Colloquium (4 credits): These credits are for the career readiness programming The Washington Center will have you do a few Fridays throughout the semester.
Again, students should consult with their preceptor or program chair to decide – before they commit – where the credits can be allocated in Degree Works. Students accepted into the program can register for these courses themselves.
It is important to remember that these are Stockton University credits, not transfer credits. The grades students earn for the 16 credits are factored into their Stockton GPA.
Where will I live in DC?
TWC has resources to prepare you for D.C. Check out the TWC guide to living in DC, with specific resources about the neighborhood you'll be living in.
Housing is in the TWC Residential and Academic Facility (The RAF). Students live in fully furnished apartment-style housing with other program participants. Apartments include two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, dining and living area, and in-unit laundry. There are typically four interns to an apartment.
When should I go?
Students hoping to transition directly into full-time employment often benefit from participating during their final semester. Students seeking career exploration or professional experience can benefit from participating in any semester, beginning with the second semester of their sophomore year when they reach eligibility.
When should I go?
Students hoping to transition directly into full-time employment often benefit from participating during their final semester. Students seeking career exploration or professional experience can benefit from participating in any semester, beginning with the second semester of their sophomore year when they reach eligibility.
