Internships for Academic Credit

Academic credit associated with an internship experience may be obtained by registering for one of many course options. In each case, academic work is assigned in addition to time spent at the internship so that students can actively integrate the experience into their GW learning.

CCAS Elective Internship Course

Students looking to receive elective credit for an internship may register for CCAS 2154: Elective Internship.

Note: If you register for CCAS 2154 in the fall or spring semester, the fee is included in your tuition (up to 18 credit hours). However when you register for CCAS 2154 in the summer for 1-3 credits, you have to pay per credit hour, as determined by the university. (For the zero credit option, visit Elective Internship for Zero Credit (Summer Only) for more information.)

How to Apply

1. Obtain an internship for a number of hours per week that would not interfere with your academic workload.
2. Read the Internship for Elective Credit information sheet (PDF) regarding student eligibility, application materials and academic requirements.
3. Take some time to think about your internship and what information you may learn throughout your experience. You are encouraged to use that information to help shape your research for the required paper for the course.
4. Think about the faculty you have interacted with in the past as well as your intended research topic. Make contact with a full-time faculty member that may be interested in supervising your readings and research for the semester
5. Complete Questions 1, 2 and 3 of the Application for Elective Internship (PDF) with your faculty sponsor and have him/her sign the application.
6. Complete Questions 3, 4 and 5 of the Application for Elective Internship (PDF) with your internship supervisor and have him/her sign the application.
7. Submit the completed Application for Elective Internship (with Questions 1–6 typed) to the CCAS Undergraduate Advising Office. Please expect a processing time of three to five business days.
8. Congratulations! As long as you meet the minimum requirements, you have successfully applied and registered for CCAS 2154.

Application Materials

The completed application is due to the Undergraduate Studies Office or emailed to [email protected] by the end of the fourth week of classes. For Spring 2025, all paperwork must be submitted by Sunday, February 9, at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern time).

Application for Elective Internship (PDF)

For Faculty and Internship Supervisors

Faculty Advisors and Internship Supervisors will be sent a web-based evaluation form approximately 1 month before the end of the term. Please emailed [email protected] any questions.

Internship Courses by Subject

Students can register for an internship class either in their academic unit (e.g., a geography student may sign up for GEOG 4199) or outside their unit if the internship aligns more closely with another subject (e.g., a history student working with a publishing company may sign up ENGL 4470).

Be sure to contact the respective department to learn more about what coursework is expected and how to obtain permission to register.