In conjunction with George Washington University and the BU Washington, D.C. Academic Center, Boston University offers students of management, finance, and commerce a special dedicated management track. This program combines the best of local university study, Boston University’s unmatched on-site housing and staff, and customized internship placements.
Requirements & Considerations
- All students must enroll according to, and remain in compliance with, the Boston University Study Abroad Course Load Policy.
- Admissions requirements for all programs
Curriculum
Elective Courses
Students take a total of three electives from the following lists. Students must take at least one course from each list.
BU Washington Center Elective List
- CAS HI 281/CAS IR 356/CAS PO 201 American Governance: Foreign Affairs (4 credits)
- Formerly CAS HI/IR/PO 356
- Overview of American presidencies of the late twentieth century, specifically considering how politics relates to foreign policy in America. Concepts including isolationism, manifest destiny, moralism, rule of law, national self-interest, and terrorism are discussed. Special focus on Iraq and Afghanistan.
- Syllabus
- CAS HI 327/CAS PO 204 The Modern US Senate: From Collaboration to Confrontation
- Examines the history of the US Senate with a special focus on increasing partisanship since WWII. Addresses major policy issues and landmark pieces of legislation as well as the lives and legacies of prominent individual Senators. Includes guest lecturers.
- Syllabus
- CAS IR 324/PO 280 American Policymaking in the Global Era: American Grand Strategy and Decision Making in a Rapidly Changing Global Environment (4)Effective
Fall '23- This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas
- Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
- Oral and/or Signed Communication
- Course examines American international economic decision-making in a changing global economy and addresses current theories of International Political Economy with respect to trade, finance, and the development of global corporations. Explores how American policy shaped the post-World War II global economy.
- Syllabus
- This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas
- CAS IR 338 Conflict, Violence and Peacebuilding (4)
- This course introduces the field of peacebuilding and conflict and examines its various facets to equip students to analyze the social and political dynamics of peace and conflict. Students will learn about the basics of the field, the importance of conflict analysis, and the options for nonviolent responses to prevent and resolve conflicts and ensure sustainable post-conflict transformation. The last part of the course will offer students an opportunity to simulate real-world conflict negotiations and problem-solving efforts experienced by policy makers involved in conflict resolution. There are no prerequisites for the course but the ideal student will have an interest and background in international relations and be a keen follower of current affairs.
- Syllabus
- CAS IR 391/PO 246 Democracy in the 21st Century: Reality and Reinvention (4)Effective
Fall '23- This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas
- Creativity/Innovation
- Ethical Reasoning
- Social Inquiry 1
- Comparative perspective on the history of democracy and democratization. Explores conditions, catalysts, and processes of democratic change with a focus on current trends in the democratization debate. Special focus on Iran as a case study.
- Syllabus
- This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas
- CAS PO 202 Introduction to Congressional Policy Making (4)
- Formerly CAS PO 406
- The purpose of this course is for the student to gain a working knowledge of the US Congress, from both a theoretical and a practical perspective. The course features assigned readings and lectures as well as guest speakers, current periodicals, and in-class discussions.
- Syllabus
- CAS PO 203/COM CM 556 Strategies for Issue Development and Policy Change (4)
- Formerly CAS PO 321/COM CM 556
- Focuses on the specialized forms of communication that political professionals use to win public support for their issues, candidates, and policy positions; and teaches concrete planning skills for those interested in influencing public policy using both inside and outside (or grassroots) strategies.
- Syllabus
- COM CM 305 Public Relations Inside the Beltway (4)
- Provides students with an overview of professional principles and practice for public relations in the Washington area with a special emphasis on governmental public relations. Includes an examination of the history, organization, and scope of the public relations field throughout the nation and in D.C. Theories, strategies, and tactics of current public relations practice are emphasized as well as opportunities and requirements for work in the field.
- Syllabus
George Washington University Courses
BU Questrom School of Business students should refer to Questrom’s lists of pre-approved courses before applying.
Internship Course
Study Abroad will enroll students in a non-credit Hub co-curricular and in a four-credit internship course, which includes a classroom component.
Internship Course
Study Abroad will enroll students in a non-credit Hub co-curricular and a four-credit internship course, which includes a classroom component. The internship seminar meets weekly; it complements the internship experience by helping students understand Washington culture and hot-button topics in the nation's capital while grooming them for the possibilities of a career in Washington. Placements are contingent upon the students’ experience, professional interests, and relevant academic history, as well as the availability of opportunities in any given semester; flexibility is essential. Upon successful completion of the internship experience, students will receive a Hub unit in the area Individual in Community from the co-curricular HUB SA 330.
- Non-credit Hub Co-curricular: HUB SA 330 Study Abroad Internship
- This course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area:
- Individual in Community
- This course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area:
- CAS EC 497 Internship in Business/Economics (4 credits)
Housing & Student Services
- Students live in apartments, sharing kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas.
- Bedrooms are double occupancy.
- Limited single rooms may be available for an additional charge.
- The apartments are centrally located, near a DC metro stop.
- Board is not included. However, there are many nearby grocery stores and restaurants.
- Students have full access to amenities offered through this centrally located apartment complex, including a seasonal rooftop pool, internet and onsite laundry facilities.
Program Dates
- Fall Semester: late August to mid-December
- Spring Semester: mid-January to mid-May
Application Timeline
This program follows rolling admissions and may fill before the official deadline.
Fall Semester
- Applications Open December 15
- Applications Deadline April 1
Spring Semester
- Applications Open June 1*
- Applications Deadline November 1
This program is rolling admissions; applications are reviewed once all application materials are received, prior to all deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received by the BU Study Abroad office. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.
Information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision and exceptions to the standard admission calendar for all students can be found here.
Cost & Financial Considerations
- 2024/2025 Tuition & Fees: $39,834 per semester
Cost includes tuition, housing, program related activities, and administrative fee. - Budget sheet, including cost of living expenses.
- Grants and Scholarships available
