Internships and independent research enrich the academic experience through professional training. Washington, D.C., offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities at top policy and cultural institutions. Anthropology students in past internships have translated oral histories, photographed museum collections, prepared exhibits for display, created booklets and publicity materials and made distribution maps of animal species. Internships at museums and cultural centers can also be a valuable tool in learning how to communicate anthropology to the general public.
Internships and independent study are open to undergraduate and graduate students. (Note that the Human Paleobiology doctoral program has a separate internship requirement.) Students have three options to complete internships for credit: museums focus, development focus or a more general anthropology internship. Internships are distinct from independent research study projects, which may also be completed for credit.