The Social Science Summer Writing Internship Program (SWIP) is recruiting interns for its Summer 2026 cohort! SWIP, which launched in Summer 2024, is a collaboration between the Center for Innovation in Social Science (CISS) and the Writing in the Disciplines program. Learn more about our previous cohorts: 2024 and 2025.
What is SWIP?
SWIP provides summer writing internships to undergraduate students studying social sciences by placing interns at a social science research institute or related department on the BU campus for a nine-week period in the summer. The program provides mentorship, a cohort experience, and hands-on writing practice and workshops for students with a background in social science. Interns will receive a $2,500 stipend.
Eligibility: Summer interns must be rising-juniors or rising-seniors in Summer 2026. Students must be currently enrolled at Boston University. Priority will be given to applicants majoring or minoring in a social sciences or related program in the College of Arts & Sciences.
Application Materials: Applicants must submit: (a) a resume; and (b) brief (1 page) cover letter describing their interest in the program. The letter should include the name of one faculty member who could serve as a reference. (c) Please request that the faculty member submits a reference letter on your behalf to Shannon Landis (ciss@bu.edu), Center administrator (CISS). The subject line must include the applicant’s name. Finalists will be asked submit a writing sample at a later date. Applications must be uploaded by 5 pm ET on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Timeline. Applications are due Sunday, February 15, 2026 by 5 pm ET. Finalists will be notified and interviews will be scheduled the week of February 23rd. Offers will be extended approximately March 6, 2026.
Questions: See here for more information about SWIP or reach out to CISS director Deborah Carr (carrds@bu.edu) or Writing in the Disciplines director David Shawn (dshawn@bu.edu).