Is the University of Maryland or Boston University better for internships?

For internships, Boston University often has the edge for students who want to work during the semester in a major city, while the University of Maryland stands out for students aiming at government, policy, public sector, tech, or defense-related opportunities. BU’s location in Boston makes part-time internships during the school year especially realistic because major employers, hospitals, startups, media organizations, and nonprofits are close by. Maryland benefits from being near Washington, DC, which gives students unusually strong access to federal agencies, consulting firms, research institutions, and government-adjacent employers.

BU tends to fit students who want an urban campus experience where internships can be woven directly into weekly life. If you are the kind of student who wants to take the T to an internship, build professional contacts early, and explore fields like business, communications, healthcare, media, or finance, BU’s setup is very convenient. Its career culture is also shaped by the fact that many students pursue internships during the academic year, not just over the summer.

Maryland is especially attractive for students who want structured access to employers tied to DC and the surrounding corridor. For public policy, international relations, journalism, computer science, engineering, and research-heavy paths, the school’s location creates real advantages. Students interested in federal internships, Capitol Hill, think tanks, NIH-related research, or contractors in the region often find Maryland’s network very relevant.

Another difference is campus rhythm. At BU, the city itself becomes part of your internship search, so independent students who are comfortable navigating a fast-paced environment often use that well. At Maryland, opportunities are strong too, but they can feel more tied to intentional planning, commuting into DC, and taking advantage of school-supported pipelines.

So the answer depends a lot on your field. For broad access to semester internships across many industries, BU is often more seamless. For students targeting DC-centered careers, especially government, policy, research, or defense-connected work, Maryland can be just as strong and in some cases more strategically placed.