The Moorland-Spingarn Research Center (MSRC) is recognized as one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive repositories for the documentation of the history and culture of people of African descent in Africa, the Americas, and other parts of the world. As one of Howard University’s major research facilities, the MSRC collects, preserves, organizes and makes available for research a wide range of resources chronicling the Black experience. Thus, it maintains a tradition of service which dates to the formative years of Howard University, when materials related to Africa and African Americans were first acquired.

The MSRC recruits and accepts Interns throughout the year from the University’s several schools and colleges. The Internship Program offers both graduate and undergraduate students an opportunity to gain professional experience within the MSRC. Students must complete an Application for Internship and be recommended by the appropriate school/college Dean, Director, faculty, administrator, or staff. Only the Director of MSRC can approve an applicant without a recommendation.

Students may perform work that is directly related to their academic field or to some other area of interest. A planned project or set of activities is designed by the student’s instructor and/or the assigned MSRC coordinator. Paid internships are normally restricted to Howard University students. However, unpaid internships are offered to both Howard University students and students from other universities.

In many instances, students are placed in field studies, which provide a practicum, and special research projects, as well as other learning experiences. Students can be hired as temporary employees for short periods of time to perform special assignments. MSRC interns assume real responsibilities and are viewed as a valuable part of the work force.