Undergraduate Semester in Washington, DC
DC Scholar Program
Experience Track
Designed for sophomores, this track requires no internship and instead builds career-ready skills through classes, exclusive access to D.C. think tanks and government agencies, and workshops on topics like AI and advocacy campaigns.
About the Program
- No internship required
- Build your professional network and skill set
- Access events at think tanks and government agencies in D.C.
- Attend workshops
- Receive support building your resume
- Housing is arranged for you and billed separately
- Financial aid packages transfer directly
Courses
- CAS 270 Experiential Credit Course
- COM 350 Topics in Media Diversity
- ECN 304 Economics of Social Issues
- IRP 403 Narrative, Diplomacy, and War
- MAX 300 Recurring Themes in American Politics
- PSC 202 Intro to Political Analysis
- SOC 265 Sociology of Law
This program is compatible with online classes.
Application Deadlines
- Spring 2027 - Monday, Oct. 26, 2026
- Summer 2027 - Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026
- Fall 2027 - Monday, Feb. 15, 2027
Professional Track
For juniors and seniors, this track combines a daytime internship with evening coursework and a D.C. traveling seminar, backed by professional support for helping transition your internship into a full-time job.
About the Program
- Internship-to-job pipeline
- Intern during the day and take classes in the evening
- Participate in D.C. traveling seminar
- Gain valuable professional experience
- Build connections to jumpstart your career
- Receive support as you apply for internships
- Housing is arranged for you and billed separately
- Financial aid packages transfer directly
Courses
- IRP 403 Narrative, Diplomacy and War
- IRP 404 Global Political Economy Issues
- PAI 400 Federal Policymaking Process
- IRP 401 & 402 Global Policy Seminar
- PAI 400 Law, Policy and National Security
- PAI 400 Domestic Federal Policy Seminar and Practicum
Sample of D.C. Student Internships
- Think Tanks / Policy Research Institutions:
Asia Society, Atlantic Council, Brookings Institution and the Cato Institute - Media:
CNN - Nonprofit / Advocacy Organizations:
Human Rights Watch, World Wildlife Fund - Federal Government Branch:
The White House, U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate - Federal Government Agencies:
NASA, U.S. Departments of Commerce, Defense, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Justice, State, and the Treasury - Political Action Committees:
Emily's List - Professional Associations:
The American Bar Association
Application Deadlines
- Spring 2027 - Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026
- Summer 2027 - Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026
- Fall 2027 - Monday, Feb. 15, 2027
I am Maxwell.
It was the best news ever. She [U.S. Rep. Judy Chu] really represents our district so well. She’s been a big inspiration to me and her career has really shaped some of my own aspirations in public service.”
Kennedy King ’27 B.A. (Anth/PSc)
Intern for U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, Maxwell Washington semester, spring 2026
DC Semester Courses
Global Policy Seminar I and II (IRP 401/IRP 402)
This traveling, all-day weekly seminar on how U.S. foreign and national security policy is made and "How Washington Works" features guest speakers and visits to agencies and institutions such as Congress, the National Security Council, the State Department, various foreign embassies, think tanks and NGOs.
(3 credits each, 6 total)
Global Issues (IRP 403)
An evening seminar on global policy issues such as weapons of mass destruction proliferation,human rights, AIDS, global warming, energy, the Middle East, Russia, China, Latin America, domestic terrorism and drugs. Features class discussions, debates, and decision-making simulations. Examines the factors decision-makers must consider.
(3 credits)
International Political Economy Issues (IRP 404)
An evening seminar on topics such as trade, energy, domestic economic interests, impacts of globalization, tradeoffs between economic and political priorities. Focus on the economic dimension of political/military issues and the politics of economic issues; guest speakers from international economic organizations and institutes in the nation's capital.
(3 credits)
Global Internship (IRP 471)
An internship with a U.S. government office, international agency, non-governmental organization, or in the private sector. Students typically intern 20-30 hours a week.
(variable 3-6 credits)
Experience Washington, DC
Our students benefit from a range of internship opportunities as well as courses and mentoring from connected faculty and alumni with policy-making experience. See what you can experience.
Hear from current students, faculty and alumni how our D.C. program is designed to fuel a lifetime of connections and career success.
See firsthand “How Washington Works” with your traveling classroom
A daylong weekly foreign policy seminar features guest speakers and visits to agencies and institutions such as Congress, National Security Council, State Department, foreign embassies, think tanks and NGOs.
Develop interests, build skills and grow your D.C. network
As an intern with the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training, Derek Gutierrez ’21 B.A. (international relations) writes “moments in U.S. history” based on interviews with foreign service officers. “My time abroad and in Washington, D.C., strengthened my linguistic skills and interest exploring the realms of diplomacy,” he says.
Get started, apply now!
The Washington Semester Program is open to qualified junior and senior undergraduates in any major whose GPA is at least 3.0. Complete your application now. Applications must include the name of a faculty member who can provide a reference for you and a copy of your resume. In addition you will be asked to answer questions about why you would like to spend a semester in Washington and what type of internship you are looking for. Questions? We're here to help - just ask! Melissa Morton (memorton@syr.edu) or Samantha Clemence (saclemen@syr.edu).
Find the perfect internship
Our professional advisors have compiled resources and tips to guide your success. Early planning is key. Please find helpful instructions for current SU students on Answers.
Finances
In addition to your Syracuse University tuition and personal expenses, there is a fee for housing and a nonrefundable administrative fee. There are also waivers for some campus fees. While financial aid will transfer over to our program we are able to offer additional limited scholarships and some work-study opportunities as well. For complete financial details and opportunities for aid, please visit our Answers page.