Your School. In Our Nation’s Capital.
Undergraduate Semester in Washington, DC
Live, learn and intern among of some of the most influential institutions and policymakers in the world, and grow your capacity to develop effective solutions to the world's most complex problems.
You’ll discover how Washington works—and be guided by faculty who are committed to developing policy solutions that are ethical, actionable and realistic.
Program Description
During your semester in D.C., you will gain valuable experience, make connections and jump start your future career, all while taking courses and earning credit toward your Maxwell degree. Learn from senior scholars and practitioners whose firsthand knowledge of the field is applied to pressing policy issues.
Receive professional support from academic and career advising staff as you apply for internships in a range of governmental, nonprofit and private sector settings. Maxwell-in-Washington students have interned at more than 200 offices in Washington, D.C., among them:
- Asia Society, Atlantic Council, Brookings Institution and the Cato Institute;
- CNN and Voice of America;
- Human Rights Watch; World Wildlife Fund;
- NASA;
- The White House, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate and Emily's List;
- U.S. Departments of... Commerce, Defense, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Justice, State, and the Treasury and;
- the American Bar Association.
Plan early! Internship application deadlines for U.S. citizens interested in federal opportunities may be up to one year before the semester of participation due to required security checks.
Apply by Feb 15 for Fall 2024
I am Maxwell.
As a first-generation Latina college student and first-generation American, I want to join the Foreign Service because I firmly believe in the transformative diplomatic power of representing the diversity of our country...I want to promote peace, analyze policy and aid people abroad.”
Rachelly Buzzi ’22 B.A. (IR)
2022 Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellow; Maxwell Washington semester, fall 2021
DC Semester Courses
Global Policy Seminar and Practicum (IRP 401)
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.