The Washington Semester Program
The Washington Semester and The Capital Semester Programs are cooperative arrangements Millikin has with American University. Participants spend a semester in Washington DC or in international locations, generally during the junior year. There are three components to the Washington Semester: Students take two seminar courses from the American faculty. Meetings with many public officials are always an important feature of the course work. All students hold a semester-long internship with a congressional office, federal agency, interest group, or another suitable placement.
Concentrations in American politics, foreign policy, criminal justice, journalism, and a number of other areas are available. The internships may be used to meet both the internship requirement of the political science major and the Millikin off-campus learning requirement. American University course credit transfers to Millikin. All Millikin housing, tuition payments, and grants apply toward Washington expenses. Many of our students take advantage of this exciting opportunity.
For further information, check out the home page of the Washington Semester program and the home page of the Capital Semester Program or consult the Washington Semester advisor, Professor Amber Lusvardi. The department also has copies of Studying in Washington: A Guide to Academic Internships in the Nation's Capital, published by the American Political Science Association. Your advisor will be glad to provide you with additional information and help in applying.
As the epicenter of American government, Washington DC is a natural setting for political study. Beyond the political and government realm, however, Washington DC is also home to hundreds of major corporations, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, and agencies. There are countless opportunities for all majors, including positions in the media, the arts, education, business, science, international affairs, the environment, health care, and more.
Eligibility
- MU Junior or Senior Standing
- 2.75 GPA at Time of Internship (Some Placements Require Higher GPA)
- Declared Major at Time of Application
- Full-Time Bachelor's Degree Candidate in Good Academic, Social, and Financial Standing
- Participants should show outstanding academic progress, maturity and motivation, and a capacity to pursue independent study
Political Science majors are encouraged to consider this program for a semester during their junior year.