DC Semester Program
The DC Semester Program is an academic opportunity with an internship component managed by the W&M Washington Center. The program is open to students in all majors and disciplines, and financial assistance is available. DC Semester Program scholars receive 6-8 credits for their coursework and an additional 6 credits for the academic work they complete in association with their internship.
Classes are taught by W&M professors and are held at the Center in Dupont Circle. Students may live in university-sponsored group apartments located in the heart of Washington, DC, or at alternative options (with family, friends, other rentals) in the DC metropolitan area.
Applications Are Open!
- The second round of applications for Fall 2021 DC Semester Program is now open - learn about how to apply here!
- Apply by Monday, April 12, at 11:59 pm
- Financial assistance is available for this opportunity.
- Please contact Rhys Tucker, Program Manager, with any questions.
REGISTER FOR OUR UPCOMING INFORMATION SESSION: MARCH 24, 5:30-6:30 PM
Program Updates
Starting with the Spring 2021 semester, the DC Semester Program will feature several exciting new elements, designed with students' needs in mind:
- Students can pursue internships at any organization they wish to, based on their specific professional and academic interests.
- The substantive academic course for the semester will focus on "Washington, DC: Past, Present, and Future", and will be taught be team of faculty from several academic disciplines leading four multi-week modules. The course will expose students to a wide variety of issues and challenges in the Nation's capital, as well as different approaches to addressing those challenges. Modules for Fall 2021 will include:
- History of Washington, DC
- Addressing Environmental and Sustainability Challenges in DC and Beyond
- International Security and Development
- 21st-Century Museum Studies
- Learn more about all of the courses here and about the program in the videos below:
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Program Benefits
- Get a close-up view of Washington’s dynamic governmental, advocacy, research, international, and cultural institutions
- Enjoy Washington’s rich cultural and social opportunities
- Come face-to-face with expert guest speakers/alums from all over Washington
- Study with a cohort of experienced W&M faculty
- Build your résumé by participating in a professional internship
- Get a leg up on Summer and full-time employment opportunities
- Learn more about the program.