Semester in Washington Politics offers an invaluable up-close view of Washington, D.C. You’ll learn how political decisions are made, how power is wielded and how government is run – because you’ll be right in the center of the process. Semester in Washington Politics is a guided, hands-on tour of the workings of the U.S. government. We will immerse you in the processes that define our political system.

You will learn the components of political campaigning, from message development and media production to voter targeting, direct mail and fundraising. You will have the opportunity to see what lobbyists do and how issues like gun control, international relations and campaign finance reform are managed. You will have the chance to plan an election campaign and to develop a lobbying strategy.

When you return to your home campus, you'll know what it takes to win elections, to pass legislation and to influence public opinion. More importantly, you'll know what professional options are available to you as a congressional staffer, campaign manager, press secretary, lobbyist, pollster, media producer, journalist or fundraiser. You'll be better informed about how politics works and more aware of how you fit into that process.

Semester in Washington offers you a chance to learn about politics, Washington and yourself. We hope you'll join us for the experience of a lifetime.

Interested in learning more?  Request information.

Semester in Washington Politics is a program of GW's College of Professional Studies