Semester in Washington | College of Professional Studies

A career-defining experience in the heart of D.C.

If you’re a student with a passion for politics, find your path as you study and explore Washington, D.C. at GW.

As a student in the Semester in Washington Program you will learn how political decisions are made, how power is wielded and how government is run. This will be your career-defining experience and the moment when you decide to make a name for yourself in Washington, D.C.

The program provides an unforgettable, immersive educational experience, combining traditional classroom learning with hands-on experiences and professional internships.

Program participants will be enrolled at George Washington University for 6 weeks or 12 weeks.

Now accepting applications for Summer 2025.

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4 male college students casually dressed under the GW arch with the words Professors Gate outside on GW's main campus

Summer 2025 Program Dates: May 19-August 9
(May 19-June 28: 6-week option or May 19-August 9: 12-week option)

Washington, D.C. Experience

SIW students will live and study at the George Washington University's central campus in Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C. With its proximity to critical government institutions like the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and the Supreme Court, Foggy Bottom provides the ideal setting for academic and professional pursuits in politics.

4 blocks from the White House text on blue sky background with White House and people on the lawn in front of it, some with flags in military uniforms.

15 minute walk to the National Mall words on image of a large crowd of people with US flags in the foreground of the US Capitol

Words amazing DC views on image of student group looking out from the Lincoln Memorial steps towards the National Mall and Washington Monument at night

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Application Requirements

Courses

Learn from full-time GW faculty, experts in the field and policy makers from all over the United States.

Internships

Spend your semester gaining real-world experience by interning for a political party, an advocacy organization, a consulting firm or a government agency.

Networking

Network with alumni and local policymakers and explore D.C.'s political landscape.

Site Visits & Events

Get an insider’s experience of the nation’s capital, from historical, “must see” sites to exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime events.

"SIW was the most influential program I participated in while in college. It singlehandedly changed the trajectory of my career, opening doors I never thought possible. Now as a small business owner and an award-winning Democratic political consultant, I can point directly to the moment I knew what my career would be that was SIW graduation day."

Joe Lestingi, President, Black Diamond Campaigns
Partner & Director of Strategic Services, The Chadderdon

Important Program Deadlines

There are currently no events available.