Academics

An Experience Shaped by Your Academic and Career Goals

The Semester in Washington (SIW) program offers a rigorous, experience-centered academic curriculum led by faculty with expertise across policy, advocacy, communications, governance and related fields. Courses are designed to connect academic frameworks with real-world application in Washington, D.C.

Once admitted to the program, students select from a range of course options totaling 6–12 credits, allowing them to tailor the semester to their academic interests, professional goals and degree requirements.

Summer 2026 SIW Program Offerings: May 18 - July 25, 2026

6-12 credits required (2-4 classes)

Required Course:

Core course (3 credits)

Elective Courses:

Lab course (3 credits)
Internship course (1-3 credits)
Additional elective courses (3-6 credits)

12 credits required

Select from the following:

Core course (3 credits)
Lab course (3 credits)
Internship course (1-3 credits)
Additional elective courses (3-6 credit

9 credits required

Select from the following:

Core course (3 credits)
Lab course (3 credits)
Internship course (1-3 credits)
Additional elective courses (3-6 credits)

Course Selections

The Inner Workings of Washington, D.C. (3 credits)

Students from all background and disciplines learn government foundations beyond the basics to include how the U.S. government works on the inside, examining not only formal processes but also the informal networks, decision-making dynamics, and institutional cultures that shape real outcomes in Washington, D.C.

Weekly discussions, case studies, and guest speakers focused on pressing national and global issues connect theory to real-world challenges. Students learn methods of communicating and effecting change, including storytelling, lobbying and digital advocacy.

Note: This course is required for all SIW students.

Semester in Washington Lab (3 credits)

Students collaborate to plan and execute a semester-long, high-impact advocacy project that addresses a community challenge in a real-world context, building both technical and soft skills in their subject area.
Project-relevant site visits to Capitol Hill offices, federal agencies, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and think tanks.

Note: This course is recommended for all SIW nondegree and certificate students. SIW Lab project focus varies by semester; attend an information session to learn more or contact us at sem_in_washgwu [dot] edu.

Professional Internship (1-3 credits)

Professional development and support related to an internship in Washington, DC, providing students with structured reflection and skill development alongside their workplace experience. In addition to academic credit, students can expect to receive expert career guidance on areas such as navigating office dynamics, workplace etiquette and communication and professional networking strategies.

Note: This course is required for SIW nondegree and certificate students participating in an internship to receive academic credit.

Customize Your SIW Experience with Additional Electives

Deepen your knowledge and skills in a discipline of your choice from any of the following programs offered by the College of Professional Studies or Graduate School of Political Management:

Political Management
Legislative Affairs
Public Relations and Communications
Paralegal Studies
Sustainable Urban Planning
Cybersecurity
Homeland Security
Publishing

Courses at the following GW colleges may also be available with program director approval. Please contact us for more information.

Note: Specific course offerings vary by semester; attend an information session to learn more or contact us at sem_in_washgwu [dot] edu.

Our Program Faculty

Our professors leverage their experience, access and expansive networks to bring you an exclusive "Only at GW" experience. Instructional faculty vary by semester. The following faculty members have taught for SIW in previous years.

Dr. Matt Dallek

Matt Dallek is a professor in the Political Management Program at GSPM and a political historian. Along with four co-authored books, he is the author of Birchers: How the John Birch Society Radicalized the American Right.

Expertise

Election & General Politics
Extremism
Conservatism

Dr. Casey Burgat

Casey Burgat is the Legislative Affairs Program Director and an associate professor at the Graduate School of Political Management. He hosts Mastering the Room, a bite-sized political podcast from GSPM.

Expertise

Congress

Dr. Sandra Whitehead

Sandra Whitehead is the Program Director for the Sustainable Urban Planning Program at the College of Professional Studies. She is a nationally recognized expert on the intersection of health, equity and the built environment.

Expertise

Health and the Built Environment
Health in All Policies
Health Impact Assessment