Courses
The Semester in Washington (SIW) program offers students a rigorous academic curriculum, led by expert faculty members with a strong background in politics, campaigning, and communications.
Once admitted to the program, students can choose from a variety of course options (6-15 credits) based on their individual academic goals.
Course Selections
PMGT 4102: Presidents, Power and Policy in the Shaping of Washington, D.C. (3-4 credits)
Introduction to the U.S. capital's culture, history, and politics, exploring how it has been depicted in literature, art, and film and why many people see it either as a corrupt swamp or a place of idealism, hope, and public service.
Through faculty-led walking tours, site visits, and guest lectures, students will be exposed to the city’s highs and lows – from its core monuments on the National Mall and its storied museums to its scandal-plagued aspects.
The course is designed to teach students about the city, provide context for their time living here, place their internships in the city’s ecosystem of institutions, and consider how their jobs fit into the larger cultural and political milieu.
PMGT 4109: Special Topics - The 2024 Campaign (3 credits)
Additional Elective Course Offerings Available:
Deepen your knowledge and skills in any of the following exciting elective courses offered in our Political Management, Legislative Affairs, or Sustainable Urban Planning degree programs.
- Fundamentals of Political Management
- Digital Advertising and Action
- Politics and Public Policy
- Legislative Politics
- Congressional Committees
- Urban and Environmental Economics
Note: Course offerings will vary by semester.
PMGT 4187: Professional Internship (3-4 credits)
The Professional Internship program offers in-person or virtual project-based work experiences, facilitating student collaboration with host companies on digital platforms, whether locally or globally. Students will be thoughtfully matched with internships tailored to their career goals, interests and preferences.
The program integrates classroom learning on the principles of politics, advocacy, and political communication with practical application.
Popular DC-based opportunities include Capitol Hill and Federal agencies, nonprofits, think tanks, and consulting firms. Career fields include but are not limited to:
- Business*
- Environmental & Sustainability*
- Government & Public Policy
- Legal*
- Media & Communication*
- International Development*
- International Relations
*Virtual internship available
PMGT 4107: Research Practicum (3-4 credits)
The Research Practicum offers students the opportunity to acquire and apply foundational skills in policy research. Guided by a dedicated practicum faculty supervisor, students will navigate a sequence of concise assignments centered on a topic of their choosing, which will culminate in the development of a research-based policy proposal.
The immersive experience within the distinctive backdrop of Washington, D.C., affords students access to esteemed institutions like the Library of Congress, National Archives, and various Think Tanks, and allows them to engage directly with seasoned policy researchers, fostering a rich learning environment.
Students will have the opportunity to refine their proposals remotely after the conclusion of the program and submit the final academic deliverable by the end of the semester.