Spend a Semester in Washington, D.C.
Spend a semester in Washington, D.C. living and working as an intern while gaining first-hand exposure to the inner workings of politics!
This program is available during the summer and fall semesters and is open to all students with majors in the College of the Liberal Arts at Penn State University Park.
Email Marie Hojnacki, Semester in Washington Program director.
Program Perks
- Receive assistance locating and applying for internships at government agencies, think tanks, NGOs, legislative offices, and advocacy groups based on your career goals.
- Live in arranged housing with other Penn State students.
- Make connections with Penn State alumni in the D.C. area as well as college students from around the country.
- Earn 3 internship credits.
- Earn three credits for completing an internship
- Take three 400-level PLSC courses taught in person by department faculty, including one focused on professional development and the D.C. experience*
*This experience is only offered during the fall semester program
Students are encouraged to apply for up to $6,000 of enrichment funding through the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network and additional funding from the Department of Political Science to help cover costs.
Applications
Applications for summer 2027 are due on Friday, October 2.
In addition to filling out the form, all applications require consent from a faculty member from your department who will be contacted to speak to your suitability for an internship and a semester in Washington, D.C.
Applications for fall 2027 will open in January.
Want to Support the Program?
Funding
Supporting the Semester in Washington Program is more than helping a student secure an internship—it’s an investment in national leadership and career readiness.
Hosting Students at Your Organization
Interested in helping prepare the next generation of leaders? Organizations can partner with the Semester in Washington Program by hosting interns and providing students with valuable professional experience in the nation’s capital.