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 only to Political Science, International Politics, and Social Data Analytics majors at Penn State University Park.
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
- Take a 400-level PLSC course taught in person by department faculty*
- Take an in-person course focused on professional development and the D.C. experience*
Students are encouraged to apply for enrichment funding from the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network and additional funding from the department to help cover costs.
*These experiences are only offered during the fall semester program
How Can I Apply?
Applications are closed for the summer and fall 2026 programs.
As part of your application, please request a letter from one Penn State faculty member in the Department of Political Science at the University Park campus who can address your suitability for an internship and a semester in Washington, D.C. The faculty member should send the letter directly to Melissa Guthrie, academic program coordinator. Your application is not complete until we receive the letter.
How Can I Learn More?
Contact Marie Hojnacki, Semester in Washington Program Director (meh11@psu.edu) with any questions