The Department of Political Science is re-launching its Semester in Washington Program in summer 2026!

Why Spend a Semester in Washington?

• Become an Active Participant in Democracy: Get first-hand exposure to the inner workings of politics and policymaking as you apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to the real world.
• Live and Work with other Penn State Students: Receive assistance locating and applying for internships at government agencies, think tanks, NGOs, legislative offices, and advocacy groups that provide a chance to hone your research, writing, policy analysis, and communication skills. Plus, no need to find your own housing.
• Networking Opportunities: Get to know Penn State alumni in the D.C. area as well as college students from around the country. Make connections that can lead to future career opportunities.
• Earn Academic Credit: In the summer, students receive 3 credits for their internship. In the fall, students receive 3 internship credits and take an in-person 400-level political science course taught by University Park faculty as well as a course focused on professional development and the Washington experience. In both semesters, interested students can take World Campus courses.

How does the Program Work?

The Washington Program will run in the summer and fall semesters:

• In the summer, students will live and work in Washington D.C. Penn State will assist students in finding an internship based on their career goals, and they will arrange for housing so that students live together in the D.C. area. Students will participate in networking events with other college students in similar D.C.-based academic programs as well as with Penn State alumni in the D.C. area. Aside from the 3 credits for their internship, there will be no “classroom” component during the summer.
• In the fall, students will still complete an internship, live with other Penn State students, and participate in networking events. They will also take a 400-level PLSC course taught in person by a University Park faculty member and a professional development course.

Students will be able to apply for funding from the Career Enrichment Network to participate as well as to the department for scholarship funding.

Currently the Semester in Washington Program is open only to political science, international politics and Social Data Analytics majors at the University Park campus.