Spring Semester Washington, D.C. Program

Intern, live, and study is the heart of the nation's capital for the Spring Semester!

The Spring Semester in Washington, D.C. Program is a partnership among the Institute for Public Administration, the Joseph R. Biden School of Public Policy and Administration, the Department of Political Science, and the Center for Global Programs and Services. The program gives undergraduate students the opportunity to live in the heart of Washington, D.C. for the spring semester while interning in a placement of their choice. The internship constitutes six-credit hours (UAPP 300 or POSC 464) with another six credits provided for in-classroom experiences.

The in-classroom courses are taught in partnership with the Colin Powell School of Public Policy at the City College of New York (CCNY), which runs an identical program. Both in-classroom courses are a combination of University of Delaware and CCNY students. The first three-credit, in-classroom class is the Washington Policy Practicum (UAPP 433 or POSC 483). The second is Power, Inequality, and Social Policy (UAPP/POSC 467).

Past students have interned with U.S. Senators Thomas R. Carper (D-Del.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Bob Casey (D-Pa.), as well as Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.). Past students have also interned with the Supreme Court, Amnesty International, NPR, advocacy and lobbying firms, and have staffed various Senate committees.

Each year, in addition to gaining valuable work experience, students also participate in a series of information meetings, which offer them a unique insight into the Washington D.C. scene. Past guests included a professional lobbyist, national political fundraiser, the founder and director of a national children's advocacy group, the former head of the Social Security Administration, a former U.S. Secretary of State, former CIA operative, and many more.

Acceptance is based on a written application—available below—and an in-person interview with the Faculty Director​ Philip Barnes​.

• Written Application

Cost

The cost of each year's program will be listed under Washington D.C. on the Center for Global Programs and Services webpage. The program cost is typically between $1,000-$2,000. This cost includes housing, utilities, and a start-up metro card. The Center for Global Programs and Serv​ices​ and the Institute of Public Administration offer scholarships for students interested in the program.

For more information about the Spring Semester in Washington, D.C. Program and available scholarship opportunities, contact Philip Barnes via email.