Spring Program
Students in Georgetown University’s Semester in Washington Program select one of six academic areas:
American Politics and Public Affairs- International Affairs
- Journalism
- Heath Care Administration and Policy
- Law
- Community Development and Social Change
In the spring semester, students meet in their selected seminars two days a week (Mondays and Fridays) for 6 credits; intern 3 days a week and take the accompanying internship class for a total of 3 credits; and finally take the research class for another 3 credits. Students can also take an elective course on a space available basis. In total, students can earn between 12 and 15 credits in the Semester in Washington Program. The spring program is for full-time students only.
SWP Academic Seminar (6 Credits)
The academic seminar is designed specifically for students in the Semester in Washington Program at Georgetown University. Students meet two days per week (Mondays and Fridays) and learn from assigned readings, lectures, guest speakers, and discussion groups that are unique to their program of study. The seminar utilizes the resources on the Georgetown campus and in Washington to help students craft a better understanding of current issues and debates in their field.
As part of the seminar, students visit with elected officials, policy-makers, and practitioners in the private and public sectors on the Georgetown campus as well as locations throughout Washington for substantive academic discussions. In these guest lecture sessions, Georgetown University SWP students receive a behind-the-scenes perspective on the professional lives of key Washington leaders and decision makers. At the same time, students engage in scholarly discourse and learn from their peers.
In their respective programs, students tackle a broad range of subjects relevant to their area of study. (Click on the Academic Areas listed above for more information.) Students will also participate in discussions with elected officials, policy-makers, and practitioners in the private and public sectors. Guest speakers from a wide array of professions, including corporate firms, non-profit organizations, federal agencies, and White House staff, address both the principles of the field and issue-specific debates. The incorporation of leadership, ethics, and social justice are at the forefront of the academic seminar.
Participation in class discussions, on- and off-campus presentations, and the respective class assignments combined constitute integral parts for SWP students’ academic development and success in the academic seminar. Students earn a total of 6 academic credits for the Semester in Washington academic seminar.
SWP Internship and Internship Class (3 Credits)
Students in Georgetown University’s Semester in Washington Program earn a total of three academic credits for their internship in conjunction with the accompanying internship class.
SWP students spend three days per week in an internship with an organization in the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area. The internship is geared toward self-starting, highly motivated students with an interest in the political process. In the internship, students will immerse themselves in a professional experience in a federal agency, an organization in the private sector, a lobbying organization, law firm, media outlet, public relations firm, public policy organization, or on Capitol Hill.
To secure an internship, Georgetown University provides SWP students with a network of organizations and extensive guidance and assistance in identifying and securing an internship position. The Internship Director guides students in selecting an internship that aligns with their academic and professional goals. Georgetown University provides advice on every aspect of the internship, including resume preparation, interview techniques, and professional networking.
Several weeks prior to the start of the spring semester, students receive access to an internship database. This immediate network of organizations provides students with all the information they need to make informed decisions about the internship that best fits their academic and professional needs. Up-to-date contact information allows SWP students to start their internship search before they arrive in Washington, D.C.
The accompanying internship class is conducted as a group tutorial that meets regularly over the course of the semester. Under the direction of the Internship Professor, students discuss their internships in relation to assigned readings and class exercises taking the unique opportunity to mix theory with practice. SWP students reach beyond the work at their selected organizations and reflect on the ethical and leadership implications of their internships and the role that their work can have on larger society.
While the internship constitutes 60% of the students’ final grade, the accompanying internship class and respective class assignments constitute 40% of the students’ final grade for the internship/internship class.
For a list of possible internships, please visit the Academic Areas listed above.
Research Seminar (3 Credits)
Georgetown University’s Semester in Washington students earn an additional 3 credits by taking the SWP research seminar. Students in the research seminar meet with their Research Professor on a regular basis in class and one-on-one throughout the spring semester.
The research seminar is a guided independent research project offered exclusively to SWP students. In the research seminar, students produce an original research paper that focuses on a topic of their interest within their area of study. The research paper in the respective programs addresses one of the following concepts: applied ethics, leadership, or social justice.
In the research seminar, SWP students conduct an in-depth research project utilizing the unique resources of the nation’s capital and of the Georgetown University campus. Over the course of the semester, students conduct primary research on a new and emerging topic that is of interest to them. Under the guidance of their Georgetown University Research Advisor, students receive an overview of both quantitative and qualitative research methods as a way to prepare them for their interviews with legal professionals, academic experts, policy makers, and elected officials. Students culminate their research study by writing a significant paper at the end of the semester.
Elective Course (3 Credits - Optional)
To enhance their academic experience, Georgetown University Semester in Washington Program students can earn an additional 3 credits by taking an elective course on a space available basis. In the spring semester, SWP students can elect to earn a total of 15 academic credits. Students who wish to take an additional elective course should contact the Assistant Dean, Barbara Wolf, once they have been admitted to the Semester in Washington Program.
