Program Overview

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Introduction to the Washington Semester Program

The Washington Semester program is a unique opportunity for students to explore the wealth of professional and cultural opportunities available in the Washington, D.C. area. This program is open to all majors and enables students to gain valuable experience and skills in their chosen field.

Program Highlights

• Semester-length internships
• On-site courses at the JMU Washington Center
• Career panels with professionals across sectors
• Curated cultural activities around D.C.
• JMU-arranged housing in a vibrant, centrally located D.C. neighborhood
• Networking with JMU alumni in the D.C. area

Semester Options and Courses

All participants, whether in the fall or spring semester, complete a 1-credit career-readiness course in the second block of the preceding spring semester.

Fall: U.S. Politics & Policy (12 credits)

Combine a 6-credit internship course with two 3-credit courses:

• POSC 301W: The Washington Experience
• POSC 351W: Topics in American Politics

Spring: Global Affairs (12 credits)

Combine a 6-credit internship course with two 3-credit courses:

• POSC/INTA 301W: The Washington Experience
• POSC 371W: Topics in Comparative Politics

Study in the Heart of Washington D.C.

Classrooms and faculty offices are located at the JMU Washington Center, the university's home in the nation's capital. The center is centrally located, only 10 minutes from the Dupont Circle Metro station, and is close to many internship opportunities in D.C.

Application Deadlines

• Early Decision: November 18, 2025
• Regular Admission: February 18, 2026

Program Details

Housing

• JMU-arranged housing is located near the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro station.
• Neighborhood features restaurants, museums, and shops, and Capital One Arena.
• The National Mall is a 20-minute walk away.
• Students live in 4-person, 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartments with shared kitchen and living area.
• Apartments are fully furnished, with in-unit washer/dryer, kitchen essentials, sheets, and towels. Wi-Fi is included.
• Students may arrange their own housing.

Internships

• Students will secure and pursue their own internships in politics, policy, the non-profit sector, political media, and related fields.
• Students work at their internships full-time Monday through Thursday; Friday mornings are reserved for the Washington Experience course (POSC 301W).
• Past internships include House and Senate offices, government agencies, non-profit organizations, lobbying and strategic communications firms, advocacy groups, and media outlets.

Program Costs

• JMU Tuition & Fees: for in-state and out-of-state students
• Housing: The housing fee is $5,500, including all utilities and wireless internet.
• Program fee: $300
• Metro fee: $115 (covers unlimited subway and bus transportation for the entire semester)
• Food and entertainment costs are not included

Need-based Scholarship Opportunity

The Washington Semester awards a need-based scholarship to one student per term to cover the difference between the cost of participating in the program and a normal semester on campus. To be eligible, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with JMU's Office of Financial Aid.