The Washington Semester Program

The program is made up of three major, integrated components: a weekly seminar that provides a forum for critical analysis of public policy issues; an internship chosen from a vast range of fields; and independent research, which culminates in a substantial academic research paper. The research is conducted under the guidance of a faculty advisor and serves to greatly enhance the internship experience by encouraging students to analyze, in depth, issues directly related to their work. Students receive a full semester’s academic credit for the program. 

Through this selective program, third-year or fourth-year students integrate past and current academic study with practical experience. They develop a better understanding of the political process and the formulation of public policy, through direct experience with prominent organizations in a range of fields, including politics, business, media, legal, service, medical, and art. Through their professional experiences — which have included internships at ABC News, the Department of Education, U.S. Congress, the Smithsonian, and the White House — in conjunction with the rich academic program offered in Washington, D.C., Holy Cross students return to campus as independent learners and researchers, with a host of leadership and professional skills. 

Internship

Each student in the Washington Semester Program is required to spend four days per week working at a Washington-based agency or office. To ensure that internships align with students' professional interests —and to provide students the opportunity to practice essential job search skills — internships are not assigned from a pre-determined list. Instead, students take the lead in their search by researching potential sites and applying for internships that resonate with their goals. 

Throughout this process, both the Washington Semester Program staff and the Center for Career Development staff serve as valuable resources. After acceptance to the program, students will participate in a DC internship search information session, co-led by both offices. This session will provide an overview of the wide range of internship sites that past students have engaged with, as well as tools and strategies for successfully identifying and applying to opportunities. After the initial session, students are encouraged to schedule individual consultations with staff from either office for personalized support. These consultations can address all aspects of the internship search process, including networking, applying, interviewing, and selecting offers. Once students begin working at their internship sites, they meet regularly with the Director of the Washington Semester Program to reflect on their learning, connect their experiences to their class or research project, and strategize responses to any challenges that may arise. 

Our program's strong relationships with established internship sites, a vibrant alumni network, and the excellent track record of Holy Cross students contribute to the overall success of the internship search process, Ongoing feedback from students and supervisors helps us ensure that internships deliver a substantive and meaningful learning experience during the semester in D.C. 

Because the program is multidisciplinary, students engage in internships across a wide array of public, private, and independent sector organizations, including those focused on politics, health care, government, social services, law, communications, education, and business. These positions demand a high level of initiative and responsibility, fostering both personal and professional growth for our students. 

Research Project

All Washington Semester students will complete a 35-page research project during their time in D.C. Students are required to compose a paper that reflects their internship assignment or, at least, the work and role of their particular agency. At the end of the semester, students will present their work, via video conference, to their research advisor and the director of the Washington Semester Program. 

Seminar

The seminar, which has no prerequisites, meets one evening a week and deals with issues related to the formulation of public policy. Students read and discuss a number of texts related to public policy issues and current events incorporating perspectives from their internships and research. The policies are approached at three levels: through a close examination of the issues themselves, as examples of agenda building and policy making, and as evidence of the dynamics of social change in society.

If you are interested in the Washington Semester Program, please submit your application by clicking the link below.

Info Session for Academic Year 2023-2024

Commonly Asked Questions

Who can participate?
Admission to the Program is competitive but is open to all 3rd year and first-semester 4th year students.

How do I apply?
Two informational meetings are held each year and applications are submitted in February for the following year.

Where will I live?
The College arranges housing for all D.C. students in corporate extended stay apartments in Washington, D.C. The residence, which also houses students from numerous other colleges, has easy access to public transportation and is across the street from a grocery store. Parking is available for a monthly fee that is paid directly to the housing provider. Residency with other students is required as it ensures a cohesive experience for all involved and is crucial for the community building aspect of the program. 

How do I find an internship?
It is expected that students will lead the internship search process to learn valuable job search skills and ensure their internship aligns with their professional goals. Staff from the Washington Semester Program and Center for Career Development are available as a resource throughout. Students initially attend an information session that will provide an overview of the wide range of internship sites that past students have engaged with, as well as tools and strategies for successfully identifying and applying to opportunities. After the initial session, students are encouraged to schedule individual consultations with staff from either the Washington Semester Program or the Center for Career Development for personalized support. 

What is the cost?
Students pay tuition, room, and board to Holy Cross as they normally would. Funding from the Office of Financial Aid is applicable in the same way it would be if students were on-campus. Due to the generosity of alumni donors seeking to ensure that finances are not a barrier to participation, supplemental funding is available for students with higher levels of financial need (as determined by the Office of Financial Aid) and students working in unpaid internships. Please contact the Director of the Washington Semester Program for further details. 

How are my credits applied?
Students receive three separate grades, for the internship, research and seminar respectively. Grades count toward Holy Cross GPA and credits can fulfill department and concentration requirements with prior consent.

How is the College involved while I'm in D.C.?
The director of the program, Christopher Murray, is based in Washington, D.C. He teaches the weekly seminar and regularly meets with students individually throughout the semester. Each student also has a faculty sponsor at Holy Cross who advises directly on the research project as well as support available through the J.D. Power Center for Liberal Arts in the World.

Examples of Recent Internship Placements