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 placements — 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 is required to spend four days per week working in a Washington-based agency or office. Over the past 25 years the College has established an extensive and varied list of internship placements for our students throughout Washington. Through consistent oversight and evaluation of all of our internship sites we have been able to ensure that students are offered a substantive learning experience at their chosen placements. As a result of the College's direct involvement with internship sites, the rigorous academic demands of the program and the excellent track record of former Holy Cross interns our students are usually in great demand.

Since our program is multidisciplinary in nature our placement opportunities cover a wide range of public, private and independent sector organizations concerned with politics, health issues, government, social service, law, communications, education, business, etc. These positions require of the student a great deal of initiative and responsibility.

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?
The center houses information on many internship possibilities in D.C., as well as agency evaluations by former Holy Cross students. Some opportunities are posted to Handshake. Students may also meet individually with the director of the program to discuss different internship possibilities.

What is the cost?
Students pay tuition to Holy Cross and take care of their own room and board in D.C. The experience of most students is that the cost is slightly higher due to increased costs for housing, but varies from year to year as rental prices in D.C. fluctuate.

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