MHC Semester in D.C.

Undergraduate

MHC Semester in D.C. is an exciting academic and internship program for students to live, study, and intern in Washington., D.C. This program is available to both juniors and seniors to spend a semester in the nation鈥檚 capital at top-ranked American University in its Washington Semester Program.

The capitol building in Washinton DC

Program Overview

MHC Semester in D.C. is an exciting program for students to live, study, and intern in Washington., D.C. This program is available to both juniors and seniors to spend a fall semester in the nation鈥檚 capital taking courses at American University in its Washington Semester Program.

MHC Semester in D.C. combines an intensive internship with rigorous coursework in government, policy, advocacy, and related fields. The program is open to students from any academic major with a strong motivation to pursue their interests in politics, policy research, government, nonprofits, or international affairs. Students are mentored by distinguished alums who serve on the Advisory Council to MHC Semester in D.C. In addition, site visits with accomplished alums give students an insider鈥檚 view of the dynamic culture and political vibrancy of the nation鈥檚 capital.

Adam Hilton, Assistant Professor of Politics, serves as the faculty director of MHC Semester in D.C. The program is administered through the Weissman Center for Leadership by the Center鈥檚 Director, Amy E. Martin.

Components of the program

Program participants receive a total of 13 course credits and work at an internship three to four days a week (approximately 20-24 hours per week). 

In addition to work experience, you will be enrolled in:

  • Two multidisciplinary seminars (8 credits total) taught by American University faculty and Washington area experts that cover topics such as American politics, foreign policy, global economics and business, public health, international law, journalism and new media, and justice, racial disparity, and law.
  • An independent study (4 credits), taught by the faculty director of MHC Semester in D.C.
  • An internship course (1 credit) to prepare, secure, and support student success at a D.C.-based  internship in an area of interest. Recent internships have been in congressional offices, federal agencies, think tanks, advocacy and social justice organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and consultant firms in areas such as health policy, political communications, and international regulations.

Upcoming events

 

Community Voices

Spotlight on MHC Semester in D.C. students and alums

Happening at 果冻传媒

Semester in D.C. in the news

Mount Holyoke鈥檚 Semester in D.C. prepares students for careers in public service.

Mount Holyoke鈥檚 first remote Semester in D.C. program also has the first Frances Perkins Scholar, first Posse Scholar and first 21st-Century Scholar.

Five students build careers in public policy as they work, study and live in the nation鈥檚 capital, as part of Mount Holyoke鈥檚 new program.

Contact us

The Weissman Center is dedicated to supporting students in developing the skills and strategies they need to become inspiring and effective leaders.

  • CBL Program Coordinator for the Weissman Center for Leadership

Next steps

Apply to Mount Holyoke

Mount Holyoke seeks intellectually curious applicants who understand the value of a liberal arts education and are driven by a love of learning. As a women's college that is gender diverse, we welcome applications from female, trans and non-binary students.

Financing your education

Everyone鈥檚 financial situation is unique, and we鈥檙e here to make sure cost does not get in the way of an exceptional education.