Program Structure and Credit
USC undergraduate students participating in the Washington Semester will earn 16 units of USC credit during the spring semester as follows:
- Electoral and Legislative Processes (PMGT 101): a survey course – 4 units
Features lectures and discussions from GW’s faculty and other experts in the field of political management. - Practicum in Political Management (PMGT 107): a skills practicum – 4 units
The skills practicum provides students an opportunity to work in small teams, under the supervision of professionals, acquiring hands-on knowledge in a simulated campaign modeled on current electoral contests and policy battles. - Tutorial in Political Management (PMGT 192): a tutorial – 4 units
Instructors will take an in-depth look at the new Congress and how its agenda will be influenced by a partisan realignment within the body itself, a new administration, and the expectations of interest groups and the media. - Professional Internship (PMGT 187): internship seminar – 4 units
Students will learn what is involved in maintaining a position in the field of applied politics through field work and self-assessment and reflection. - Networking Events: An important aspect of the program, attendance is expected at networking events. These events take students backstage and behind closed doors to meet and learn from Washington insiders. Semester In Washington students have visited CBS News, discussed election law at the Federal Election Commission, attended Capitol Hill staff briefings, toured media consulting firms, and visited the White House.
Students receive letter grades and USC credit for the Washington Semester. It varies by major as to how the Washington Semester units will apply to an individual student’s major. Depending on the student’s major, a student will receive major and/or elective credit. Students should consult their academic advisor to determine how the units will be applied to their degree.