Offered in both fall and spring semesters, the Washington Semester Program is open to qualified junior and senior undergraduates in any major whose GPA is at least 3.0.
The 15- to 18-credit program consists of four courses and an internship, all offered in Washington, D.C.
SU financial aid packages travel with you, and there is no need to transfer credits back to SU upon your return.
The cost for attending the Maxwell in Washington Semester Program includes a $500 administrative fee, and your tuition. Additionally, housing costs approximately $6,750. You should also plan on some personal expenses. The program will use your administrative fee to cover unlimited Metro via U-Pass.
Please see below for more information about Costs and Opportunities for Financial Support.
Application
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Application for Fall 2025 is now open. The deadline for submission is Saturday, February 15, 2025.
**Please be aware that early application deadlines for fall 2025 are already rolling. See our Internship page for more information and tips on applying. You can also reach out to Andrew London (anlondon@syr.edu) for review of your materials and help targeting organizations of interest.**
The Washington Semester Program is selective, and admission is determined by a thorough review of candidates. The application includes three components:
- Application Form
- Resume
- Academic recommendation
The three central criteria for admission to the Washington Semester Program are academic performance, potential for successful participation, and motivation. Please respond to the program information questions carefully with these criteria in mind.
Fall 2025 Application Instructions:
- APPLICATION FORM: Fall 2025 Washington Semester Program Application Form
Complete the application form accessible through the above link. The application is a web-based form which allows you to type your responses directly into the form and submit it electronically. The form can be saved and finished at a later date, but only from the same computer and with the same browser which you started the application form. - ACADEMIC REFERENCE (include reference contact information on application form):
All applicants are required to have a faculty member with whom they have taken a course serve as a reference. Please select someone who is familiar with your academic work and plan of study. Do not ask your academic advisor or other individual unless they were an instructor for a course you took. You will need to identify this person in the application form and provide their email address. We will contact them to complete a short form electronically. You do not need to request any forms or letters from them, but you must ask them if they are willing to serve as a reference for you BEFORE including their contact information in your application. - RESUME: Upload an up-to-date version of your resume to the application form. If you do not have a resume, this is an ideal time to create one! You can find samples and suggestions, as well as personalized help at SU's Career Services.
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