Washington D.C. Program

Study in Washington D.C.

Our nation’s capital is the perfect place for all students studying communication to explore the intersection between politics and communication

Studying in Washington D.C gives communication students the opportunity to explore the role communication plays in politics, news, lobbying, public relations, advocacy and other fields.Washington D.C provides students with special educational opportunities that no other location can replicate. Take advantage of our amazing educational opportunity. Most colleges can’t compete with this program.

Loyola's semester in Washington D.C. program is open to all Loyola undergraduate students with at least a junior standing. Students will maintain full-time status and be placed in a variety of internships from government, nonprofit, and international offices and organizations. The program runs only during the fall and spring semesters. All courses are taught by Loyola faculty.

For more information, check out our frequently asked questions or contact the program director, Susan Dimock.

Benefits of the program

• Gain valuable professional experience and earn course credit while serving four days a week as a student intern in a host office in Washington, D.C.
• Enroll as a full-time student in classes taught by Loyola faculty.
• Experience life for an entire semester in the unique setting that is our nation’s capital: Washington, D.C.
• Create new relationships that can help you with your career post graduation.

Loyola students have interned with:

• Senators (Duckworth, Cantwell, Durbin, Baldwin) and Representatives (Quigley, Vargas, Davis)
• Advocacy Organizations: National Women's Law Center, Public Citizen, Rock the Vote, Human Rights Campaign
• Government Affairs Firms: Venn Strategies, Monument Advocacy
• Nonprofits: Sound Off, Hope Now, Reading is Fundamental, Meridian International
• Think Tanks: Brookings, Institute for the Study of War
• Media Organizations: CSPAN
• Industry Organizations: Go Rail, PhRMA
• Government and the Courts: Commerce, State Department, Federal Judicial Center

Students are enrolled in Loyola classes in DC and receive 15 credits for their semester. These classes include an internship practicum which fulfills your Engaged Learning requirement (6 credits). You will also take the Core Internship Seminar on Fridays (3 credits) and two evening classes (3 credits each). All classes are cross-listed in Political Science and the School of Communication. If you have a different major and would like to receive credit in that major, please talk with your advisor and your home department.

NOTE: Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from DC and for their own meals while in Washington.