Program Overview
Michigan State University's Semester Study Program in Washington, DC provides an exceptional opportunity for qualified junior and senior students of Michigan State University to live and work in our nation's capital while maintaining a full program of academic study.
The fall or spring program offers a full semester of courses (students earn 12-15 MSU credits) and includes a 32-hour per week internship in one of Washington's government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, or corporations. The wide range of internship opportunities allows students to explore their academic and career interests. The program also includes the integration of academic study and professional development seminars so that students will enhance their development of academic, civic and professional skills.
Academic courses are taught by faculty who bring their unique Washington experience to the classroom. Student participants have multiple opportunities to interact with prominent national and international leaders as well as seasoned Washington professionals. Additionally, students enjoy the city's vast cultural and educational resources – most of which are free.
The Program is open to all majors and all colleges on campus. Interested students are urged to meet with their respective advisors for detailed information regarding course availability and academic credit.
Estimated cost for MSU's Semester Study Program in Washington, DC is $5250, based on Fall 2009/Spring 2010 semesters. This program fee includes housing, orientation activities and materials.
This fee does NOT include tuition cost, most meals, travel, books, in-town transportation and personal spending money; these costs will vary by individual student.
Selection of program participants will be based on academic standing, career interests, writing sample, references, and interviews. To complete the for-credit assignment, students are required to work for a minimum of twelve weeks, 32 hours per week. Students must complete 12 to 15 semester credits in this program.
Those interested in participating must submit:
- A completed DC Fall 2010 / Spring 2011 Program application
- An essay (300 words or less) describing your interest in public policy and how an internship in Washington, DC aligns with that interest
- A one-page resume emphasizing academic and other relevant activities suitable for submission to internship supervisors
- Two letters of reference, with at least one from a faculty member
- A printout from STU-INFO verifying GPA
- An application fee of $100 is billed to your student account. The application fee is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student is admitted into the program.
| Semester | Deadline(s) |
Spring 2010 |
October 2, 2009 |
| Fall 2010 | March 19, 2010 |
| Spring 2011 | March 19, 2010 (Early Acceptance) |
| Spring 2011 | October 1, 2010 (Spring Only) |
Applicant interviews will be scheduled and acceptance determined AFTER the deadline.
Listed below are some scholarship opportunities specifically designated for students enrolled in the DC Semester Study Program:
College of Social Science DC Program Scholarship
Qualification Criteria
- Minimum College GPA: 3.0
- Academic level/class: undergraduate junior or senior
- Must be a participant in MSU's Semester Study Program in Washington, DC (if the applicant cancels or withdraws from MSU's DC Program, funds will be withdrawn)
SSC DC Fall 2010 / Spring 2011 Program Scholarship application form
Gordon and Norma Guyer Endowed Internship Award
Guyer Informational Flyer - Spring 2010
Guyer Application form - Spring 2010
Many other scholarships are available to eligible students. The Colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Communication Arts and Sciences, James Madison College and Social Science offer additional scholarships to eligible students. Additionally, MSU’s Office of Financial Aid offers others too numerous to mention.
Look for notices posted on bulletin boards or email, speak with your academic advisor and visit your college's student affairs office to inquire about other funding opportunities.
MSU's Semester Study Program in Washington DC is open to MSU junior and senior students in all MSU majors.
Please call the Washington, DC Program office for further information or email dcstudy@ssc.msu.edu.
