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UW Wisconsin in Washington, DC Internship Program

A collage of six photos. Students in front of the Capitol Building; the Washington Monument; students outside the National Museum of African American History and Culture; colorful stone homes; the Capitol Building; an outdoor market.
In-bloom cherry blossom trees lining a pool of water, with the Washington Monument in the background and reflected on the water.

USA, Washington D.C.

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term. In the past we have received more qualified applications than available spots, specifically for summerReview of applicants is based on these criteria. You may only have one application per term, however, please have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

Jump start your career with an internship in our nation’s capital! This dynamic program is a fusion of academics and professional skills that's valuable for students from all majors.

Choose between a semester or summer interning at an organization in Washington, DC while completing course work designed to enhance your internship experience; including lectures from experts, visits to major institutions, and building your network of UW alumni and DC professionals from a wide range of sectors.  

Are you an internship host, program supporter or alumni looking to get involved? View our external site to learn about opportunities to support the program.

SEMESTER PROGRAM

In a typical semester, students complete 3 courses for 12 credits. The course schedule is built around students' internships so that they can intern 24-32 hours a week. The core professional development/internship course allows students to reflect on their intern experience and the political and cultural nuances of Washington, DC. Additionally, you will have other courses which will allow you to study both domestic politics and US foreign policy with visiting lecturers. All courses will be taken alongside a cohort of other UW-Madison students. 

SUMMER PROGRAM

In Summer you will earn 3 credits through the internship course. Students will be interning 32-40 hours a week, with an evening internship course. Although focused on professional development, students will be encouraged to attend policy events of interest while being introduced to the vast professional options in Washington, DC.

This program is offered in partnership with the UW-Madison International Division and the Political Science department.

International Students: Before applying to the Wisconsin in Washington program, you should discuss your immigration status and work authorization requirements with an ISS advisor.  There may be an extra step or process required based on your immigration status before you start your internship on the Wisconsin in Washington program, regardless of whether it is paid or unpaid.  For example, F-1 students may need Curricular Practical Training (CPT) approval.

Applications for Spring and Fall semesters are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications for summer will be reviewed after the application deadline.

Info Session Recording (Spring 2025)
Wisconsin in Washington Info Session 2025

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • After applications have been reviewed, selected applicants will be asked to complete a virtual interview. Both application materials and interviews will be considered in acceptance decisions. 
  • At the time of participation, students must have completed one year at a US college or university. Preference is given to 3rd and 4th year students.
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Junior, Senior, Sophomore
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

UW Signature

Subjects

Educational Policy Studies, Environmental Studies - Gaylord Nelson Institute, Gender and Womens Studies, History, International Studies, Journalism and Mass Communication, Lafollette School Pub Affairs, Legal Studies, Political Science, Sociology.

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Apartments

Program Duration

Fall semester: early September to mid December

Spring semester: early January to early May

Summer: early June to end of July

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 11/14/2025 Cost Details
Fall 2026-27 3/20/2026 Cost Details
Extended Deadline: 3/30/2026
Spring 2026-27 9/11/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

Fall or Spring Semester Program

1. Wisconsin in Washington Internship course (4 credits) - taught by Bola Olaniyan, Wisconsin in Washington Program Director

Organizations and Professional Development integrates students professional intern experience, academic background and career goals to “bridge the gap” between theory and practice in professional organizations. It examines the roles, structures, norms, and administrative functions of various types of organizations and explores professional skills, career paths and workplace dynamics through readings, assignments and first-hand accounts. This course will give you the opportunity to see how public policy and the working world are intertwined. You will learn about different types of organizations and the variety of careers within them. Interning will introduce you to the professional world, navigating relationships, making independent decisions, and maintaining a positive outlook. You will have a chance to enhance professional skills, build a network of contacts, and explore possible career pathways available in and around Washington, DC in both the domestic and international fields.

2. US Foreign Policy Issues (4 credits) - taught by a visiting lecturer

This course will examine current issues in US foreign policy and will focus on policy developments in select regions and countries around the world in light of stated US foreign policy goals and objectives. It will cover current topics of interest ranging from European security issues and NATO’S future to US policy toward Mexico and US trade policy to regional issues such as the US presence in Asia, including the North Korea question, relations with China and the role of Japan.  Guest presenters who are experts in the areas to be covered will be invited to conduct certain class sessions. Students will be expected to write a policy paper at the end of the semester recommending future directions for US foreign policy.  

3. Domestic policy focused course (4 credits) - taught by a visiting lecturer

Summer Program

1. Wisconsin in Washington Internship course (3 credits)

This course is an 8-week version of the semester internship and professional development class.

UW-Madison Equivalents

All courses for the program do have a pre-approved equivalent available (see link below), but it may be possible to receive a different UW-Madison equivalent than what has been pre-approved. This is especially true in the case of the internship/professional development course, as it is possible to request an equivalent in a department that corresponds to the field of your internship (journalism, communications, healthcare, gender and women’s issues, education, etc). Students have the opportunity to submit new course equivalent requests after acceptance in the program. In the meantime, you may find it helpful to speak with your academic advisor about your academic plan and courses for your major or ceritficate.

SoHE Majors can use the International Studies equivalent for the WiW Internship course to fulfill the SoHE internship requirement.

Global Health students may be able to use their internship to fulfill their field experience requirement. You should consult with your academic advisor about the approval process.

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents