Learn in a Different Way
The Washington Semester Program is open to all majors! Students take UGA courses, live in Delta Hall, and intern full-time.
Academics & Credit
Courses in Washington, DC
Students complete six credit hours by enrolling in two courses taught by UGA faculty at Delta Hall:
- Washington Seminar: An experiential course designed to connect students with the people, institutions, and issues shaping public policy.
- Elective Course: A traditional academic course centered on lectures, readings, and group discussion.
WASH 3400 – The Washington Seminar
- Taught by Dr. Jocelyn Frelier, Director of the Washington Semester Program
- 3 credit hours
- This seminar leverages the vibrant DC-based, UGA alumni community and the expertise of professionals working across sectors to introduce students to various aspects of life, work, and culture in Washington, DC. Specific subjects and speakers will be announced in the course syllabus.
POLS 4790 – Special Topics in American Politics
- Fall 2026 – Political Campaigns and Applied Politics: Gateways to Policymaking
- Taught by Dr. R. Sam Garrett, Specialist in American National Government at the Congressional Research Service and Adjunct Professorial Lecturer at American University
- 3 credit hours
- This course will prepare students to understand and analyze how political campaigns and applied politics serve as a gateway to the policymaking process. Much of our discussion will be organized around topics related to congressional and presidential campaigns and elections in the United States, such as campaign finance, political parties, and campaign behavior. We also will consider how recent debates over major public policy issues are reflected in the campaign environment, and how the transition from campaigning to governing occurs. As such, we will also explore contemporary policy developments in Congress and the presidency, with special attention to how policy developments became, or might become, campaign issues and vice versa. Active participation is an important component of the course. As a Washington Semester course, there are no prerequisites. Familiarity with and interest in domestic politics and/or the policy process is helpful.
INTL 4770 – Special Topics in International Relations
- Fall 2026 – Grand Strategy and Great Power Politics
- Taught by Dr. Lee Lukoff
- 3 credit hours
- This course explores the development of American Grand Strategy, from the founding to the present. Students will learn about grand strategy both in theory and practice and obtain an understanding of the political, cultural, economic, social, ideological, and geographical factors that have shaped strategic thinking in the United States. Students will consider both defenses and critiques of the choices US leaders have made and obtain an understanding of the ethical dilemmas involved in the making of US Foreign Policy. At the end of the semester, each student will leave the course having obtained the ability to think, speak, research, and write about American Grand Strategy as a foreign policy practitioner would be able to do.
Internship & Additional Coursework
In addition to the six credit hours earned through courses in Washington, DC, students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 total credit hours during the semester.
Most students meet this requirement through a combination of:
- Internship credit
- Directed study coursework
- Other approved academic coursework
Receiving Credit for Your Internship
Students interested in earning credit for an internship or directed study within their major should note that:
- Admission to the major is typically required
- Prerequisite coursework may be required, depending on the department
- Credit requirements vary by academic program
Students should consult with their academic advisor to determine how internship credit can be applied toward their degree while participating in the Washington Semester Program.
