Study and work in Washington DC
USC’s Dornsife Washington DC Program provides students with a unique, semester-long opportunity to study and work in the nation’s capital.
Our immersive program offers a tailored “DC experience”. Students take courses drawn from areas with direct policy relevance such as foreign affairs, the political process, and national security decision making.
All courses are taught by USC faculty and practitioners who are experts in their respective fields and hold extensive, real-world experience.
Scale your academic and career goals.
Launch your future with USC’s dedicated Washington DC semester program supported by experienced leaders to provide the world-class experience of USC in Washington DC.
Get face-to face with the most influential people in the world with experiential learning.
USC Dornsife DC Program is open to students of all majors.
All students are required to complete an internship with one of Washington’s many policy-focused organizations, such as government agencies, NGOs, advocacy groups, think tanks, consulting firms, and congressional offices. The program assists students in finding internships that offer the best work experience to complement the student’s academic and career goals.
The Program offers dynamic co-curricular and cultural events that include speakers series, visits to area attractions and institutions, and professional development workshops. Students are encouraged to attend the various events held weekly around the D.C. area, such as think tank panels, book launches, embassy open houses, and congressional hearings.
Set yourself up for success.
Dornsife Washington DC Program is designed to give students an opportunity to come study and work in the nation’s capital.
Terry Wang ’24 is interning at the International Trade Administration in the Department of Commerce. As an intern for the Assistant Secretary of Global Markets, Terry prepares the daily briefing book and participates in trade meetings between the U.S. government and the private sector. His favorite part of this semester is being able to play a role in policymaking.
“It’s not everyday when you can go to work and be on a first name basis with a Senate-confirmed official. Interning at a federal agency gives you a unique opportunity to work alongside some of the most important policymakers in our country.”
How we rank
175+
Students have participated
150+
Internships through our Program
27
Majors represented
A semester with USC in Washington DC
Dornsife DC on social media
A big Trojan day in DC! We’re pleased to be the inaugural occupants of the new Capital Campus.
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On Wednesday students in our US foreign policy course had the unique opportunity to visit the Pentagon and meet with USC International Relations alum (2009) and current Deputy Press Secretary Ms. Sabrina Singh.
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Students had the special opportunity to meet with President Folt and share their experience in the USC D.C. program on the day of the USC Capital Campus opening. We cannot wait for what the future holds!
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We are excited to announce the launch of a fall 2023 semester at the new USC Capital Campus! Apply today to become a part of Dornsife DC’s inaugural semester at Capital Campus.
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Meet Isobel, a junior from New Zealand majoring in International Relations, with a minor in News Media and Society.
This semester as a communications intern with the U.S. Helsinki Commission, she assists with social media, press releases and all things communication. Her favorite aspect of the semester thus far has been gaining special access to the nation’s capitol.
“Growing up across the world I didn’t know much about American politics. This semester has given me unparalleled insight into the institutions and people who run the country. Being part of a small cohort is such a highlight – it means we all take classes together and get to know each other really well. I can’t recommend this program enough!” @helsinkicommission #DornsifeLife #USC
@usc.dc
Meet Elizabeth Chen, a sophomore from Georgia majoring in Public Policy. This semester Elizabeth has worked as a Legislative Intern at the Office of Congresswoman Judy Chu assisting in drafting letters, answering constituent calls, and helping out with events the Congresswoman hosts.
Elizabeth is also the Community Engagement Intern at HousingUp, a D.C. based affordable housing nonprofit. There, she works with the families living in the housing sites.
Her favorite part of the program has been the community she found in D.C. “I have never been surrounded by so many people who are passionate about the same policies as me. Within the cohort, at work, or even at the grocery store, I always find myself interacting with brilliant minded people who never fail to teach me something new.”
@usc.dc
Last month students visited the National Counterterrorism Center museum and had the opportunity to meet with Director Christine Abizaid and Executive Director Celia Durall to learn about career opportunities and the Center’s mission protecting our nation from terrorism.
Thank you @odnigov! @uscedu @uscdornsife #DornsifeLife
@usc.dc
Our amazing student Danielle John helped the White House out here in LA for the Summit of the Americas. Now she’s off with POTUS in Philly
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We were thrilled to have Dr. Frank Luntz on campus today to introduce his class for next semester! These students will be taking “How Washington Really Works” here in LA and can’t wait to get started.
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Adam Jackman is a rising junior majoring in Political Science and History. This spring Adam interned in the U.S. House of Representatives in the personal office of fellow Trojan Young Kim, representing California’s 39th congressional district. Adam worked both with the policy staff, focusing on foreign affairs and healthcare issues, and the communications staff, writing letters, drafting speeches and designing talking points for legislation. Adam’s favorite part of the program we’re the amazing courses that Dornsife D.C. offered, enriching his love of communications and national security.
@usc.dc
Maddy Hood is a rising junior majoring in Political Science and minoring in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence. This spring, Maddy interned in the House of Representatives and learned about both the legislative and communications processes of Congress firsthand. In her position, Maddy answered phones, drafted memos and social media posts, and conducted legislative research, among other responsibilities. Maddy’s favorite parts of the DC program were getting to meet so many amazing Trojans and gain a clearer understanding of what she hopes to do after graduation.
@usc.dc
We still have spots open in this course taught by our first practitioner in residence. David taught in our program here in DC before joining the Biden administration. This will be his first class in LA. There are no prerequisites. The first in person session will be 1/24.
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This is our tenth year in DC!! We have lots of exciting things planned. Stay tuned!
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It’s that time again! Come study in DC as we celebrate 10 years of this program. We are still accepting applications and will until all housing spots are filled. Apply today!
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USC’s premier Washington DC experience.
Fall, spring, and summer programs. Classes, internships, student housing.
Gain a competitive edge with Dornsife Washington DC semester program.
Questions?
If you’d like to learn more about our semester in Washington DC program, email dornsifedc@usc.edu, or contact the program Director, Dr. Jeffrey Fields, at jrfields@usc.edu to set up an appointment.