FAQs

Students take four courses (including the internship directed study) drawn from the USC catalogue. The focus is on politics, policy, and international relations. All students enroll in a four unit directed study to obtain credit for their internship. See the course page for past offerings.

No. The Dornsife DC program is open to all USC students. The course offerings have no prerequisites. In upcoming semesters we will offer courses in other disciplines, such as history and economics, as well.

Regardless of your major, we recommend meeting with your advisors before applying to this program, to make sure it fits with your schedule and academic goals.

DACA students may apply for the Program. At this time, however, international students on F-1 and J-1 visas are not eligible to participate in the program (this is temporary but in effect for Spring 2025)

Yes, but you fill first need approval from the program director. Please reach out to jrfields@usc.edu if you are a transfer student and need clearance or have any questions.

Dornsife Washington DC semester program follows the regular USC academic calendar. Students should be prepared to arrive in DC the weekend before classes begin. All university holidays, including fall and spring break, are observed.

Tuition for the program will be the same as on the main campus as the courses are drawn straight from the USC catalogue and taught by USC instructors. Financial aid and scholarships will apply. Housing costs average to around $1,600 per month. Housing costs go directly to your USC account.

Washington DC is one of the most expensive in the country in terms of living expenses. We have endeavored to find the best deal possible for students. Housing costs are comparable to (in fact, less expensive than) other DC programs at other universities. The monthly housing fee for a shared, fully furnished, luxury apartment includes cable television, wifi, cookware and utensils, linens, towels, and more. Our apartment building has a gym, yoga room, a 24-hour concierge, pool, business center, and many other amenities. We have a few stipends to help keep housing costs in line with what students pay at USC. Students should also inquire with their respective departments about scholarship and fellowships to help with costs.

Students are encouraged to identify and begin applying to agencies and organizations they are interested in during the application process. We will work with all students selected to help find an internship that best fits the student’s individual interests and course of study. Acceptance to the program does not mean we have an internship already lined up for you.

It depends on where you work! Most government internships are unpaid, though there are many think tanks and NGOs that offer a stipend to their interns. Because there is no required “type” of internship for this program, you are welcome to apply to both paid and unpaid internships, according to your preference. Please refer to the courses and internships page to view a list of available fellowship programs.

Of course. Contact us and we will put you in touch with past students so you can hear their experiences and perspectives.

All application materials can be found here on the Dornsife DC website. Visit our Apply tab to get familiar with the application process.

It’s never too early to express your interest in studying and working in Washington DC with USC. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates.

Letters may be submitted by any professor you feel can best speak to your abilities and potential in this program. There is no requirement that the letters come from a professor in a specific discipline or college.

Because a formal interview is required as part of the application process, please allow up to 2 weeks after the application deadline to be notified. If you are concerned about timing, please schedule an earlier interview, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Absolutely! If these FAQs didn’t provide the answers you’re looking for, feel free to send any questions via email to dornsifedc@usc.edu, or contact the director Dr. Jeffrey Fields at jrfields@usc.edu to set up an appointment.