The Washington Semester Program began in 1947 and has been educating students for over 70 years. Lehigh University has been a participating institution since 1954. The program is an opportunity for juniors and seniors at Lehigh to immerse in intensive academic seminars in the nation’s capital while simultaneously engaging in a meaningful internship. Students enroll at Lehigh but spend their semester in residence at American University with peers from the other participating colleges and universities. Students from all majors are welcome to participate in the program. In recent years, the top majors include Political Science, Economics, Business, International Relations, and Journalism.
Lehigh students typically enroll in two 4-credit seminars while partaking in the Washington Semester Program, one 4-credit internship, and an elective course. Officials at American University will assist students in finding a 3 days-a-week internship and will also supervise the internship. In addition, Lehigh students will be provided American University housing and dining options, campus student support services, and programming and student affairs oversight.
Further information about the Washington Semester Program is available from Professor Brian Fife, Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science, Lehigh University (blf218@lehigh.edu) and by visiting American University’s website. Interested students may also wish to direct questions about the program to Terrell Austin, Director of Partner Relations, American University (taustin@american.edu).
Applications Now Open for Fall 2023!
At American University, we have created a way forward for students to experience DC in Spring 2022.
- Live in DC or do the program from home
- Intern for a DC organization--choose in-person or virtual options
- Take online seminars examining the most critical issues impacting the world today
- We offer in-person, hybrid, and fully online options to meet you where you are.
Unprecedented Options - The DC Difference
Distinctive – with over 70 years of offering life-changing study-away experiences
Choose state-of-the-art housing at the Flats at Bethesda, 1301 Thomas Circle, or Meridian Mount Vernon at AU housing rates.
Request Info Apply Now Contacts
QUESTIONS: american.edu/washsem, EMAIL: washsem@american.edu, phone: 202-895-4900