An inside look at the work being done in our nation's capital!
This program is generously subsidized by Opus: The Art of Work in order to offer this academic experience for less than the actual cost.
Program Overview
Wheaton in Washington offers students an inside look into the work of men and women in the nation's capital. After almost two weeks of advanced preparation on campus, we will travel to Washington D.C. to interact with people who work in a wide range of organizations in many different fields. We fill every weekday interviews and sessions with legislators, congressional aides, interest group and NGO leaders, think tank experts, journalists, religious leaders, lobbyists, administration officials, and more.
"Wheaton in Washington showed me concrete ways my passions and interests could intersect with my political science major in my future career - new and interesting opportunities I didn't even know existed until then." Shannon Mickelson Campbell ('09), Research Analyst, public health.
- Sponsoring Department: Politics and International Relations
- Program Leader(s): Dr. Amy Black, Professor of Political Science
- Term: Summer
- On-Campus Dates: TBD
- Program Dates: TBD
- Estimated Cost: TBD
- Prerequisites: PSCI 135: American Government (or its equivalent); students choosing to take IR 374 will need IR 175: International Politics (or its equivalent)
- Eligibility: Wheaton and non-Wheaton College students with at least a 2.75 GPA, who have completed the prerequisite courses by May. First year students are strongly encouraged to apply. All non-Wheaton College students must supply a letter of reference from a faculty member at their home institution.
- Highlights: Sessions and interviews with legislators, policy experts, journalists, NGO leaders, and others. Students have the opportunity to explore the many sights that D.C. has to offer on the weekends!
Course Offerings
Wheaton in Washington students register for a total of 4 credit hours of required courses:
PSCI 232 Campaigns in Context (2 credit hours)
An examination of federal, state, and local campaigns with an emphasis on the politics and context of the November election.
PSCI 233/IR 374 Washington Workshop (2 credit hours)
Reflections on the meetings, briefings, and excursions in Washington, D.C.
Students are strongly encouraged, but not required, to take PSCI 353 in Spring as it will offer useful background and insights for the coursework and meetings in the summer program.
PSCI 353 Power, Politics and Washington DC (2 credit hours)
An introduction to the institutions and actors who help to shape national politics. Includes weekly interaction with alumni and others who are seeking to influence public policy.
Offered B quad, Spring semester
Program Fees
The estimated program fee covers tuition for four credit hours, round-trip airfare between Chicago and Washington D.C., lodging in Wheaton and in Arlington, VA, most weekday meals when on-campus and all weekday meals in Washington D.C., ground transportation in Washington D.C. Students are responsible for the cost of any books, weekend meals (Saturday and Sunday) for the duration of the program, and all personal expenses.
Learn More
If you would like further information or have specific questions about Wheaton in Washington, contact Dr. Amy Black, Professor of Political Science, at 630.752.5980 or MSC 217.
How to Apply
To apply to be part of Wheaton in Washington, visit GoGlobal, Wheaton College's registration system for off-campus study and international travel, research, and internships.