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Quinnipiac University

College of Arts and Sciences Quinnipiac University in Washington, D.C.

The Quinnipiac University in Washington, D.C., program (QU in DC) offers a life-changing experience for students of all majors. Live, work and learn in the nation’s capital as you immerse yourself in the epicenter of American politics, government, criminal justice, public relations firms, national media, international relations and national security. With more broadcast media companies, news organizations, elite public relations firms and government agencies than anywhere else in the world, D.C. offers a unique opportunity for aspiring communications, political science and business professionals to kick-start their careers.
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Program Overview

The US Capitol building glows at night in downtown Washington, D.C.

Opportunities await in our nation’s capital

Washington, D.C., is a place unlike any other, and one of the fastest growing, most vibrant cities in the U.S. over the past five years. It is also the epicenter of American news media, national politics and foreign affairs, public policy research and public relations. The QU in DC program positions you right in the middle of it.

At the heart of this immersive program is your internship, where you’ll work full-time at one of D.C.’s top media, government, political advocacy or communications organizations. This means giving the best of yourself each day in a society-changing nonprofit, bustling newsroom, lobbying firm, national think tank or a congressional office. We guarantee an internship placement that advances your career ambitions.

Your courses are in your residential facility, with an auditorium and seminar classrooms just steps away from your apartment. You attend faculty expert seminars that provide insights into real-world topics in public policy, law, media, international relations, trade and security. Also, your internship will lead to your creating an e-portfolio that allows you to highlight your developing skills and professional work for future potential employers and graduate schools.

Whatever drives you, one thing is certain: in this city, you’ve got options, and boredom is never one of them. You’ll also have the benefit of 24/7 support. Seminar courses are taught by faculty with years of experience in politics, criminal justice, global affairs and communications.

Two ways to participate

  • Academic Internship Semester
  • Weeklong Seminar

Academic Internship Semester

Open to students in any major, you'll spend an entire Summer or Spring semester interning and learning in Washington. QU in DC assists you in getting a full-time internship that corresponds to your intellectual and professional goals. Examples of internships include those in Congress, Homeland Security, the media, interest groups, nonprofit advocacy organizations, and policy think tanks. You can also take an elective seminar in fields such as political science, communications, international business, media studies or economics. In the past, students have participated in career workshops to help them get ready for the next steps in their careers.

Students can earn 15 Quinnipiac credits during this program. Cost is tuition, fees and housing fees for the semester. Scholarships and financial aid apply to the program.

Life in D.C.

Three students take a selfie in front of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

Where it’s all happening

Off the clock, you’ll experience the very best of D.C. culture in some of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country. When you arrive, you’ll see why D.C. is considered one of the easiest cities in the country to get around in. Your apartment’s centralized location is just a short bus or metro ride to and from internships and every other activity the city has to offer, eliminating the need for a car. Here, you’ll also find students from other similar programs, creating the feel of a true community of young professionals.

All residences have 24-hour security, RAs, laundry in your apartment, a common exercise room, a computer center and lounge area. Additionally, the program is run by a full-time staff member who will ensure that you make an easy transition to your internship and to make the most of everything this exciting city has to offer.

You’ll have free time to hang out with roommates at the Lincoln Memorial, see world-class entertainment and theater or grab lunch together in one of the nation’s best restaurant scenes. Begin your morning with a run along the Potomac, followed by shopping in Georgetown and a night game at Nationals Park. Experience the city’s vibrant music scene at the 9:30 Club or catch a nationally touring play at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Students may be housed in one of several thriving and diverse neighborhoods in the heart of D.C., all with resident staff onsite and all conveniently accessible to D.C.’s Metro, marketplaces and entertainment. Students share bedrooms in fully furnished apartments that are exclusive to QU in DC interns, ensuring that you’ll be surrounded by similarly driven and talented peers.

  • NoMa: NoMa (i.e. North of Massachusetts Avenue) is a hip, up-and-coming neighborhood located just a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol and historic Union Station. NoMa is home to Union Market, with its creative shops, modern restaurants and distinguishable mural art, as well as NPR headquarters and the National Postal Museum.

  • 450 K Street: A big little neighborhood with heart and soul. At the core of Mount Vernon Triangle are people (and their dogs) who love being in a thriving, inclusive community close to work and everything that’s important. Trendsetting restaurants, new places to shop, converse and be active.

Internships and Partnerships

Washington, D.C., is not only our nation’s capital, but a bustling hub with thousands of internship and networking opportunities.

For over 25 years, Quinnipiac students have interned at scores of organizations in the D.C. area, including national security agencies, congressional offices and the White House, as well as think tanks, legacy and digital news publications, and public affairs agencies. Your internship experiences culminate with an independent capstone project. All course and internship grades are transferred to your official Quinnipiac transcripts and count toward graduation.

 

Students have interned at the following locations:

  • The White House

  • Congress

  • Foreign Embassies

  • U.S. Marshals Service

  • National Security Agency

  • INTERPOL

  • Department of Homeland Security

  • D. C. Criminal Court

  • The Pentagon

  • U.S. Department of Education

  • CNN

  • NPR

  • C-SPAN

  • Washington Post

  • Washington Examiner

Quinnipiac has partnered with some of the nation’s best experiential education programs. Prior to your semester in D.C., you’ll work with these programs to find the ideal internship that matches your abilities and career goals.

The Washington Center

American University

Headshot of Ambar Pagan, plays video

Experience a Day in the Life as a Student in D.C.

Are you interested in the political environment and want to intern in the heart of the United States government? Follow Ambar Pagan '22, a political science major, as she tells you about her experience in Washington DC, working at the Capitol for Representative Nydia Velazquez.

Admission Requirements

QU in DC is designed to push you beyond your limits as you experience what today’s media and political landscape is all about. If you’re serious about challenging and rewarding careers in journalism, public relations or politics, then take the leap and begin that journey in the heart of Washington, D.C. We can’t wait to work with you.

QU in DC semesters are open to currently enrolled Quinnipiac juniors and seniors of any major who have maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA and meet their program’s prerequisites for internships. Students have their choice of attending during the spring, summer or fall semesters. In exceptional cases, sophomores in programs that do not have specific internship requirements may petition to apply.

Two-week seminars in January and May are open to students in any year of college, and are a popular alternative for those who want a taste of DC before committing to a full semester of coursework and an internship. Interested students are advised to start planning and applying in their first year or sophomore year.

Students pay their regular semester tuition, a program fee and housing. They also are able to transport their financial aid package to D.C. Financial aid applies only in the fall and spring semesters. Students in accelerated programs must pay full tuition/housing.

Spring/Fall: Full time – 15 credits: tuition + $1,200 fee + housing fee (varies by specific program). A significant number of our students win additional merit-based scholarships.

Summer Semester: 9 credits: tuition + housing + $1,200 fee. (Certain summer merit scholarships may be available.)

Additional Costs
All QU in DC students are responsible for their own transportation to Washington, D.C., as well as groceries, professional wardrobe, public transportation and other expenses.

You can apply to the QU in DC program by completing the following steps:

  1. Start your pre-application on the QU in DC application portal Start your pre-application
  2. Contact program director Professor Scott McLean by email at scott.mclean@qu.edu or phone at 203-582-8686.
  3. Discuss your intentions with your academic adviser.
  4. Apply to QU in DC institution by the deadline. Include goal statement, writing sample and faculty recommendations. Some internships may require earlier deadlines.
  5. Commit to your DC semester and fill out Post-Decision Forms by mid-semester. Once your proposed program of courses and internship is approved, it ensures that your programs will earn Quinnipiac credits.

Spring Semester: October 2

January Term DC courses: October 30

Summer Semester: March 1

Fall Semester: April 1

Frequently Asked Questions

Through this unique program, students in communications, business or arts and sciences will gain:

  1. An opportunity to engage in tailor-made professional internships and expert-level academic seminars
  2. New knowledge of the connections between theories and the real-world landscape of public policy, national security and media
  3. A greatly expanded professional network
  4. A deep portfolio of meaningful, professional work

For over 25 years, Quinnipiac students have interned at scores of organizations in the DC area, including national security agencies, congressional offices and the White House as well think tanks, public relations firms, legacy media and emerging digital news publications, and public affairs agencies. Students experience firsthand how QU in DC gives invaluable training to build a wide professional network and supercharge their career launch.

Advisers work closely with students to find the kind of internship that matches each student’s personality, talents and career goals. Some locations where students have interned previously include:

  • The White House
  • Congress
  • Foreign Embassies
  • Public Relations firms
  • Lobbying firms
  • Issue Advocacy organizations
  • U.S. Marshals Service
  • National Security Agency
  • INTERPOL
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • DC Criminal Court
  • The Pentagon
  • U.S. Department of Education
  • Washington Examiner
  • CNN
  • NPR
  • C-SPAN
  • Washington Post

15 credits in Fall/Spring semester, 9 credits in summer. Grades and credits earned are recorded on the student’s Quinnipiac University transcript and count toward graduation. In most cases, students complete some of their major or minor requirements while in Washington.

In addition to the internship, QU in DC scholars engage in an elective advanced seminar and a professional development program of field trips and speakers. All students also complete an independent, internship-based research inquiry project.

QU in DC works in full partnership with the best experiential education programs in the business. The semester prior to your semester in DC, these affiliated programs help you choose and match you with the best possible internship for your professional interests and ability level. They also provide you with support, job-readiness training and reflection during the internship. While in the program you also take advanced seminars in your major or minor while in DC. Check out:

The Washington Center

American University

QU in DC students are required to live in the residential facilities of the program. Services and amenities there are equal to, or superior to, those at Quinnipiac University. Housing is conveniently accessible to DC Metro, exciting new marketplaces and world-class entertainment and dining. Students are responsible for following housing, behavioral and academic regulations set by the affiliated institution and Quinnipiac.

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Contact the College of Arts and Sciences

We're always here to help provide additional information and answer any questions you may have.

203-582-7935
CASdeans@qu.edu

275 Mount Carmel Ave.
Hamden, CT 06518

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