The Washington Semester
Applications for the Marxe Washington Semester Fall 2026 Cohort are now closed. The next application cycle will be for the Fall 2027 cohort – please check back for updates.
The Washington Semester program is open to Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of International Affairs (MIA), and Master of Science in Higher Education Administration (MSEd-HEA) students. All students selected to participate in the Washington Semester receive Marxe Study Away Awards to cover the cost of housing at a student housing residence arranged by the program.
- Gain unique insight into the public policy process through the academic coursework and an intensive internship in legislative offices on Capitol Hill, federal agencies, or nonprofit organizations.
- Guest lectures from leading well-known journalists, top administrators, and key policymakers; access to academic and student support services remotely and in person throughout the semester; tours of national landmarks; museums (e.g., National Archives; Smithsonian: Air and Space, American Indian, etc.); cultural & networking events
- Students work full days Monday through Wednesday and a half-day on Thursday (at least 28 hours per week)
- Participate in courses taught in Washington D.C. in a seminar format by Baruch College faculty with extensive DC experience.
- Obtain 12 graduate-level credits toward the Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of International Affairs (MIA), Master of Science in Higher Education Administration (MSEd-HEA), or Master of Science in City Planning (MSCP)
- Experience everything the nation’s capital has to offer – network with policymakers and thought leaders and participate in tours of historical landmarks.
The Washington Semester Program Brochure
Contact Information
- For internship questions contact Faculty Director Yvette LaGonterie Yvette.Lagonterie@baruch.cuny.edu
- For application, housing, orientation, and scholarship questions contact mspiaglobalinitiatives@baruch.cuny.edu
- Students are encouraged to reach out to the Advisement Office at mspia.advisement@baruch.cuny.edu to discuss how The Washington Semester courses will fit within their overall program plan