Carnegie Mellon University Washington Semester Program (CMU/WSP)
In DC, decisions are made by those who show up. This is your oportunity.
The Carnegie Mellon University Washington Semester Program (CMU/WSP) provides undergraduate students from any department or major the opportunity to live, intern, and study in the nation's capital. Sponsored by the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy & Technology, students earn 48 units interning about twenty-four hours per week in any sector or field of interest within Washington, DC, while taking classes taught by Carnegie Mellon faculty.
From embassies to nongovernmental organizations, think tanks to advocacy organizations, government agencies to congressional offices, and consulting firms to media outlets, Washington, DC, is the center for many political, international relations, and public policy activities. Students in the program come into direct contact with political, business, and industry-specific leaders and learn about the most pressing policy issues of the day.
Through this experiential learning program, CMU/WSP participants develop professional and networking skills, explore how coursework connects to the real world, learn to give and receive constructive feedback in the workplace and classroom, and intentionally reflect on their learning and growth. CMIST also sponsors events and policy-oriented opportunities in Washington for students participating in the program to further enrich their experience and enhance their understanding of how Washington functions as a hub of international and domestic policy making.
To facilitate the internship search process, applications are accepted on a rolling admission basis with a final deadline of October 1 for spring semester participation and March 1 for fall semester participation.
How to Apply
Eligibility
Full-time undergraduates from any college and major at Carnegie Mellon University are eligible to apply to the Carnegie Mellon University Washington Semester Program (CMU/WSP).
Junior year is the ideal time to participate in the CMU/WSP. The program, however, is open to second-semester sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Students must declare a primary major before attending the CMU/WSP.
Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic record with a minimum cumulative QPA of 3.0. Exceptions may be made for students with lower QPAs based on strong recommendation letters and application materials.
Carnegie Mellon undergraduates wishing to spend a semester in Washington, DC, pursuing an internship while earning credit and completing coursework are encouraged to apply to the CMU/WSP.
Application Components
- The CMU/WSP online application form.
- A one-page essay explaining how a semester in Washington, DC, ties into your curricular plans at Carnegie Mellon and how it will contribute to your professional development. We encourage you to define your internship interests in this essay.The essay will be uploaded into the CMU/WSP online application form.
- Your current resume. Please use the following worksheet and checklist to develop your CMU/WSP résumé. Your resume will be uploaded into the CMU/WSP online application form.
- Meet with your primary academic advisor to discuss your curricular plans. Your advisor will need to fill out an advisor approval form.
- Unofficial transcript from Carnegie Mellon and official transcripts for any other undergraduate institutions where you have completed course work. You can download your unofficial transcript from SIO. Your transcript will be uploaded into the CMU/WSP online application form.
- Two letters of recommendation, which should be emailed to cmuwsp@andrew.cmu.edu. Letters should be on letterhead and saved in .pdf format. Letters should be addressed to "To Whom It May Concern" and speak broadly to your application for an internship in Washington, DC. All letters of recommendation, along with an endorsement from the program, will be later forwarded by CMU/WSP staff to each internship site where you submit an application.
- Faculty recommendation: At least one letter should come from a Carnegie Mellon faculty member who has taught you in class. The letter should address your academic performance, ability to work in varied academic settings, ability to work independently, and writing skills. The recommender should also comment, if knowledgeable, on your extracurricular involvement, service, and leadership experience.
- General recommendation: The second letter of recommendation may be written by a second faculty member or by another referee (such as a supervisor, coach, advisor, or volunteer coordinator) who can speak to how this opportunity complements your intellectual or career interests. The recommender should also comment, if knowledgeable, on your extracurricular involvement, service, and leadership experience.
- If you wish to be considered for a Friedman Semester Fellowship, please submit your financial aid letter from the HUB.
Application Deadline
Academics
Before You Go
Students who are admitted to the CMU/WSP will be enrolled in 84-215 Tomorrow’s Professionals in the mini semester directly preceding their time in DC. This 3-unit (pass/no pass) seminar is designed to facilitate students’ deliberate thinking about professionalism, so that they can: begin to practice it upon entry into their respective internships and avoid decisions or behaviors that could hamper their success, build their unique brands, identify opportunities to excel, and ensure overall excellence in their careers. Throughout the seminar, students will discuss professional conduct, leadership, teamwork, interview techniques and strategies for success. Students will also discuss real-time and simulated workplace challenges, and problem-solve as a group to develop meaningful, professional resolutions to difficult workplace scenarios. Being prepared for such scenarios, and responding intentionally to challenges can make or break a career.
Professionalism is a lifelong skill. The goal of this seminar is to provide students with the necessary tools to begin building their professional careers so that they have a set of skills to rely on as they grow within their careers. Given the right preparation and tool kit—students that practice professionalism will see their careers catapulted forward and doors open indefinitely.
While in Washington
During the semester in Washington, DC, students earn 48-units, taking a combination of mini and full semester courses. Students take classes three evenings per week. Each class meets only one evening per week. All courses are taught by CMIST faculty and all classes are held in the CMU/WSP classrooms on Capitol Hill. The academic program consists of the following:
Curriculum
I. 84-360 Internship Seminar (24 units)
Full semester course, plus 25-30 hours per week internship
II. Seminar on Public Policy Research, Writing, and Implementation (12 units)
Full semester course. Options vary by semester. Students enroll in one course from the following list:
- 84-336 Implementing Public Policy: From Good Idea to Reality (spring)
- 84-339 Seminar in Public Policy Research (fall)
III. Seminars on American Politics, Governance, Institutions, and Law (12 units)
Students enroll in one course in each mini during the semester they are in Washington, DC, for a total of 2 seminars and 12 units.
Financial
Costs and Fees
Students who attend CMU/WSP will continue to pay Carnegie Mellon full-time tuition, standard double room fee, and other fees to Carnegie Mellon for the semester in which they are in Washington, DC, and are eligible to receive the same financial aid package. To discuss specifics of financial aid packages, please contact The HUB.
Students will be responsible for their own dining costs. Student housing is equipped with a full kitchen and students will be able to prepare their own meals.
Financial Assistance
Friedman Fellowship - Fall/Spring
For more than two decades, the Friedman Fellowships have supported Carnegie Mellon students who obtain low- or non-paying internships in public service, nongovernmental organizations, or other entities in DC. The Fellowships include stipends of up to $2500 for fall/spring, and expose students to leadership events, networking opportunities, and events around the District. Friedman interns work on substantive projects, develop professional skills and benefit from the personal attention of a supervisor at their organization
The Milton and Cynthia Friedman Fellowships were created in 2000 through a generous gift from Cynthia Friedman, a trustee emerita, in memory of her husband, an alumnus of Carnegie Mellon. The grants encourage the participation of undergraduate and graduate students in policy-related internships located in the nation’s capital. They are designed to foster significant work experiences that complement students’ academic work and assist them as they make career and graduate education decisions.
Fall and spring semester Friedman Fellowships are only open to students participate in the Carnegie Mellon University Washington Semester Program.
Student Eligibility Requirements:
- Undergraduate student at Carnegie Mellon University
- Admitted into the CMU/WSP
Core Components:
- Friedman Fellows are provided with a stipend of $2500.
- Friedman Fellows are expected to attend informal in-person seminars on policy topics and organized events. Fellows may also be asked to meet with the Friedman family during or after the semester in Washington.
- After completing the internship, students must provide a thank you letter summarizing their internship experience that includes reflections on internship learning outcomes, personal growth, professional development, and future career interests.
For More Information
For more information about the Friedman Fellowship during the Fall or Spring semesters, please contact Emily Half, Deputy Director, Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy & Technology (CMIST).
Housing & Living
Housing
- Walking distance to three metro stops
- New Safeway grocery store across the street
- Fitness center with cardio theatre
- Twenty-four-hour concierge
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Granite countertops with stainless steel appliances
- Full size washer/dryer
- Hi-speed Internet access
- Digital cable package
Photos courtesy of TurnKey.
Living in DC
Living in Washington, DC, will provide students with academic and professional growth as well as interesting social and life experiences. DC offers a wealth of museums, restaurants, movies, clubs, sporting events, networking, speaker’s series, and festivals that are readily available to the public.
Popular resources for events include The Washington Post’s Going Out Guide, Washington City Paper’s events page, and Washingtonian’s Things to Do.
Internships
Internships are crucial. They confirm your interest. They get your foot in the door. They create networks. Find your next one here.
Carnegie Mellon University Washington Semester Program (CMU/WSP) staff provides comprehensive and hands-on support to help students find and successfully complete the ideal internship that aligns with their professional goals and personal interests. Our personalized approach ensures that every student receives the guidance and resources needed to succeed in Washington, DC.
Participating in the Washington Semester Program or planning to complete a summer internship in DC? Explore opportunities based on your interests. Check out the links to explore a variety of organizations in DC.
Internship Search Support
The internship search process begins with one-on-one strategy meetings, where we work with students to talk through career interests, identify potential internship opportunities, and develop a personalized search plan. Throughout the internship search, we provide ongoing internship recommendations tailored to specific interests and aspirations. Students receive personalized emails, in addition to our weekly internship roundup newsletter, ensuring that they are aware of new and relevant opportunities.
The CMU/WSP staff provides support in drafting and submitting resumes, cover letters, writing samples, and conducts mock-interviews to support students every step of the way. Through the Tomorrow’s Professionals mini course, students gain insights into professionalism and engage in discussions about real-time and simulated workplace challenges. Students collaborate to problem-solve and develop meaningful, professional resolutions to complex workplace scenarios.
As students progress through the search process, we offer regular check-in meetings to discuss internship search efforts, refine strategy, and provide further guidance. Additionally, we connect students with former CMU/WSP students, providing valuable insights into the internship and overall student experience.
Whether students are looking for opportunities in government, nonprofit, advocacy, or private sector work, our team is dedicated to helping students navigate the process and make the most of the Washington, DC, internship experience.
Resume Guide
Support During the Internship
During the internship in Washington, DC, students receive comprehensive support to ensure their success and growth.
- Internship check-in meetings- Regular check-ins are held to confirm that students are on track with their internships, provide guidance, and address any concerns or challenges they may face in their roles.
- Mid-semester & final supervisor evaluations- Supervisors complete evaluations at the midpoint and end of the internship, offering feedback on the student’s performance, areas for improvement, and overall contributions. The feedback is shared with students, and meetings are held to discuss and implement strategies for improvement.
- Internship Seminar– Students meet weekly as a cohort and with the instructor of the seminar to report and reflect on their internship experiences, and address pressing current issues from the perspective of their internship organization. CMU alumni visit the class to share valuable career insights, discuss diverse career pathways, and offer advice based on their professional experiences. Alumni also offer advice on navigating the professional world post-graduation.
Qualifications for CMU/WSP Internships
- The internship can be in any sector or field with an office or organization based in the DC-Metro area.
- Internships should be 12-14 weeks in duration
- Students should intern 24-32 hours per week, with a recommendation of 24-27 hours per week.
- Internships must primarily be in-person experiences, requiring work in the office at least 2 or 3 days per week.
Check out these additional search tools
Learn more about previous students' WSP internship experience
Nucor Public Affairs
US Supreme Court Clerk’s Office
mEducation Alliance
Executive Office of the President
Office of Senator Gillibrand
Office of Senator Schumer
Capitol Hill
Cohorts
Spring 2025 Cohort
|
Student
|
Internship
|
Major(s)
|
| BrookeLynn Acevedo | Friendship Children's Center, Marketing & Comms | Behavioral Economics |
| Anthony Cacciato | Office of Andrew Garbarino (R-NY 2nd District) | Economics and Politics |
| Daniel Chia | American Enterprise Institute, Center on Opportunity and Social Mobility | Decision Science |
| Noah Gonzalez | Winning Connections, AI Research | Statistics & Machine Learning |
| Stevie Miller | Reason Magazine | Decision Science & History |
| Jennie Nguyen | Council on American Islamic Relations, Development | Business Administration |
| Lauren Oh | The Department of Energy, Office of Technology Transitions |
Environmental Engineering and Engineering and Public Policy |
Past Cohorts
Alumni Networking
Forge valuable connections. Our alumni network is your gateway to a wider professional community.
The Washington Semester Program has a vast alumni network and provides current students with various opportunities to meet alumni in the DC area. These engagements help students gain unique access to the nation’s capital with insight from those who were once a DC intern. There are a lot of great ways for our alumni to give back and continue their involvement within the WSP community including participating in CMU/WSP-led networking events.
Alumni are involved in many ways!
Participate in the Internship Seminar
A new city and a new internship can be tough, but hearing from CMU alumni who had similar experiences and went on to lead exciting, successful careers across the Washington metropolitan area can be enriching. Share you journey from campus to the District (or just your thoughts about office culture) as an alumni guest during our weekly Internship Seminar course for CMU/WSP students! Contact Washington Program Manager Ashley Barnes for more information.
Host an intern for a site visit
Do you work at an office that’s always looking for great interns? We’re happy to connect you to CMU/WSP students with aligned interests.
Want to show off your organization or introduce students to prospective roles? Get in touch and we can incorporate a site visit into our semester programming.
Attend a networking event
Periodically, we invite alumni and local partners to come together for some light snacks and networking with students. As one of the most-requested events, we’re always looking for new faces to join in. Send us a note to be added to our networking list.