Tepper School Undergraduate Students Explore Policy and Business in D.C. with CMU Washington Semester Program

This fall, several Tepper School undergraduate students spent a semester living, interning, and taking classes in Washington, D.C., Through the Carnegie Mellon University Washington Semester Program (CMU/WSP), the group was afforded a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the nation's capital by acquiring invaluable real-world experience and exploring the heart of American politics and policy.

From the halls of Congress to renowned non-profit organizations, the CMU/WSP connects students with diverse internship placements. Tepper School students gained firsthand experience through internships at the International Rescue Committee, the U.S. Supreme Court, the White House Office of Management and Budget, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

"The Washington Semester Program has been an incredible opportunity to pursue my academic and professional interests and experience life in such a vibrant city,” said Steve Lawrence, a Tepper School undergraduate student who participated in the program. “I've gained remarkable exposure from my internship with the White House's Office of Management and Budget, and have truly enjoyed evening classes with my cohort.”

In addition to their internships, students took engaging evening classes taught by Carnegie Mellon faculty, covering topics such as public policy, American politics, governance, institutions, and law. This academic framework provides valuable context for their internship experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the country’s evolving political landscape.

"This semester in Washington D.C. has been an amazing opportunity to pursue my interdisciplinary interests and experience life in the nation’s capital. I am learning so much new knowledge through my classes and internship,” Varsha Gaddam shared about the experience. “I’m also getting to explore many parts of the D.C. area, from visiting the city’s museums to camping in Shenandoah Valley."

In addition to academics and internships, CMU/WSP students have the opportunity to attend exclusive events, network with influential leaders, and explore the vibrant cultural scene of Washington, D.C.

"The most lovely thing about D.C. is the seemingly never-ending troupe of attractions, parades, festivals, and social events,” said student Hector Chacon. “The heart of the city thumps in the souls of its people, on every street and every rooftop, and brings to life a museum of history and importance."

Full-time undergraduate students from across Carnegie Mellon University are eligible to apply for the CMU/WSP, which is sponsored by the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy & Technology. 

"From interning at the SEC to camping in Shenandoah, living in D.C. has opened me up to so many new opportunities,” added Diya Paul. “I am learning so much from being in the capital, especially during election season, and at the same time, I have a lot more time to walk around and explore the city with my friends. It has been a fun and eventful semester!"

Successful completion of the CMU/WSP qualifies students to apply for the Accelerated Master's Program in Security, Technology, and International Relations. This program allows students to earn their master's degree in just two semesters after completing their undergraduate studies.