The Washington Center (TWC)
The Washington Center (TWC) provides a diverse selection of world-class internship programs and seminars in the heart
of Washington, D.C. Completing a TWC program will equip you with the skills and confidence to thrive in a competitive global marketplace.
TWC is a nonprofit independent educational institution that provides comprehensive learning opportunities in the nation's capital for students from more than 300 colleges and universities. The School of Politics, Society, Justice and Public Service became an affiliate of TWC in 2012, offering full-time semester-long internships and academic seminars with a wide variety of organizations at the nation's capital. The program includes placement, supervision, evaluation, seminars, housing, counseling, special events and other support services.
Washington D.C. is home to hundreds of nonprofits, government agencies, think tanks, multi-national corporations, advocacy groups, law firms, and more.
We are currently accepting applications! Contact the CMU TWC Liaison, Dr. Emma Powell today!
Resources and videos
- View the TWC Program Virtual Tour
- Video: TWC Student Spotlight featuring KaBriya Baldwin
- Video: A Day in the Life of a TWC Student
- Video: The Washington Center Internship Program Experience
- Programs for International Students
- Veterans Employment Trajectory (VET) Initiative
- TWC Disability Services
Internships
You can choose a semester-long or summer internship in several areas including Politics & Public Policy; Advocacy, Service, and the Arts; International Affairs; Media & Communications, Law and Criminal Justice. You can earn 15 Political Science credit hours in fall or spring and 12 credit hours in summer. Some of the credits for PSC 390 and PSC 395 may be used to fulfill requirements and electives on the Political Science, Public and Nonprofit Administration and International Relations majors. The other credits will go towards graduation from CMU.
- Fall and Spring Semesters: 9 hours of PSC 395 (internship), 6 hours of PSC 390 (independent study) - 3 hours for academic course requirement and 3 hours for Leadership Forum.
- Summer Term: 6 hours of PSC 395, 6 hours of PSC 390 as above.
Eligibility
- Must be Political Science, Public and Nonprofit Administration, or International Relations majors.
- Junior-senior undergraduate status or graduate status.
- Be in good standing at CMU.
- 3.0 overall GPA.
- Be at least 18 years old.
Learn more about TWC Internship Programs
Academic seminars
Interested in earning 3 hours of academic credit and building your professional network in Washington, D.C., in 1-2 weeks? Consider participating in one of The Washington Center’s Academic Seminars. These seminars offer you the opportunity to network on Capitol Hill, experience the inner ​workings of Washington, and learn first-hand from some of the nation's top leadership.
These 1-2 week programs are held in January ("Inside Politics") and May ("National Security"). They provide an in-depth look into important current issues and "include experiential fieldwork, relevant site visits or tours, panel interviews and small group discussions." Please visit the TWC Seminars website for more information about earning CMU credits.
Consider the Presidential Inauguration 2025 Academic Seminar.
Academic Seminars are open to ALL majors at CMU. Political Science, Public and Nonprofit Administration and International Relations majors may count these credits towards their programs. Other majors must consult with their advisors to determine how to count the credit hours towards their major or degree.
Eligibility
- Junior status by the time the seminar begins.
- Minimum 2.75 GPA.
- Be in good standing at CMU.
- Open to any and all CMU majors.
- Be at least 18 years old.
Costs and housing
Two apartment complexes near Capitol Hill and Union Station - Residential and Academic Facility (RAF) and Residential Facility at Elevation. Your regular financial aid usually can be used to pay for the TWC program and your CMU tuition will be waived. Financial aid also is available through TWC.