Academics

Witt in Washington Semester

Wittenberg's Washington Semester is a 14-week program where students work at an internship four days a week and take two evening classes. In addition, students attend weekly field trips, do community service, and are required to attend a congressional hearing and a protest or rally. Students live in apartments in Rosslyn, Va., where the program is located. A consortium of small Lutheran schools called Lutheran College Washington Semester operates the program.

Witt in Washington is open to all students regardless of major. Internships can be found that are relevant to any major and typically will count as credit towards the completion of the major (although this varies by department). Recently, students have interned with the White House and on Capitol Hill, with major news organizations (Fox, CNN, etc.), political parties, interest groups, various museums and embassies, Girl Scouts of America, the US Marshal Service, and the FBI. Students are encouraged to find an internship that closely fits their interests.

Students are invited to apply during the spring semester prior to the year they wish to participate. The program is designed for juniors and seniors, although some second-semester sophomores may be eligible. The process is competitive, although this should not deter anyone from applying. Interested students should first speak with Wittenberg’s campus representative, Dr. Catherine Waggoner (cwaggoner@wittenberg.edu).

Summer Program: Housing arrangements can be made for students wanting to do an internship over the summer. Finding an internship is the responsibility of the student, but the apartments owned by the college are the most cost-effective way to live during the summer in D.C.

Student Testimonials

Witt in Washington Information Sheet

How much does it cost?

Wittenberg will bill you for tuition plus a $3,600 program fee. In most cases, your complete financial aid package will apply. In addition, students are responsible for their own food and transportation to and from DC. Food costs vary based on how often students eat out (there is a grocery store three blocks away and a full kitchen in the condos).

The program fee and tuition provide the following:

  • Penthouse condo (shared with up to three others) in RiverPlace, Rosslyn, Va.
    • Condo includes everything cable, internet, computer, laundry, utilities
    • Full-time property manager who will fix any problems with the condo
    • Buildings have 24-hour security
    • Access to all amenities at RiverPlace (exercise room, swimming pool, etc.)
  • Internship coordinator who helps you find and secure quality internships
    • Helps polish cover letters and resume
    • Provides support if there are any problems with internship
  • 16 credits (8 for internship plus two 4-credit classes)
    • Classes are Wittenberg approved courses that transfer back with grades and can be used for general education requirements (and in some cases will count towards a major or minor).
    • Professors are local professionals with expertise and practical experience.
  • Books for the courses are included at no extra cost.
  • METROPASS for free use of the metro (subway) and bus system.
  • Invitations to Wittenberg alumni social events for networking opportunities
  • Option to sign up for a Witt Mentor to a local alumnus who will meet with you over the semester.

Is there any additional financial aid?

Witt in Washington Grant: D.C. Alumni have contributed to a scholarship fund that will provide up to $1,500 in additional scholarship aid. Students with financial need can apply. Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need (as determined by the Office of Financial Aid) and availability of scholarship funds.

How do I apply?

The first step is to contact Dr. Catherine Waggoner (cwaggoner@wittenberg.edu), Witt’s campus representative, for a conversation.

Spring Semester

Fall Semester

Summer Program

Back to top