Millikin University, in cooperation with The Washington Center (TWC), offers internships in Washington DC; a city unique in its status as a national and international capital.  As such, it provides resources and opportunities unavailable elsewhere. As the epicenter of American government, Washington is a natural setting for political study.  Beyond the political and government realm, however, Washington DC is also home to hundreds of major corporations, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, and agencies. There are countless opportunities for all majors, including positions in the media, the arts, education, business, science, international affairs, the environment, health care, and more.

Eligibility

(1)  MU Junior or Senior Standing at Time of Internship **

(2)  2.75 GPA at Time of Internship (Some Placements Require Higher GPA)

(3)  Declared Major at Time of Application

(4)  Full-Time Bachelor's Degree Candidate in Good Academic, Social, and Financial Standing

(5)   Participants should show outstanding academic progress, maturity and motivation,

          and a capacity to pursue independent study

** Political Science majors should consider this program for a semester during their JUNIOR
        year.

The Internship Experience

Students are placed according to their interests and career goals, with federal agencies, congressional or judicial offices, public interest groups, nonprofit organizations, etc.  Check out our list of sample placements.  Interns work full time, 4 1/2 days per week, attend a required evening course, attend all Washington Forum seminars and events, and fulfill the requirements of an independent study in their major or minor.

The internship allows students to integrate academic theory with practice in an applied situation. In addition, the internship enables students to develop professional skills, build a career network, explore career options, and work in a professional setting. It can also provides references, future employment contacts, and personal growth and development through the wealth of political, historical, and cultural attractions available in Washington, D.C.

Seminars

TWC also offers the unique 2008 Presidential Academic Seminars Series:  "Inside Washington" in January '08, "The National Political Conventions" in the summer of '08, and "The Presidential Inauguration," January '09. 

TWC offers other interesting seminars throughout the year.  Check them out at Seminars on the TWC webpage.

Credits

Students remain enrolled at, and receive academic credit from MU. Credit is awarded based on an evaluation performed by The Washington Center staff, seminar faculty, MU campus liaison, and MU faculty sponsor. Fall or spring semester provide a total of 15 credits.  Summer session is 12 credits.  Political science majors normally register for PO 361 (3 credits in summer; 6 in fall or spring), PO 362 (3), PO 363 (3), and PO 391 (3 hours of independent study).  This program of study satisfies the internship requirement of the political science major.  Other majors might subsitute their program's advanced independent study course.

Cost

In the fall and spring terms, students pay regular tuition and fees to Millikin. Housing is billed from and paid directly to The Washington Center.  Financial aid is applied for and received from Millikin.  Some financial assistance may be available in the form of awards to defray part of the cost of housing.  Outside sources of funding may be available for qualifying students.

Housing

The Washington Center guarantees its interns housing and provides them some of the finest upscale housing available to interns in the area.  These facilities provide attractive independent living arrangements in apartment buildings in Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C, and suburban Maryland.

You'll share your apartment with other TWC interns from all over the US and the world. The apartments are located in well-lit, high traffic neighborhoods that provide comfortable surroundings. You'll have access to Washington's Metro subway system, shops, restaurants, and convenience stores.

Although there are differences among the various housing units, most of them offer the following amenities:

• Large, furnished 4-person apartments
  
• Fully-equipped kitchens with microwave ovens
  
• Individually controlled heating and air conditioning units
  
• Laundry facility
  
• High speed internet access
  
• Local telephone and basic cable service
  
• Resident Assistants (RAs) and 24-hour front desk coverage or secured building
  
• Health fitness center

THE FIRST TWO MILLIKIN STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN TWC'S SEMESTER PROGRAM WILL EACH RECEIVE A $1000 HOUSING SCHOLARSHIP.  OFFER GOOD ONLY THROUGH THE SPRING '09 TERM!!!!

Application Process and Deadlines