Cedarville University’s D.C. Semester is a competitive program that places students at the center of public life in Washington, D.C., each fall semester. With coursework and internship opportunities designed to benefit students of all majors, a semester in Washington, D.C., offers all the advantages of Cedarville's Christ-centered education and community.
You will experience everything Washington, D.C., has to offer as you gain an insider's perspective on American politics and government, developing practical skills through hands-on involvement in your chosen field.
You'll be mentored by a Cedarville alumnus in the D.C. area who shares your interests and goals, and you'll leave with new friendships and networking connections with others in your field.
Program Overview
Cedarville University’s D.C. Semester is designed for students who desire hands-on experience in public service through a full-time internship in Washington, D.C. This unique opportunity merges professional experience with intentional academics all from a biblical foundation.
Over the course of a semester, students will:
- Complete a public service internship.
- Take two courses taught by Cedarville faculty.
- Engage with elected officials, policymakers, interest groups, and think tanks.
- Participate in educational and cultural experiences.
Requirements:
- Students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Students will take 16 credits total (10 internship credits and six course credits).
- Enrollment ranges from a minimum of eight students to a maximum of 15.
Applications and Deadlines
Registration for the D.C. Semester is coordinated through Cedarville’s Study Abroad Office.
Students should visit the Registering for Your Trip page for application instructions and important deadlines specific to the D.C. Semester.
The fall 2027 application deadline is February 1, 2027.
Cost and Dates
The cost of the D.C. Semester is comparable to a traditional semester on Cedarville’s campus, including tuition and housing. Public transportation passes to internship sites are provided for students.
Billing is calculated by adding together the following figures: block tuition, the administrative fee, housing, insurance (if applicable), and other miscellaneous costs that are charged to the Cedarville University Study Abroad office for your participation in the program.
Additional Costs:
- Transportation to Washington, D.C.
- Meals
Program Dates:
The D.C. Semester typically runs from late August through mid-December, coinciding with the fall semester at Cedarville.
Housing
Students will reside in the Richardson Building intern housing facility at The Heritage Foundation. Housing is included in the total program costs.
Housing Features
- Apartment-style living with kitchenettes
- Secure building with resident directors
- Excellent technology access
- Five-minute walk to Union Station
- 15-minute walk to Capitol Hill
D.C. Semester Student Testimonials
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Living in D.C. has been pushing my boundaries and helping me solidify good habits that will benefit me for years. I have been learning that God is present even here in D.C.; this place can be regarded with a sense of hopelessness or suspicion, but while it is lost, it also has a vibrant body of believers completely sold out, countercultural, and committed to the cause of Christ.
Sage Showers, D.C. Semester 
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If you are interested in history and government, you have to spend a semester working and living in D.C.! The opportunities are endless, the connections are priceless, and the real-world experiences will challenge your understanding and knowledge beyond your imagination. I would not trade this semester for anything!
Benjamin Mays, D.C. Semester 
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D.C. has provided me with some grand new friendships with people in the department who I have never even met before! We have grown so close in the short time we’ve been here, and it has been such a blessing to get to witness everyone growing professionally as well as spiritually.
Abbey Salomon, D.C. Semester 
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I've learned to let go of my own expectations and plans. Proverbs 16:9 says, "The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." I came into this semester with so many assumptions about my internship, my housing, my relationships, and my classes, and I am by nature someone who likes to plan ahead. God took those assumptions and has gently reminded me that He is directing my steps, whether or not I would have chosen them.
Lydia Switzer, D.C. Semester 