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Available Programs

Summer programs at the Capital Campus invite students to live, study and learn in the nation’s capital, preparing them for success with immersive and unique experiences they can only have in Washington, D.C. In D.C., education extends beyond the classroom, shaping future leaders who are ready to make a lasting impact. USC students participating in academic programs at the Capital Campus are eligible to apply for the Epstein Family D.C. Student Experience Scholarship to support their expenses while studying in D.C.

Join us for one of these programs in D.C. during summer 2026:

Dornsife Maymester Cluster in Federal Government and Policy

The Dornsife Maymester Cluster in Federal Government and Policy offers four policy-focused courses at the USC Capital Campus from May 18 to June 12, 2026. Students can choose between four classes, participate in field trips, hear from guest speakers and live in USC housing in Washington, D.C.

Available classes for summer 2026 include:
• IR 325: Rich and Poor States in the World Economy
• ECON 379: Economic Policy Analysis
• ENST 360: Public Policy for Sustainability
• ECON 395: Economic Policy Issues

To find out more information about the Dornsife Maymester Cluster in Federal Government and Policy, please see here.

USC in D.C. Summer Dialogue Institute

At a time when public discourse feels more polarized than ever, join the USC Capital Campus for a rigorous and immersive four-week experience that invites students to explore history, leadership and communications through the lens of civil discourse. Students will learn from USC faculty via two specially-designed and unique courses, as well as participate in in-depth visits and conversations with guest speakers and practitioners in Washington, D.C. At the end of the four-week program, students will leave equipped with valuable hands-on experience, a drafted policy paper and a certificate of completion that will give them a leg up in the professional world. This program is open to all sophomores, juniors, seniors and recent graduates within two years of graduation and a minimum GPA of at least 3.0. The program is open to both USC and non-USC students and takes place from June 15 to July 10, 2026. More information about the program is available here.

USC in D.C. Ad-Hoc Summer Courses

The Capital Campus will offer ad-hoc General Education classes to USC students during Summer 2026, allowing them to complete required classes while living and interning in D.C.

Available classes for summer 2026 include:
• WRIT 340: Social Sciences
• HIST 210: How to Be an American: Global Histories of U.S. Citizenship
• GSEM 130: Seminar in Social Analysis: Foundations in Leadership

Students can select between one and three courses to take while living in USC housing. All classes are four units and take place between Monday, May 25, 2026, and Friday, August 7, 2026.

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D.C. Summer Housing

Students participating in one of the academic programs listed above are guaranteed a spot in USC housing in D.C. Students who elect to intern in D.C. but are not also participating in an academic program at the Capital Campus are also eligible for housing, as spots are available.

USC housing in D.C. consists of fully-furnished, move-in-ready apartments located at the Meridian Gallery Place, 450 Massachusetts Ave NW:

• Four students per two-bedroom apartment
• Two bathrooms per apartment
• Kitchen supplies, linens and towels provided
• 24-hour concierge, controlled access, Wi-Fi and gym
• Located approximately 1.5 miles away from the USC Capital Campus. Students may choose to walk (about 30 minutes) and pass notable sites such as the White House, National Portrait Gallery, Martin Luther King Junior Library, National Building Museum, Franklin Square, Embassy of Australia, Chinatown Archway, National Public Radio (NPR) Headquarters and many other attractions. Alternatively, students can take a two-stop trip on the D.C. Metro’s Red Line (about 15 minutes).

To express interest in housing for the summer, please fill out the interest form below and select “Housing Only” from the drop-down menu.

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Internships in D.C.

Internships are an important component of student experiences in D.C. Many students seek internships in Washington, D.C., as an important part of their growth and career preparation. The Capital Campus and resources at USC are here to help you find an internship that fits your career goals.

While students will be responsible for securing their own internships, students can take advantage of numerous resources around USC to assist them in their search:

• School-specific career centers can help students find internships that align with their specific majors
• The Center for the Political Future can help students identify possible internship opportunities on Capitol Hill
• The USC Career Center provides resume and interview coaching and support, as well as opportunities on the Career Center website
• Visit the Capital Campus Career Opportunities and Internships webpage

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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions, please contact capitalcampus@usc.edu.