Spend Your Summer in Washington, D.C.
This summer, immerse yourself in the heart of our nation’s capital. Whether participating in a USC program or living and interning in D.C., the USC Capital Campus offers a variety of ways to expand your education and professional development opportunities from coast-to-coast.
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.
“The opportunity to study in Washington, D.C… at USC was a once-in-a-lifetime experience I knew I had to take.”
USC Capital Campus Student
Join us for one of these programs in D.C. during summer 2026:
Dornsife Maymester Cluster in Federal Government and Policy
May 18 to June 12, 2026
The Dornsife Maymester Cluster in Federal Government and Policy offers four policy-focused courses at the USC Capital Campus. 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
June 15 to July 10, 2026
The USC in D.C. Summer Dialogue Institute is an immersive, four-week summer program that empowers students to understand and practice productive dialogue, strengthen their leadership and communication skills, and equip them to become the future leaders shaping our nation. Students in this small, rigorous program will learn from USC faculty via two specially-designed courses, and participate in in-depth site 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, 4 USC credits, and a drafted policy paper or strategic communications project they can use for grad school, internship applications, or career portfolios. 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 scholarships of up to $10,000 are available for USC students. More information about the program is available here.
USC in D.C. Summer Curated General Education Courses
June 15 and August 7, 2026
The Capital Campus will offer curated General Education classes to USC students during Summer 2026, allowing them to complete classes required for graduation, with a policy focus, while living and interning in D.C.
Available classes for summer 2026 include:
• WRIT 340: Social Sciences, with a focus on political science and public policy. Assignments may include perspectives on significant social issues and proposed resolutions, reports on visits to iconic D.C. sites, mock speeches for political candidates for a variety of offices, and/or research across different forms of written media and publications contributing to civil discourse.
• HIST 210: How to Be an American: Global Histories of U.S. Citizenship explores the evolving concept of American identity, rights, and belonging through a global lens, often featuring discussions on immigration, race, and the experiences of different groups within the U.S.
Students can select one or both courses to take while interning in D.C. All classes are four units and conveniently scheduled in the evenings to allow for internships during the day. Students studying in either of these classes will receive priority access to USC housing in D.C.
“USC Capital Campus faculty and staff created a positive environment for me and my classmates to learn and freely express our opinions. They were always available to us, willing to answer any questions, and had our best interests at heart.”
USC Capital Campus Student
D.C. Summer Housing-Only Option
Available in 4-week sessions beginning May 16 and ending August 15, 2026
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 who are not participating in an academic program at the Capital Campus are also eligible for housing, as spots are available.
Housing is available in the following 4-week sessions. Students can elect to live in USC housing for one, two, or all three available 4-week sessions at a cost of $1,925 per session.
- Session 1: May 16 – June 13
- Session 2: June 14 – July 12
- Session 3: July 13 – Aug 15
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, iconic D.C. 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.”
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:
- The Capital Campus Career Opportunities and Internships webpage contains numerous internship opportunities offered by D.C.-area alumni and other organizations, including consulting firms, think tanks, advocacy organizations, and many others.
- 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.
Program Costs
Program costs are as follows, with up to $10,000 in scholarship funding available from the Epstein Family Student Experience Scholarship:
| Tuition | Per 4-unit course: $9,868 Summer Dialogue Institute: $9,868 |
| Program Fees | Summer Dialogue Institute: $707 Curated GE Courses: $300 |
| Housing (per 4-week period) | $1,925 |
Personal Expenses
Students should also budget for personal expenses that vary based on individual preferences and habits. Students are responsible for costs, including: meals, local transportation (including Metro fares and rideshares), personal items and activities, such as toiletries, laundry, entertainment, and souvenirs. These expenses are not included in the program fees and will depend on your lifestyle and spending choices.
Scholarship Opportunities
USC degree-seeking students are eligible for up to $10,000 in scholarship funding from the Epstein Family Student Experience Scholarship to help cover the costs of their D.C. summer program. Students are strongly encouraged to apply to the Epstein Family Student Experience Scholarship at the same time they apply for their selected program.
“Studying in Washington, D.C…has honestly been the best. Touring Capitol Hill, meeting professionals in policy and having class discussions that tie directly into what I see around me every day has…[felt] incredibly meaningful.”
USC Capital Campus Student
I have more questions. Who can I contact?
Please contact CapitalCampus@usc.edu.