Building on the USC Dornsife in D.C. program, the USC in D.C. Spring Semester Program provides the opportunity for sophomores, juniors and seniors from all majors to live and learn in Washington, D.C. Students take part in an academically rich and socially engaging experience that allows them to grow personally and professionally, immersed in the heart of our nation’s capital and anchored at USC’s Capital Campus.

Students form lifelong friendships within a close-knit, interdisciplinary cohort, supported by faculty mentors and engaging learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Our expert professors lead small classes, interactive discussions and site visits to D.C.’s most iconic institutions, enriching their academic and leadership development.

Why participate in the USC in D.C. Spring Semester Program?

• Continue to make progress towards your degree while taking part in a cohesive and enriching experience
• Gain confidence and build skills for your professional career in a capital city with industries that include the federal government, think tanks, communications and media, technology, healthcare, education, finance, real estate, the arts and more
• Make connections and build friendships within your interdisciplinary cohort and the D.C. area Trojan Family
• Discover all that Washington, D.C. has to offer — from iconic monuments and world-class museums to the vibrant food scene tucked along the avenues and alleyways of power

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Program Overview

A Flexible, Yet Cohesive Experience

By participating in the program, students can continue to make progress towards their USC degrees through taking classes in dedicated tracks, while also taking advantage of interdisciplinary learning opportunities provided to the full cohort.

Throughout the semester, students have the chance to participate in and attend events at the USC Capital Campus as well as network with the D.C.-based Trojan Family through receptions and networking activities.

Components of the USC in D.C. Spring Semester Program

Housing: Students will live in high-end, fully furnished apartments at Meridian Gallery Place (450 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20001) provided by USC’s housing partner, Turnkey Housing Solutions

Transportation: Students will receive D.C. Metro’s “UPass,” which allows students to take public transportation for $1 per day while they study in D.C.

Activities & Student Support: Students will have the opportunity to participate in activities, events and take advantage of USC student support services in D.C.

Immersive & Unique Curriculum: All students will take a full semester’s worth of courses as well as engage in an internship or optional independent study.

Program Curriculum

The program is intentionally designed with flexibility in mind — providing all students with a shared, cohesive experience while allowing each student to pursue their individual academic pathways. Students will enroll in 14–18 units, made up of the following components:

SCDC 435: How Washington Works (And Who It Works For) Requirement (4 units):
Developed by USC’s Dr. Jeffrey Fields in collaboration with USC Capital Campus Scholar-in-Residence and journalist Chuck Todd, and taught by Chuck Todd, this class provides students with an insider’s understanding of American politics and the political system.

Internship Requirement (2-4 units):
All students will be required to fulfill an internship requirement as part of their participation in the program. Students are responsible for landing their own internship placements and will receive support from their school career center, the Capital Campus and the USC Career Center to secure an opportunity.

Independent Study / Research (Optional 2 units):
There may also be an optional research or independent study requirement as outlined by their selected track. Students can forego the independent research option (if allowed by their track) and choose to take a non-track course for 4 units, leading to a semester of 18 units.

Track-Specific Courses (8 units):
Two 4-unit courses will be taught based on the specific track selected by the students.

Dedicated Tracks

All students will participate in a dedicated track as part of the program. Each track will consist of two classes, and students will take their track’s associated internship or independent study course. Tracks for Spring 2026 will be available soon.

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How to Apply

Program Application Requirements

Students must have taken at least 32 USC units and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to participate in the program. The program is open to students of all majors.

Students must apply for admission to a specific program track, and must be approved for the track to which they apply. If a student wishes to switch tracks, students must reapply for the track in which they wish to enroll.

Program Timeline and Deadlines

Applications for the Spring 2026 cohort of the USC in D.C. Spring Semester program will open Monday, August 25 and close Friday, September 26. Students will be encouraged to begin identifying and applying for internship opportunities immediately after submitting their applications to the program. If you already know you want to apply for the program, we encourage you to begin searching for internship opportunities as early as possible.

Schools will review and provide admissions decisions in time for students to register for classes beginning Monday, October 27.

Internship Support

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 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

Scholarships

Two scholarships are available to support students participating in the program:

The Epstein Family D.C. Student Experience Scholarship provides the opportunity for USC students to pursue immersive experiences in Washington, D.C., both throughout the regular academic year and over the summer. The fund provides support to students with demonstrated financial need whose curricular and co-curricular interests align with the following priorities:

• Protecting democracy
• Combating antisemitism
• Supporting the lives of Veterans through policy and research

The Leslee Sherrill Scholarship provides financial support for students participating in academic and co-curricular experiences at the USC Capital Campus in Washington, D.C. Whether you’re attending a summer program, spending a semester in the capital or taking part in a conference or symposium, this scholarship can help make your experience possible.
Funding may be used to cover travel, lodging, tuition, housing, living expenses or other eligible expenses related to your study in D.C.

Funding may be used to cover travel, lodging, tuition, housing, living expenses or other eligible expenses related to your study in D.C.

Preference is given to students who are enrolled in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and who participate in programs and events offered by the USC Center for the Political Future. 

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Frequently Asked Questions