FAQ

20-25 students per semester.

Since Washington is the country's political center, it is also the policy center and home to organizations covering everything from the arts and social science to the military, science, and technology.  While many students enjoy the opportunity to become involved in national politics through internships on The Hill, others prefer to pursue their interests at non-profit organizations (such as the National Women's Law Center) or cultural institutions such as The Smithsonian.    

Michigan students are in demand because of the excellent reputation established by other Michigan students who have served in the capital.  

Students who are not Political Science majors may be able to arrange credit in their area of concentration with oversight from faculty in that department, whose role will be overseeing the research paper.  

It is helpful to get up to speed on critical political issues before spending a semester in DC; students from other majors might consider a subscription to a periodical such as The Week, which offers a concise summary of right, left, and middle-of-the-road ideas on national and international issues.  

A 3.0 grade point average is the baseline recommendation for program participation. Since students will be working on research and writing, working at internships, and taking elective classes, it's essential that they can manage the academic and work demands of a semester in Washington. However, other factors are considered in admitting students to the program, including:

• Public service interest and experience
• The essay outlines how the student plans to use MIW to move toward longer-term goals 
• References (minimum of two)
• The personal interview

Students who have questions about program qualifications are encouraged to make an appointment in the MIW office to discuss any questions about qualifications or the application process.  

This is the number one question from students (and many parents concerning their students), and the answer is that everyone in the program will have an internship. It may not be their first choice, and it may not be until after they arrive in D.C., but part of the experience is ensuring everyone has an internship for the semester. A few points to keep in mind:

• U.S. Department of State internships require six months of security clearance (along with FBI, CIA, and others). Students interested in working for these organizations should apply for early admission to MIW and work with the graduate instructor to make sure that their internship applications are filed on time. If the student is not offered a position with the State Department, there will be plenty of time to pursue other opportunities. 

Some students set their hearts on an internship at one organization that doesn't materialize. While we work extensively to use MIW resources to help students get their first-choice internships, it isn't always possible for various reasons.  

• White House internships are generally five days a week. However, MIW students who intern at the White House MUST attend the Research Course on Friday mornings—NO EXCEPTIONS! Students must make appropriate arrangements with supervisors if they accept an internship at the White House. 
• During the professional development course, students are advised to contact at least 10-15 organizations for internships. Before students arrive in D.C., they will receive frequent emails regarding available positions.  
• It isn't uncommon for one or two students to arrive in D.C. without an internship and have a position within two weeks. This delay often depends on the internship provider as much as the students; many hire as needed rather than in advance. 
• The more common problem is that students receive multiple offers for internships, in which case they are advised on how to respond appropriately. It is essential that students don't accept an internship offer and then retract it because something better came along; this would not reflect well on the MIW program or the University.  

Since MIW is an academic program, at least one reference should be from a professor or GSI who can speak to your coursework and writing ability.  Other references can be from supervisors, public service groups you've been involved in, or contacts at different schools or institutions. 

While the Michigan in Washington Program does not offer language courses, many students maintain their language skills by attending courses at embassies or local language schools. Course fees for languages are not included in MIW tuition.

Students outside of political science can earn credit for their major for the policy research course and internships in DC by making arrangements with faculty and advisors in their major department. For example, an Art History student might intern at the National Gallery and request credit in that department. Another student might decide to do policy research and writing on economics, which would require arrangements with an advisor to receive economics credit and a faculty member to review the work to ensure that the content is accurate and meets the standards of that department. The research course also counts as an upper-level writing requirement.

• Yes, and you may be eligible for additional aid! Scholarships are determined based on financial need, and students are automatically considered.
• Students admitted to the MIW program are automatically reviewed for increased financial aid (a current FAFSA must be on file) based on higher living costs in D.C. 
• Existing financial aid (except Work Study) applies while the student is in the Washington program (e.g., Pell Grants, other scholarships and loans).  
• Students are not eligible for Work Study in Washington and cannot take on outside employment while in the program.  
• Admitted students receive a $1,500 stipend to help cover additional costs (athletes are not eligible for this stipend).  
• Scholarships for the program are funded by the University and also through private donations to the MIW Program.
• Our Opportunity Fund provides need-based support to students for whom a semester in Washington, D.C., represents an exceptional opportunity to advance their professional goals. Preference will be given to students with a record of superior academic achievement and who are the first in their families to attend college, who have experienced hardship as a result of family economic circumstances, or who come from underrepresented educational or geographical backgrounds, such as public high schools in rural or urban areas.