Live & Work in Washington, DC – The Washington Center Program
The Washington Center Internship Program takes place in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. Selected MTSU students are able to live and work full-time in Washington, DC for a semester.
The Washington Center provides immersive internships and academic seminars to students from hundreds of colleges and universities and young professionals from across the U.S. and more than twenty-five countries.
As the largest, most established program of its kind, the Washington Center has 90 dedicated, full-time staff and more than 600 higher education, corporate, government, foundation and internship host partners. The Washington Center is independent, not-for-profit, and committed to providing transformative educational experiences that change lives.
Students will also attend seminars at The Washington Center. Periodically throughout the semester, students also have the opportunity meet and attend talks by elected officials, political reporters, campaign consultants, etc. These opportunities are supplemented by professional development workshops and classes related to your career interests.
Where can I intern?
Previous MTSU students who have interned with The Washington Center have worked in the Vice-President’s office, Congressional offices, lobbying firms, the State Department, law offices, international non-governmental organizations, and news organizations. It is a great opportunity for any student interested in any aspect of politics, public policy, or government.
The Washington Center has partnerships with local DC-area internship sites. Their program helps match you with internships that fit your interests.
Funding and Application Process
There is a substantial scholarship available to help cover the costs of this program. The Tennessee Board of Regents offers several scholarships for MTSU students to work and study in Washington, DC. Once students are selected for the program, each will have an individual meeting with the Financial Aid office on campus.
There is an application process for this internship. MTSU chooses up to 8 students every year. Applications typically come out in early September. If you are selected, you will go through another process with The Washington Center to help match you with the best fit for your career and professional interests. You can read on or watch some of the informational videos below to learn more about this process.
You will earn 15 credits, a grade, and an excellent full-time internship for your resume and professional experience.
To apply, you will need to have already earned a minimum of 60 credits and have at least a 3.0 GPA. All majors are welcome to apply.
The first part of your experience will take place online and begins approximately three months before you arrive in Washington, D.C. You’ll work with a career coach to identify your strengths and develop an internship strategy that matches your ambitions, ensuring you take the next best step in your professional path.
This phase is more than just preparation—it’s a rehearsal for the real job market. You’ll craft your résumé, practice your interview skills and research internship opportunities with the support of professionals who know exactly what it takes to succeed.
If you commit to the process, complete tasks and meet deadlines, we guarantee an internship offer that provides meaningful experience and career-building potential.
Once you’re here, and depending on your specific internship arrangements, your internship will be either hybrid or fully in-person, requiring a commitment of at least 32 hours per week. Washington, D.C. will be your home base for this immersive experience.
You’ll be gaining hands-on experience in a city that thrives on big ideas and meaningful social impact. With our extensive network of internship site partners, you’ll have access to opportunities that challenge you but are achievable—giving you the experience you need to stand out in the future. Learn more and see a sample of internship sites.
Throughout the program, you’ll continue building skills critical for success in today’s business environment. You will receive professional development, attend workshops and connect with professionals through networking events and speaker series of prominent D.C.-based influencers.
This continuous development ensures that every step of your journey is supported and refined. We help you acquire the skills, build the connections and develop the confidence you need to succeed in your career. Learn more and see sample workshops and events.
One night each week, you’ll take an academic course designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application.
These classes, taught by industry professionals who are actively working in their fields, offer you the chance to learn from—and network with—D.C. insiders. You’ll choose from a range of subjects, allowing you to fulfill degree requirements or explore new areas of interest. Learn more and see common course options.
For learners interested in careers in digital and emerging technologies, we offer a cohort-style career pathway within our Academic Internship Program. It’s designed to align your TWC experience closely with what tech employers are looking for, forging networks and experiences that will help build your professional success after graduation.
The pathway takes all the best aspects of TWC’s Academic Internship Program: the internship, academic course, career readiness and networking and combines them into a single industry-focused experience. As a cohort of learners, all with a passion to excel in the dynamic field of digital and emerging technology, you’ll explore the skills and networks that can lead into exciting and high-paying roles.
What sets this program apart is its location in the heart of Washington, D.C., a region teeming with influential business innovators and policymakers shaping the future of tech, AI, cybersecurity and more. By joining our Pathway, you’ll have a front-row seat to the action, explore the wealth of technical or non-technical roles and gain insights, experience and connections that will support your goal of launching a successful career.
This pathway experience within the Academic Internship Program is open to those in their junior or senior (third or fourth) year of college. Those interested should select the Digital and Emerging Technology Pathway in the application here. For more information, please contact info@twc.edu.
