Wheaton in Washington

Program Overview

Wheaton in Washington offers students an inside look into the work of men and women in the nation's capital. After almost two weeks of advanced preparation on campus, we will travel to Washington D.C. to interact with people who work in a wide range of organizations in many different fields.  We fill every weekday interviews and sessions with legislators, congressional aides, interest group and NGO leaders, think tank experts, journalists, religious leaders, lobbyists, administration officials, and more. 

"I came out of Wheaton in Washington with a more specific idea of what I want to do – and what I definitely don’t want to do – with my IR degree. If you’re not sure what you want to do with your major, or you just want to get an idea of what it’s like to work in DC, I would absolutely recommend doing Wheaton in Washington.”  Thea Boatwright ('19)

Program offering is subject to internal approval and minimum enrollment.

Course Offerings for 2024

Wheaton in Washington students register for a total of 4 credit hours of required courses:

PSCI 301 Power, Politics, and Washington, D.C. (2 credit hours)
An introduction to the institutions and actors who help shape national politics. Students will examine issue framing and advocacy for selected domestic and international policy issues and analyze the political and ethical implications of various advocacy strategies. 

PSCI 359/IR 374 Washington Workshop (2 credit hours)
Reflections on the meetings, briefings, and excursions in Washington, D.C.

For Program Year Specific Information and Instructions on How to Apply

To apply to be part of Wheaton in Washington, visit GoGlobal, Wheaton College's registration system for off-campus study and international travel, research, and internships.

Learn More

If you would like further information or have specific questions about Wheaton in Washington, contact Dr. Amy Black, Professor of Political Science or  Dr. Kristin Garrett, Assistant Professor of Political Science.