Washington Semester
The Washington semester is offered in American national government, economic policy or journalism. These programs allow a limited number of Texas Lutheran students to enroll in a 16-semester hour curriculum at the American University in Washington, D.C. The curriculum – depending on the program – involves research, seminars, lectures, and on-site meetings with national decision-makers, journalists and others involved in reporting or making national policy. An internship in an appropriate office, agency or organization is included. The programs are open to juniors and seniors, regardless of major, who have taken the basic political science, economics or communication studies courses and who have a 2.75 cumulative grade point average.
Opportunities to enhance student experiences with programs that extend beyond the classroom walls is one of Texas Lutheran University's greatest strengths. One of the most exciting programs that is available to students is the chance to study government, political science and journalism in our nation's capital.
Filled with weekly seminars from high-profile politicians and requiring at least two days of internship each week at a politically affiliated office, the Washington Semester is an opportunity rich with hands-on experience. The quantifiable result is prepared in the form of a research project that takes advantage of the vast resources available in Washington and often includes interviews that can only be done in that city.
As one might expect, the cost to program participants has the potential to be much greater than the average semester of study on the TLU campus. Tuition, room, board, and fees for American University are significantly more than TLU and the cost of living index for D.C. is 7 percent higher than the national average, while for Seguin it is 19 percent below the national average. To help close the financial gap, American University offers a Dean's Scholarship to TLU students. Students can also use their current TLU financial aid package (excluding performance scholarships) and apply for additional student loas.
