Policy Design Studio and Internship Program

U.S. Diplomacy in Action

U.S. Embassy Simulation
Play the role of a U.S. embassy official throughout the semester dealing with actual events as they happen under the guidance of a former Ambassador.

Real-World Experience
Meet with prominent experts, discuss and debate real-time policy challenges, and develop a strategy for the future of U.S. relations with an important ally.

Expert Guidance
Work directly with senior diplomats, military officers, and others to learn about national security policy and leadership.

Experience Washington D.C.
Live and intern in Washington DC for the semester while earning 12 upper division credits. Visit government agencies and historical sites, and attend networking events.

Apply to the virtual POS 494 course

Course information

 POS/SGS 494: Policy Design Studio

  • Instructor: Ambassador Roderick Moore
  • Fridays 10:00am to 1:00pm
  • Session C
  • Honors credit available
  • 3 credits

POS 484: Internship

  • Instructor: Ambassador Roderick Moore
  • Offered virtually through Zoom
  • Session C
  • 1-9 credits

Instructors

Program dates

Spring 2023: January 7  - May 30
Fall 2023: August - December

Program fees

The program fee includes housing and program excursions. Additionally, students must also pay fulltime ASU tuition, fees, and transportation and living expenses.

Program fee for spring 2023 - $7,485

Program fee for fall 2023 - $7,905

Application deadline

Spring 2023

September 8, 2022 at 11:59pm

Fall 2023

April 1, 2023 at 11:59pm

Eligibility

  • Students from any undergraduate or graduate program are eligible. 
  • Undergraduates must have a 3.0 ASU GPA and be a junior or senior to participate.

Contact

Application

Program is currently accepting applications.

Visit the Global Education Office webpage through the button below. In addition to the application, you will need to upload an unofficial transcript and clear scans of your student ID and government issued ID. You will also need to submit two recommendation forms (accessible via the Study Abroad application) from academic and/or professional references.

Applicants are charged a non-refundable $50 application fee. Once applications are reviewed, students who meet the program criteria are interviewed by a selection committee.

Apply now

Accommodations

Students will live at the Washington Intern Student Housing. Rooms are shared and students may be placed with non-ASU students. All apartments are furnished and include utilities, AC, wireless internet, cable TV, cookware, dishware, and daily maintenance. Amenities include on-site staff, a computer lab, and access to social events. The apartments are centrally located and on metro and bus lines.

Resources

FAQs

What will I be doing on the program?

You will live in Washington DC during the fall or spring semester and intern four days a week at an organization of interest to you (options include, but are not limited to, the White House, Supreme Court, Congress, government departments and agencies, law firms, lobbying and consulting firms, media outlets, museums, think tanks, and non- profit organizations). Once a week, you will participate in a seminar at the ASU Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab in which you will research solutions to real world foreign policy issues. You will also have the opportunity to visit government agencies, historical sites, and network with professionals from a number of different fields.

Does this program work with my program?

Yes, this is a great resume building and networking opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students in any program. You will gain invaluable, hands-on work experience. Other benefits include obtaining strong letters of recommendation from internship supervisors and potential job offers. Undergraduate students receive six credits of POS 484: ASU- DC Internship, three credits of POS 484: Internship, and three credits of POS 494: Policy Design, which can count toward upper division major and/or general elective requirements. These credits can also count toward a minor and/or certificate offered through the School of Politics and Global Studies. To learn more, visit https://spgs.asu.edu/minors-certificates. Graduate students receive six credits of POS 598: ASU- DC Internship and three credits of POS 494: Policy Design.

Am I eligible to participate in the program?

Students from any undergraduate or graduate program are eligible. Undergraduate students must have a 3.0 ASU GPA and 60 hours of completed coursework by the semester in which they wish to participate. Transfer students should contact Ashley.A.Wright@asu.edu for exceptions.

What are the program dates?

See above.

When do I need to apply for the program?

See above.

How do I apply?

Click on the Apply Now link on our website, which will direct you to the Study Abroad Office application. In addition to the application, you will need to upload an unofficial transcript and clear scans of your student ID and government issued ID. You will also need to submit two recommendation forms (accessible via the Study Abroad application) from academic and/or professional references. Applicants are charged a non-refundable $50 application fee. Once applications are reviewed, students who meet the program criteria are interviewed by a selection committee.

Where can I find more information about the program?

  • Visit ASU Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab website for more information
  • Attend an info session in September (for the spring program) or February/March (for the fall program) on the Tempe campus.

Will I take any classes? If yes, how many days a week?

You will take one class in addition to your internship that is worth a total of 12 credits. This class is one day a week and lasts all day (from 10:00am - 1pm), usually on Fridays. You can also take additional online courses if  you need to satisfy the minimum amount of credits for a scholarship. You will be working at your internship for the rest of the week. You may have a couple field trips during the week in which you will have to call off-work ahead of time. Be sure to notify your supervisor that you need this day off from work as soon as you receive the dates of the field trips.

Can I earn honors credit for this program?

If you are interested in earning honors credits, please contact the ASU Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab.

What is the program fee? What does this include?

See the semester cost above. This includes housing and program related excursions. Additionally, students must also pay fulltime ASU tuition, fees, and transportation and living expenses.

What additional costs am I responsible for?

You are responsible for paying fulltime ASU tuition and student fees, airfare, transportation costs, daily meals, personal expenses, health insurance, and non-program related optional excursions. Once confirmed for the program, a $200 refundable housing deposit is due. Note that living expenses are somewhat higher in Washington DC than in Tempe.

Are there scholarships available? Can my financial aid be applied toward these costs?

Please refer to the Scholarships and Financial Aid Resources page under resources.

Am I responsible for finding my own internship?

Yes, in order for you to have an experience in Washington DC that best fits your unique interests, background, and skills, we require that you secure your own internship. We have a number of resources and connections to organizations in DC which we will provide to help you through the process and ensure you find an internship that is a good fit. Contact Ms. Kayla Stamey at Kayla.Stamey@asu.edu for more information. Please note that many internship providers have internship application deadlines well in advance of actual start date and may require a criminal background check.

Are internships paid or unpaid?

Generally speaking, Washington D.C. based internships are not paid. However, on occasion, students may receive a paid internship within the program.

Where will I be living?

You will live in Washington Intern Student Housing. The apartments house six students each and have three bedrooms and two bathrooms. All apartments are furnished and include utilities, AC, wireless internet, cable TV, cookware and dishware. WISH amenities also include daily maintenance, on-site staff, a computer lab, and access to social events. The apartments are centrally located, two blocks from the National Zoo and two blocks from the Metro. They are also one Metro stop from Dupont Circle, three stops from downtown Washington DC and the White House, and six stops from Capitol Hill.

I have additional questions, who can I talk to?

Please contact Ms. Kayla Stamey at Kayla.Stamey@asu.edu.