Washington D.C. Semester Program
The Washington D.C. Semester Program allows students to work in the nation's capital for a federal agency. Students also take courses offered by the law college.
MSU College of Law offers an outstanding program opportunity for students who would like the experience of working in our nation's capital while progressing academically with their legal education. Students spend one full semester in Washington, D.C. working for a federal agency and receiving on-the-job training and academic credit as an extern. This résumé-building experience is open to second- and third-year law students who are in good academic standing and presently is offered during the spring semester.
Among the agencies who have participated in this program are the following:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC)
- Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Department of Veterans Affairs - Appellate Litigation Group
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- Department of Justice (DOJ)
- U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
- U.S. Department of the Interior
An information session is offered early fall for any interested students. The application process begins mid-fall, in which The Career Services Office works with students individually to match interests of the student with agency requirements and needs. Placement is not guaranteed, and the final decision rests with each agency. Students who receive placements with federal agencies work a minimum of 24 hours per week and earn six academic credits for the program. Meetings and events are held throughout the semester with other MSU Law students participating in the program.
Law Courses
In addition to the six program credits, students must take additional credits from a menu of courses. In the past, MSU Law has offered Federal Jurisdiction, Antitrust, Legislation and Litigating with the Federal Government. In addition, students may take courses from Catholic University Columbus School of Law and American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C. Tuition for those courses is paid directly to the specific law school.
Contact the Career Services Office for more information.