Federal Semester Program

3103 Susquehanna Hall, 301-314-0261
www.federalsemester.umd.edu
federalsemester@umd.edu

Director: Dr. Joan Burton

The Federal Semester Program is a highly selective, yearlong program coordinated by the Office of Undergraduate Studies in conjunction with other colleges, programs and campus initiatives. The program brings students from all disciplines together to learn, discuss and explore issues of federal policy, and galvanizes them toward public service careers. Rising juniors and seniors with strong academic backgrounds and an interest in federal policy are encouraged to apply. The Federal Semester Program consists of three primary components:

1. The Federal Semester Seminar: UNIV348 (3 credits, fall semester). A choice of several seminar courses, each focused on a specific theme within federal policy (e.g. health policy, homeland security or energy and environmental policy). The seminars benefit from the diversity of students who participate in the program. The small setting allows students to bring knowledge from their disciplinary focus into the discussion. Taught by an industry expert, the seminars examine the policy-making process and discuss salient issues within each theme. Guest speakers offer real-world perspectives on how governments and other actors implement policy.
2. The Internship: UNIV349 (3-6 credits, spring semester). The Federal Semester experiential learning course offers credit for an internship with a federal agency or related organization. In class, students work on professional development and reflect on their internship experiences through journal assignments. (With permission, students may complete the internship under the course number for internships in the student's major).
3. Supporting course work: Two regular UM courses, approved by the program, that complement the Federal Semester mission (6 credits). With permission, students may apply courses completed prior to the Federal Semester year.

In addition, students participate in Federal Semester Program activities including visits to Capitol Hill and federal agencies, conversations with leaders in public policy, professional development workshops and an end-of-the-year reception.

Students in the program must have completed 60 credits by the end of the semester in which they apply and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. For details and application please see www.federalsemester.umd.edu.

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