Lasell Semester-in-Washington D.C.
The purpose of the Lasell Semester-in-Washington D.C. program is to allow Lasell undergraduates to study journalism, foreign policy, business and other disciplines in our nation’s capital. Participating students attend the Washington Semester at American University, and may take one of eight programs that make up the program:
Journalism
American Politics
Justice & Law
Transforming Communities
Foreign Policy
*Global Economics & Business
*International Environment & Development
*International Law and Organizations
*Peace & Conflict Resolution
*Islam & World Affairs
*Denotes Study Abroad component
Lasell College has contracted with American University to provide Lasell students with a dynamic learning experience in Washington, D.C. The Semester-in-Washington program is the equivalent of four courses, with an essential part of students' time in Washington dedicated to an internship chosen by the student soon after arriving in Washington. Students will work at their internships two days a week.
The second and third courses consist of a Washington Semester seminar that includes meetings three times a week with political and business elites such as members of Congress, executive branch officials, representatives of interests groups, journalists and representatives from agencies. Some seminar sessions integrate the work of specialists with students' observations of the real world in a field trip format.
The fourth course is a choice between an elective from American University evening courses or an independent research project supervised by an American University faculty member. The project culminates with a final paper on a topic selected by the students prior to going to Washington. It is suggested that a general idea of their topic is devised and researched before their semester begins; once students arrive in Washington, a more detailed topic proposal for the final paper is to be developed.
Costs and Housing
Students involved in the Semester in Washington are registered at Lasell and are billed all the costs of the program through Lasell. This arrangement does NOT apply to programs with a travel component. Those additional costs would be billed directly to the student by American University. Costs include tuition, room, board, fees and medical insurance, if not waived by the student. Though students are housed at American University in Washington, D.C., all costs are billed by and payable to Lasell by the billing due date. Students receiving financial assistance from Lasell will continue to receive their aid while in Washington. There is no provision for continuation of work-study during the semester in Washington.
American University provides a toll-free phone number to students with questions: 1-(800) 424-2600. Students may also refer to the American University website.
