Semester in D.C.

Pitt Law’s Semester in D.C. Program offers students a unique opportunity to spend a semester gaining full-time experience in a specialty area, exploring policy or government-related work, and building connections in Washington, D.C.

Students gain hands-on experience in law and policy through internships with government or nonprofit employers. Along the way, they build professional skills and credentials, connect with alumni mentors and other Washington-area professionals, and explore career opportunities across government agencies, Capitol Hill, lobbying firms, nonprofit organizations, professional associations, private firms, and companies.

For more information, contact Drew Roberts or Oliver Kim, co-directors of the program.

About the program

All law students participating in the Semester in D.C. must take two required courses: 

  • D.C. Externship: 8–10 credits (tied to your externing, satisfies Experiential Learning graduation requirement)
  • D.C. Colloquium: 2 credits (taught in person in D.C.) 

Law students also can register for two additional optional D.C.-oriented, policy-related courses with SPIA Students: 

  • Lobbying and Advocacy: 3 credits (taught in person in D.C., satisfies Experiential Learning and Writing requirements) 
  • Public Policy Seminar: 3 credits (taught in D.C., satisfies Upper Level Writing requirement) 

Other Course Options: 

  • All Pitt Law online courses, including bar prep courses 
  • Independent Study: 1–2 credits (may satisfy Writing or Upper Level Writing requirement) 
  • Courses offered by a D.C.-area law school (note: additional tuition applies) 

Semester in D.C. FAQs

Alumni frequently consider the Semester in D.C. Program the pinnacle of their law school journey, citing its multifaceted impact. They highlight the importance of balancing regular meetings with full-time work and clarifying career goals and strengths. The program's experiential learning, credentials, and networking opportunities streamline the job search. Additionally, they stress the invaluable practical skills gained, which go beyond the limits of classroom study. Applying legal knowledge in real-world settings enhances professional confidence significantly.

All second and third-year law students.

When deciding whether to participate in your second or third year, consider your career goals and other commitments. Joining in the second year can provide valuable internship experience for federal government roles, such as the Honors Program and Presidential Management Fellowship, which often begin recruitment early in the third year. Joining in the third year allows for deeper exploration of interests and closer contact with potential employers. Students sometimes choose to stay in D.C. over their summer, having been bitten by the “D.C. bug.” 

Additionally, ensure that you can commit your spring semester to the program and consider how it fits your graduation requirements. Inform the director or faculty advisor if enrolled in certificate programs, clinics, or law journals. You might fulfill some certificate program requirements through the Semester in D.C. All program directors encourage participation for hands-on experience. However, plan your courses carefully to meet all obligations in other semesters.

To address the elevated living expenses in Washington, D.C., Program students can apply for a cost-of-living adjustment to receive extra financial aid. Additionally, they may seek fellowships to offset costs; find more details here. 

Students are responsible for identifying housing opportunities and often utilize online resources to find sublets or short-term living arrangements.  

Past Employers

  • Federal agencies like the Department of Justice, the Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. Attorney's Office
  • Congressional offices like Senators Dick Durbin (IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), and Representative Mike Kelly (PA)
  • Nonprofit organizations like AARP, the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, the Children's Law Center