WASHINGTON PROGRAMS

About Miami's Washington Center program

The Miami University Washington Center offers a select group of students a unique "inside the beltway" experience every summer and during some full semesters.

Approximately 25 students in Journalism, Mass Communications and Political Science are chosen to participate in the summer eight-week, eight-credit-hour course.

The pilot semester-long Inside Washington program took place in the fall of 2007, with 13 students taking part. The next full-semester Inside Washington Program will be held again during spring term 2009 - an exciting time to be in the nation's Capitol, with a new administration.

The first portion of both courses involves a series of guest speakers, field trips and lectures offering special insights into Washington politics, media and government. Past students have visited the West Wing of the White House, the Pentagon, the CIA, numerous legislators' offices, and media outlets including CNN, C-SPAN, and National Public Radio. Past guest speakers have included former presidential press secretary Ari Fleischer, former senator and presidential candidate Bob Dole, NBC journalist Tim Russert, and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The second portion of the course is a Washington-based internship in the student's area of interest. Past students have interned with members of Congress, government agencies, and media outlets including NBC's Meet the Press, Roll Call magazine and Fox News.

Full Semester Program

To get a taste of what Miami University students learned and experienced in the pilot semester program during fall 2007, visit their multi-media website, or contact Assistant Journalism Program Director Cheryl Gibbs.

Summer Program

For more information about Miami's Summer Program in Washington for Journalism students, contact Professor Howard Kleiman.