Students in Georgetown University's Semester in Washington Program earn 3 credits by participating in the Politics and Public Policy Research Seminar. The research seminar is a guided, independent research project on a topic of the students' interest within their field of study.

Students have the exclusive opportunity to delve deep into the nature of American politics. From the hub of the nation's political scene, they examine such complex subjects as the structure of government, bureaucracy, and operations; the role of political parties; the influence of public opinion on political behavior; current legislative priorities; and emerging national issues.

Throughout the summer term, students meet with their Georgetown University research professor on a regular basis in the classroom and in one-on-one sessions. Under the professor's guidance, students receive an overview of both quantitative and qualitative research methods, gaining knowledge that prepares them for interviews with elected officials, policy makers, academic experts, and legal professionals.

Tapping into the unique resources of the nation's capital and Georgetown University, students conduct primary research on a new and emerging topic within the field of American politics and public affairs that interests them. Semester in Washington students culminate their experience by writing a significant, in-depth, original paper. True to Georgetown's Jesuit tradition, the research paper addresses one of the following concepts: applied ethics, leadership, or social justice.