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

Students have the exclusive opportunity to delve deep into the foundations and theories of contemporary international relations. As they reflect on current and future global issues, students explore subjects such as the strategies of political leaders, the complexities of conflict resolution and democracy promotion, and the roles of elected officials and other key players on the world stage.

Throughout the summer term, students meet with their Georgetown University research professor regularly in the classroom and 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 legal professionals, academic experts, policy-makers, and elected officials.

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 International 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.