Federal semester was the jump start I needed to start seriously thinking about my career goals.... I recommend the program to students searching for a supportive network and a competitive edge that will help them land the jobs they want after college.
Teresa G. (Homeland Security Policy, 2008-09)

Before being in the program I never thought I would be able to get an internship at a federal agency. The federal semester program helped me accomplish my dream.  
Rabia B. (Federal Health Policy, 2008-09)

I feel more prepared to begin a medical career now that I have been able to learn about and explore our healthcare system's development, structure, challenges, and potential. 
Rachel B. (Federal Health Policy, 2008-09)

Read about the Federal Semester in, Students Gain Applicable Policy Experience, an article in the University's newsletter, Between the Columns.

View images of our recent trips to Washington, DC and Capitol Hill.

The Semester on Peace in Fall 2009 is a resource of events, activities, and courses. Find out more...»

We’ve moved! The Federal Semester office is now located in 3103 Susquehanna Hall. Please stop by to check out our new space!
For more information and directions---»

Interested in how federal policy is set in Washington, DC? See for yourself! Become part of a cohort of engaged students. Take a 3 credit seminar on federal policy in the Fall and participate in a 3 credit internship in the Spring.

Federal Semester is a unique University of Maryland program for students interested in combining academic preparation with first hand experience with federal policy.

Federal Semester seeks to provide students from a variety of disciplines opportunities that promote insight into federal policy and allow professional experience in an agency or organization working with federal policy initiatives.

For 2009-2010, we are offering three concentrations:

          • Federal Health Policy
          • Federal Homeland Security Policy
          • US Policy in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Federal Semester is your opportunity to:

• Join a targeted small enrollment Federal Semester seminar taught by an expert in federal policy.

• Participate in workshops to support the community of Federal Semester students and provide guidance as students prepare for the Federal Semester Internship.

• Learn from program staff and other units of the University on how to secure internship placements within a federal agency, congressional office, or other approved organization for the Federal Semester Internship.

Application for the three 2009-2010 concentrations is now open. Please read: About the Program and complete an application.

Tamara N. S. Brooks (left), Chief of the Student Programs Branch at the U.S. State Department, spoke to Federal Semester students on October 15, 2009. She talked about working at the U. S. State Department. Listen to her presentation.

Federal Semester student Stephanie Stevenson introduces President Obama at a White House news briefing on student financial aid. View her speech...»

To learn more about the program please contact:

Priya Kumar, Program Coordinator, pkumar12@umd.edu
Location: 3103 Susquehanna Hall, 301-314-0261

Joey Manfredo, Faculty Research Assistant, manfredo@umd.edu
Location: 3103 Susquehanna Hall, 301-314-0689

Dr. Joan Burton, Director, Federal Semester jburton1@umd.edu
Location: 3103 Susquehanna Hall, 301-314-1920

Drop-In Hours