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)
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. (Health Policy)
Without Federal Semester I probably would not have considered an internship with the federal government, much less a long career with them…Thank you for inspiring students like myself to work in the federal government and making us feel that we can make a difference in our world
Chelsea W. (Homeland Security Policy)
The experience I gained in Federal Semester, both in and out of the classroom, has been monumental. The opportunity to work for the government at the headquarters of the Department of Defense has been fantastic. Without Federal Semester, it would never have happened.
Daniel D. (Homeland Security Policy)
Photos
View images of the Fall 2010 trips to federal agencies and Capitol Hill.
View images of the Fall 2011 trips to federal agencies and Capitol Hill.
View images of the 2010 reception honoring this year's Federal Semester students, their mentors, and internship supervisors.
View images of the 2009-2010 trips to federal agencies and Capitol Hill.
View images of the 2008-2009 trips to Washington, DC and Capitol Hill. |
About the Program
Our nation grapples with challenging issues such as health care reform, terrorism, globalization and climate change just as the federal government faces a wave of retirements.
There has never been a better time to work toward solutions, effect change and pursue a career in public service, especially in the federal government.
The Federal Semester Program is a unique opportunity for University of Maryland students to develop insight into federal policy and gain professional experience in the federal government or on Capitol Hill.
Open to students from all majors, this year-long program combines a fall academic seminar with a spring internship. Supplementary courses, field trips and other out-of-class events help students deepen their understanding of the federal government and the policymaking process. Professional development workshops help students navigate the internship search process and prepare for future careers.
Students select one of the following concentrations:
- Health Policy
- Homeland Security Policy
- U.S. Foreign Policy: Development and Diplomacy
- Energy and Environmental Policy
Federal Semester students receive $500 stipends to offset transportation costs.
Anyone considering a career in public service or interested in learning first-hand about the federal government is encouraged to apply.
News
"Unstoppable Starts Here: Born to Lead, Committed to Serve," By Aisha Hasan, Dec. 8, 2010. The University of Maryland's Federal Service Student Ambassador Aisha Hasan describes the rewards that come with a career in federal service. Read more --»
"UM Senior Named Federal Service Student Ambassador," UM School of Public Health, Oct. 17, 2010. Federal Semester alumna Aisha Hasan selected to serve as the University of Maryland's Federal Service Student Ambassador, a nationwide program of the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service. Read more --»
Federal Semester students celebrate their internships at an evening reception in May. For information and pictures from the event see our slideshow.
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"An HHS intern makes a difference," The Washington Post, April 27, 2010. Federal Semester student Rachel Volke is featured as a Federal Player of the Week. Read more --»
"Federal Semester Awarded Nearly $1M for Internships," Between the Columns, April 12, 2010. Read more --»
"More Terps Become Future Feds," Federal News Radio, April 12, 2010. Director Dr. Joan Burton describes the Federal Semester Program and the grant that is helping expand the program to 80 students. Listen here --»
"Health in Haiti: Lessons to Learn for National Public Health Week 2010," The Huffington Post, April 6, 2010. Federal Semester student Pamela Savitz co-authored this article with Dr. Susan Blumenthal of the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress. Read more --»
"Federal cash will expand university program," The Diamondback, April 5, 2010. The $951,000 Congressional grant "will let the university’s Federal Semester program add a fourth focus, expand from 60 to 80 students, hire additional faculty and offer stipends and scholarships to participants..." Read more --»
Congressionally directed grant enables Federal Semester to expand student internship opportunities. Read more --»
Federal Semester will launch its new, fourth concentration in Federal Energy and Environmental Policy fall 2010. Read more --»
"Survey Finds College Students More Interested in Federal Jobs," The Washington Post, May 1, 2009. Read more --»
"Students Gain Applicable Policy Experience," Between the Columns, March 5, 2009
Student Spotlight
 Federal Semester student Stephanie Stevenson introduces President Obama at a White House news briefing on student financial aid. View her speech...»
Program Staff
Dr. Joan Burton, Director, jburton1@umd.edu,
301-314-1920
Megan Monserez, Program Coordinator, monserez@umd.edu, 301-314-0261
Amos Cruz, Graduate Assistant, amoscruz@umd.edu,
301-314-1130
Rebecca Schwartz, Graduate Assistant, rschwar4@umd.edu,
301-314-0689
The Federal Semester Program is located at
2407 Marie Mount Hall
Click here for directions |
