Arts & Sciences

Les Aspin Center fall 2026 semester to highlight communication, media and journalism; Apply by May 4

This fall’s Les Aspin Center theme — communication, media and journalism — offers an ideal semester for students interested in public affairs storytelling, strategic communication, policy messaging, political journalism and more. The program blends a flexible academic curriculum with a for-credit internship that builds professional experience in one of the most dynamic media and policy environments in the world.

The final application deadline for the Fall 2026 Les Aspin Center semester in Washington, D.C., is Monday, May 4, at 11:59 p.m. Students from all majors are encouraged to apply for this immersive opportunity to study, intern and live in the nation’s capital while earning academic credit.

An innovative curriculum built for aspiring communicators

Students studying at the Aspin Center this fall will enroll in core internship courses and electives totaling 12 to 18 credits. The electives feature an expanded slate of communications-related courses.

Fall electives include:

  • COMM 3800: Media Law (3 credits)
    Learn how libel, privacy and First Amendment principles shape the work of journalists, advertisers, broadcasters and public relations professionals.
  • POSC 4932: Statesmanship and the Challenge of Communication (2 credits)
    Explore how political leaders throughout history have persuaded the public — from the founding era to today’s social media landscape.
  • Strategic Communication for Public Leadership (1 credit)
    Build skills in persuasive storytelling, vision-setting and trust-building — core tools for careers in policy, advocacy, journalism and public affairs.
  • POSC 4932: Policy Communications and Public Relations in a Polarized Environment (1 credit)
    Learn how organizations communicate effectively across divided audiences and fast-moving information cycles.
  • POSC 4932: Data Visualization (1 credit)
    Turn complex data into compelling visual stories using tools used by journalists, analysts and researchers.
  • POSC 4932: Covering Washington Politics (1 credit)
    Hear directly from media professionals about reporting on power, accountability and political institutions in Washington, D.C.

Additional courses include Right to Privacy, The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Humanitarian Assistance, and Program Management and Organizational Change — all designed to equip students for policy-driven communication roles.

Internship opportunities beyond Capitol Hill

While Hill internships remain a popular option, the Les Aspin Center works with partners across the city to help students find roles tailored to communication, journalism, media, public relations, research and advocacy.

Opportunities include:

  • Media, journalism, broadcast and digital news organizations
    Bloomberg, CNN, C‑SPAN, Disney (National Geographic/ABC News), FOX News (D.C. offices), NBCUniversal, The New York Times (D.C. Bureau), NPR, PBS News, POLITICO, The Washington Post
  • Public relations and strategic communication firms
    The Brand Guild, Edelman, FGS Global, FINN Partners, FleishmanHillard, Rational360, Vision360 Partners, VML
  • Public policy and nonprofit organizations
    America’s Public Television Stations, Congressional Office’s press team, Folger Shakespeare Library, KFF, National Press Club, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Students interested in the executive branch — including internships at the White House, State Department or Department of Justice — are encouraged to begin their search early due to longer background checks and clearance processing times.

Financial support: Making D.C. affordable

Recognizing the cost of living in Washington, the Les Aspin Center provides significant resources to help offset expenses:

  • Living stipends are available for students with unpaid or low-paid internships (based on financial aid eligibility).
  • Provides a U-Pass for unlimited Metro and public bus rides during the semester.
  • A stocked nonperishable food pantry in the student apartments offers helpful staples to reduce grocery costs.
  • Free laundry facilities, including detergent and supplies, are available in the student apartment building.

Students are also encouraged to explore external funding opportunities such as Asian American Journalist Association (AAJA) scholarships, language-department internship funds, Student Peacemaking Fellowships, and the Wisconsin Women in Government Undergraduate Scholarship.

Live steps from the Capitol

Students reside in Marquette-owned apartments, just four blocks from Capitol Hill and one block from the Aspin Center’s classroom and offices. Each apartment-style unit houses up to four students and provides a supportive cohort environment in one of D.C.’s most walkable neighborhoods. The fall semester offers warm weather, vibrant festivals and fewer crowds — a perfect backdrop for exploring the city.

Learn more and apply online.
Questions? Email aspincenter@marquette.edu.