WASHINGTON MINIMESTER
A program unique to Villanova. Spend three weeks in Washington, D.C. meeting policymakers, lobbyists, pollsters, staffers, and other Washington actors who influence the political process from behind the scenes.
You can earn three credits toward your degree by spending three weeks meeting policymakers as you travel around Washington and learn how the American political process works. The program consists of roughly 30 seminars with people whose daily decisions make the Federal government run: members of Congress and their staffs; political party committee leaders; executive branch officials; reporters; pundits; think tank members; Supreme Court clerks; lobbyists; and pollsters. Over the last few years, Minimester participants have met, among others: Rep. Chrissy Houlahan and Sen. Robert Casey; House Speakers John Boehner and Paul Ryan; RNC Chair Reince Priebus and DNC Chair Howard Dean; Meet the Press host Chuck Todd and PBS commentator Mark Shields. We regularly meet with speakers at such places as the Departments of Defense and State, the Federal Reserve, and the Federal Election Commission.
The program brings to life the interplay of policymaking and politics in the Federal government. Participants are expected to attend all seminars, actively question the speakers, maintain an interpretive journal, and write a capstone essay about politics and policy at the Federal level. A professional development component prepares interested students for careers in Washington.
The program is listed in the Villanova catalogue as PSC 6160. Credit may be applied to the Political Science major or minor.
EXPLORE THE PROGRAM
Students reside in dormitories at Catholic University of America (CUA). Catholic University is in northeast Washington, D.C. about ten minutes from downtown. A red line metro stop on campus provides convenient access to all seminar locations.
Beyond the seminars, the total Washington experience is an educational one for participants. There’s a lot to do and see on your own, from lunches on Capitol Hill, to Georgetown at night, to hours spent exploring one of Washington’s many monuments and historic museums.
Each participant is responsible for his or her own transportation to and from Washington. We use the Washington Metro system to travel between events, although students are permitted to bring their own cars. Parking fees at CUA run roughly $35 per week.
The cost of the program is the same as Villanova's summer school tuition for full-time students (three undergraduate summer credits) plus a $950 housing fee. Participants are responsible for transportation to and from Washington, transportation within Washington, food, and incidental expenses.
Scholarship funds are available for students who qualify based on need and merit. Washington Minimester scholarships support 100 percent of tuition and housing. Up to six scholarships are available each year. Students may apply for a Washington Minimester scholarship when applying to the program.
The Washington Minimester is limited to fifteen participants annually. Admission is highly competitive. Successful applicants must demonstrate a proven record of academic success, a strong interest in politics, and the willingness to engage speakers and ask challenging questions.
Interested students should contact the program director, Dr. Matthew Kerbel, during the Fall term to be invited to a mandatory informational session held in December. Students who attend that meeting are eligible to complete an online application, due in early January. Finalists will have a brief interview with the program director. Admission decisions are announced in February. Once admitted, a $200 nonrefundable deposit is required by all non-scholarship participants to secure a place in the program.
The program is held during the last two weeks of May and the first week of June. In 2025, tentative program dates are Tuesday May 20 – Saturday June 7.
“I have learned more about politics, policy, and policymaking in the past three weeks than I have ever learned in my life. Granted, the political science courses at Villanova are good, but they are nowhere near as invaluable as the experiences and knowledge I have gained here.”
“I loved the balance of work, networking, and fun. This was an unbelievable experience and I learned so much and made so many connections.”
“If I could rate this program out of 10, I would give it a 9,348,293,538,418,924. This program is seriously so amazing and it has helped me see where and what I want to do in the future. I have made so many connections with alumni and have learned so much about our country.”
“Before going on the Minimester, I had a feeling that the people who worked in D.C. would care more about themselves than they would about us as college students. However, I came to learn that D.C. is run by young people and that young bright minds are extremely valued by many institutions here.”
“The Minimester was an incredible learning opportunity. I think all students interested in a career in politics or in Washington should do this.”
“This is the best learning experience I have ever had. I cannot speak highly enough about my Minimester experience.”
“The people, the opportunities, the speakers, everything was so so perfect. This trip was a dream come true.”
“I am in awe of how much this program has helped me.”
“I will carry this experience with me forever.”
“I mean it when I say this: the Minimester has changed my life.”
