IIW participants must be fully-enrolled students at UIUC for the term in which they participate in IIW.
During the Fall and Spring semesters, students must be enrolled in at least 12 credits of coursework.
This includes two required courses (see below).
PS 125: The Washington Experience
In this required 3-credit course, students will examine the policymaking world in Washington and get to know different participants in this process, what they do, and how they interact and work to affect policy and express their ideas. The course includes visits to think tanks, nonprofit organizations, and agencies. This course meets in-person in D.C. on Fridays.
PS 491: Illinois in Washington Internship Seminar
This required 6-credit course combines experiential learning, career development and political science research and writing. Class sessions and assignments enable students to analyze and reflect on their internship experience, engage in professional and career development, and design and write policy-based research papers. This course meets in-person in D.C. on Fridays.
PS 321: Principles of Public Policy (Optional)
This is an optional 3-credit course taught in-person in D.C. by Professor Charisma Howell. This course examines important issues that are relevant to government and public policy. In some semesters, it may focus on one specific public policy issue that is currently of particular interest or concern.
Note: Students who do not wish to enroll in PS 321 may enroll in a different 3-credit course through UIUC. You should consult with IIW staff about whether specific courses satisfy IIW requirements.
During the Summer session, students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits of coursework. This includes one required course, PS 491 (one 6-credit course).