Gain legislative experience
Virginia Capitol Semester
Get behind-the-scenes legislative experience, and add a state government internship to your resume.
The Virginia Capitol Semester program is a spring semester internship that allows participants to work directly in the office of a Virginia Delegate or Senator during the General Assembly. You'll gain firsthand experience in the legislative arena while taking classes as a full-time student.
Student profiles
- Sofhia Pineda Garay explores legislation in action
- Laila Barnes unlocks future career opportunities
- Edvard Evans gains an inside perspective on Virginia government
Learn more
- Wed., Sept. 10: Virginia Capitol Semester Info Session, 3:00 – 4:00 pm | Virtual, Register via Zoom
- Tue., Sept. 16: Virginia Capitol Semester Info Session, 12:00 – 1:00 pm | Virtual, Register via Zoom
Application process - Apply by Oct. 1
The program is open to qualified undergraduate students from accredited public and private institutions across the country.
- Application Form
- Resume
- (Non-VCU students only) An unofficial transcript from your current college or university
Students pay the VCU semester tuition and fees and receive all services available to VCU students. Students are encouraged to discuss financial aid options with their home institution.
The internship course and weekly seminar are required.*
Students are encouraged to cap the semester at 15 credits, including:
- Three credits for the required internship course (online)
- Three credits for the required weekly policy-making seminar
- Six to nine credits from other VCU courses
Interns work for a minimum of 20 hours per week during the General Assembly session. Taking classes that cluster together can free up longer blocks for the internship.
Students are encouraged to confirm with their academic advisor the transferability of the required program courses.
*exceptions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Following interviews, participants are selected by the Office of Student Success, with preference given to students who will have junior or senior standing at the start of the program.