National Security Seminar

National Security Seminar

Explore the protection of U.S. interests at home, abroad and online.

Spend a week in Washington, D.C. with college students from across the country and dive into the national security challenges facing the world today. You’ll interact with experts and public figures, go behind the scenes of organizations throughout the city, discover new career paths and come away with a competitive advantage.

Seminar Components

Plenary Sessions

These morning sessions, attended by all participants, will feature some of the most distinguished speakers and public national security experts in Washington, D.C. Some of our past speakers include program manager at the Department of Homeland Security, Dr. Dan Massey and former CIA Director, John Brennan.

Educational Briefings

We'll help you explore Washington, D.C., taking you into government agencies, think tanks, media outlets and more. You'll get a behind the scenes looks at how our nation’s capital works. Examples of past educational briefings include the Metropolitan Police Department Homeland Security Bureau, Department of Energy Insider Threat Program and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Small Group Discussions

Faculty leaders lead discussion groups that allow for candid give-and-take discussions to help you digest the information you've heard throughout the day. We encourage respectful debate and foster an open environment where you can confidently express your thoughts without fear.

Housing and Living

During this seminar, you'll be living in NoMa, one of the coolest and 'most connected' neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. You'll be in the middle of it all with easy access wherever you need to go.

Want to learn all about TWC housing, the community and the neighborhood? Check out our Housing page below.

TWC Housing

Housing

Most participants share a 2-bedroom/2-bath apartment with three other participants in our modern academic and residential building. We'll provide everything you need, most of what you'll want and even some perks you might not have expected.

Each apartment is fully furnished and includes:

  • a full dining set (pots, pans, dishes, silverware, coffee maker and toaster)
  • refrigerator
  • microwave 
  • dishwasher
  • iron and ironing board
  • vacuum cleaner
  • mop and broom
  • washer and dryer
  • wi-fi

What to Pack

As you are packing, please be aware that linens will be provided for seminar participants. The linen package includes a bath towel, hand towel, wash cloth, sheets, a blanket and pillow. If you tend to get cold at night, we encourage you to bring an extra blanket. Please be prepared to pack the following:

  • personal toiletries
  • government-issued ID card
  • small folding umbrella
  • business professional attire for academic sessions and site visits
  • casual attire for evenings and weekends
  • laptop (optional)
  • notebook and pens
  • clothes hangers

Housing Services

We give you your space, but we don't leave you totally on your own. Our housing services team and alumni mentors make sure you have the support you need, any time day or night. And our disability services staff ensures that every student has the tools they need to live comfortably, complete assignments and succeed in their work.

Academic Credit

Our academic seminars are designed to qualify for academic credit at many colleges and universities. However, we do not grant academic credit. If you are participating in a group from your university, please consult with your campus liaison or faculty advisor about your particular credit arrangements. If you need help identifying your campus liaison or faculty advisor, please contact info@twc.edu.

Related Stories

View All
What to Expect at TWC’s National Security Seminar 2024

What to Expect at TWC’s National Security Seminar 2024

The Washington Center’s annual exploration of the most pressing issues in national and domestic security policy is a…
2023 Inside Washington Seminar Q&A

Seminars at TWC – An Immersive Learning Experience

The Washington Center hosts several engaging and rewarding seminar programs in Washington, D.C. These week-long offerings provide direct…
National Security Seminar 2023

From Cyber-Attacks to Extremist Violence: Preparing the Next Generation of Talent that will Address Future Threats

The threats facing our nation and global community are more complex and multifaceted than ever before.
The Washington Center National Security Seminar 2019

Here’s the Top 3 Moments from National Security 2019

Every year, The Washington Center brings together college students, faculty and experts from across the country to explore…

Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in this seminar, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program. Recent graduates may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Be in good standing at your college or university.
  • Maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Students with lower GPAs may be considered.
  • Get approval from your campus liaison or a faculty sponsor.*
  • Commit to fully participate in the program and complete all assignments.

*If you need help identifying your campus liaison or faculty sponsor, email info@twc.edu.

Seminar Cost

The cost of this seminar is $2,295 which includes housing. Many students participate as part of a group with their home institutions, so billing arrangements vary from school to school. 

If you are participating as part of a group, you will need to confirm your actual cost of attendance with your campus liaison or faculty sponsor. If you aren’t sure who to contact, email us at info@twc.edu.

Dates and Deadlines

This seminar will be held May 14 – 22, but no TWC programming will take place over the weekend! You'll be free to explore D.C.

  • Check-In: Tuesday, May 14, 2024
  • Check-Out: Wednesday, May 22, 2024
  • Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 

 

See Our Academic Calendar

How to Apply

Applications for the National Security Seminar are being accepted now! You’re a simple application form away from diving into the national security challenges facing the world today.

When you're ready to get started, click below to create an account (or log in to your existing account) in the application portal. Select "National Security Academic Seminar" from the list of available programs in the portal. 

Apply Now

Seminar Faculty

Faculty members have the opportunity to lead their students through a transformational and once-in-a-lifetime learning experience by applying to be a faculty leader. Throughout the academic seminar, faculty leaders work with a group of 10 to 20 students as they participate in program activities. During the academic seminar, faculty leaders will:

  1. Attend all program sessions
  2. Meet with students for group discussion and instruction
  3. Facilitate or moderate virtual educational briefings with speakers from embassies, think tanks and other organizations in D.C.
  4. Read students’ written work and evaluate their academic and professional performance
  5. Recommend a grade for each student at the end of the program

Institutions who send 12 or more students to an academic seminar are given the opportunity to select a faculty member to lead their cohort of students. If your institution is not sending students - or sending fewer than 12 - you may still express interest in being hired as a faculty leader. 

If your institution is interested in sending a cohort of students, or you are interested in applying to be a faculty leader, fill out this form for more information.  

Faculty leaders are selected based on their teaching background and demonstrated interest in experiential learning. All TWC programs are designed to be inclusive, equitable and accessible to all, including those from historically marginalized backgrounds, those with disabilities and neurodiverse populations. To ensure the faculty who serve TWC students are representative of our student body, faculty from these groups are encouraged to apply:  

  • Women   
  • Veterans  
  • LGBTQ+   
  • First-generation  
  • Persons with disabilities   
  • Neurodiverse individuals  
  • Individuals from historically marginalized racial and ethnic backgrounds  

REQUEST MORE INFO

Policies

To review policies regarding admissions, billing and refunds, visit the Seminar and Short-Term Policies page.