Fall and Spring Frequently-Asked-Questions

The internship program affords students the opportunity to combine academic study with practical political and professional experience.  WHIP is a semester-long program, offered full-time in both the fall and spring semesters, as well as a summer component.  Students participating in WHIP full-time during the academic year earn 15 hours of credit for the semester.

What is the work/study breakdown? 

Students in the fall and spring enroll in two academic classes and also work full-time (40 hour workweeks) in Washington, D.C., in a political internship in the public or private sector. 

How will I secure my internship?

WHIP students are responsible for securing their internships in Washington, D.C., with assistance from WHIP personnel.  More information and guidance is given after the application and selection process.

What courses will I take? 

WHIP students in the fall and spring take two 3-hour courses: 

POL 402: Public Policy
This course explores foundational thinking from early American and
19th century policymakers as contrasted to three major case studies of current public policy debates.  It is taught by David J. Bobb, Director, Kirby Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship, and lecturer in political science

POL 320: American National Security Studies
This course introduces students to the study of war, strategy, and national security policy with readings in classics and contemporary texts.  It is taught by Todd Lowery, Worsham Adjunct Fellow, and Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations, Low-Intensity Conflict, and Interdependent Capabilities within the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

How will my 15 credits be graded? 

Students will earn three grades: one grade for each of the two political science courses for a total of six hours of political science credit; and one grade for the nine hours of WHIP credit (WHP 385) based on successful completion of the internship and with input from the student’s intern supervisor. 

What if I’m not majoring in Political Science?

WHIP is open to students in all majors. The only prerequisite for the program is completion of POL 101: The U.S. Constitution. Students may count six hours toward the political science major or minor or six hours toward the political economy major. The nine WHIP credits count toward the student's general electives.

Can I apply as a freshman or sophomore? 

No, only juniors and seniors are eligible for WHIP during the fall and spring semesters. Unlike fall and spring semesters, Summer WHIP students are not required to be upperclassmen.  The only requirement for participating in summer WHIP is completion of POL 101: The U.S. Constitution.

How expensive is WHIP—is there financial assistance? 

Tuition for WHIP is the same as a regular full-semester class load at Hillsdale College.  A WHIP scholarship in addition to a student's financial aid package is available to defray room and board expenses.  Scholarships are awarded as part of the internship interview process.  WHIP students will keep all previously awarded scholarships, including GOAL scholarships.

Where will I live for the semester? 

Housing for WHIP students is coordinated with the Heritage Foundation’s Johnson Intern Building. 

What does the application process look like for WHIP? 

Students fill out and submit applications and sign up for interview appointments at the office of Mrs. Margie King, third floor Moss Hall (across from the CCA office area). Professional interviews will take place all week, immediately following the deadline set each semester.  An orientation session on-campus is mandatory, as well as an orientation seminar in Washington, D.C., conducted at the outset of the semester by Hillsdale College staff members.  Once accepted into WHIP, students are also required to participate in various preparatory events given by the Career Services Office.

Questions?  E-mail WHIP@hillsdale.edu