The Washington D.C. Residency can significantly enhance your understanding of the intersection between business and government, equipping you with the knowledge and connections to excel in your career. Over the course of five days, you'll meet with current and former legislators and staff, senior civil servants, business executives, lobbyists, and other officials to learn first-hand how public policy affects the U.S. and global economies. This firsthand exposure to policy influencers provides invaluable insights into how public policy impacts business and the economy.
D'Amore-McKim is one of only 17 schools eligible to participate. Discussions with candidates from different schools can deepen your understanding of business concepts and strategies, providing a broader perspective on global business trends. You'll form lasting connections that can enhance your professional network, knowledge, and career prospects.
Discover how policy shapes the business landscape
3
credits
5
days in Washington, D.C.
17
MBA programs send students
Travel to the nation's capital to discover how public policy affects business on every scale, from the domestic market to the global economy. You'll track policy from its creation to the ethics of its outcomes to find solutions that benefit businesses, government, and our society as a whole.
I spent five days in Washington, D.C. for an intensive elective course and joined a cohort of MBA students from across the nation to focus on the intersection of business and government. I worked on a team project to create a new healthcare bill and developed an action plan for it to pass legislation. I built many valuable connections learning from my senior classmates.
Ravneet Kaur, MBA'24
What you'll do
- Unpack the complex relationship between policy and business
- Meet current and former legislators and staff, Executive Branch officials, senior civil servants, business executives, lobbyists, representatives of the media, and special interest groups
- Explore federal buildings and agencies like Capitol Hill, the Federal Reserve, the Department of Treasury, and the National Press Club. When Congress is in session, you'll attend congressional hearings to experience governmental processes up-close
- Complete a team project due two weeks after the course is completed
How you'll benefit
- Discover how public policy is made and how it affects industries and organizations
- Explore how to ethically manage public affairs and policy to create solutions for businesses, government, and society that are both profitable and sustainable
- Form lasting connections with other graduate professional students from up to 17 universities
Sample program timeline
How to apply
Talk to your advisor first, then apply to the Washington Campus for a session that doesn't conflict with your classes.
Frequently asked questions
Transportation isn't included in your tuition, so you'll need to arrange your own travel to and around Washington, D.C.
The most convenient airport is Ronald Reagan National (DCA)—just a short ride from the city. Baltimore-Washington (BWI) and Dulles (IAD) are also options, but they're about an hour away. If you're nearby, Amtrak or bus service to Union Station is another easy option.
For more details, check out our updated Transportation Guide (2024).
Housing isn't included in your tuition, so you'll need to book your own accommodations for the week.
There are plenty of hotels near The Washington Campus—check out our list of nearby options. While we don't currently offer group discounts, you're also welcome to explore home or apartment rentals in the area.
Looking to share a room? For privacy reasons, The Washington Campus can't connect participants directly, but you can contact Evelyn Gonzalez to see if other D'Amore-McKim students are attending.
Once you register, you'll get a confirmation email with access to your program's course page on The Washington Campus website. This page has everything you need—logistics, syllabus, readings, agenda, group project info, speaker bios, and more. It's updated regularly, so be sure to check back before the program starts.
Didn't see the email? Check your spam or junk folder. You'll log in using the username and password provided in that message.
During the program, the faculty will also post speaker slides there (if they've given permission to share them).
You'll find a set of required readings on a course website, which will provide helpful background. Please take some time to go through them so you're ready to engage with speakers and dive into the discussions.
Look up your Members of Congress in your home district and Massachusetts. You can find your representatives in the House of Representatives and Senate.
If you're an international student—or just need a quick civics refresher—it's a good idea to review how the U.S. government works. Check out usa.gov/branches-of-government for an overview of the three branches of government, and congress.gov/legislative-process to learn how laws are made.
The dress code is dressy business casual—think polished but comfortable. A blazer or equivalent is recommended, but no tie is needed. Because of the places you'll visit and the people you'll meet with, jeans and flip-flops are not appropriate.
The Washington Campus will finalize grading for your exams and projects within 3 to 4 weeks after the program ends. If you're wondering when your grades will appear on your transcript, the best person to contact is Evelyn Gonzalez.
Get in touch
Evelyn Gonzalez
Eligible programs
You can apply to participate in our Washington, DC Residency through the following programs:
