Every two years, Occidental College students immerse themselves in political campaigns around the country through Campaign Semester—the only program in the nation where you can earn full academic credit for hands-on work on the frontlines. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to engage in the American political process.
Launched in 2008, Campaign Semester is open to Oxy students of all majors, and no previous campaign experience is required. You will work full-time in a key presidential, Senate, House, gubernatorial, or state legislative campaign of your choice for the first 10 weeks of the fall semester leading up to Election Day. Campaign Semester students engage in a variety of campaign tasks, including voter registration, voter turnout, volunteer coordination, media relations, social media, research, speech writing, fundraising, and other aspects of a typical campaign.
After Election Day, you will return to campus and begin a five-week seminar in which you will explore the broader context of your experiences through readings, discussion, and writing. Professors Peter Dreier and Regina Freer lead the seminar and supervise the independent study projects. Campaign Semester participants earn a full semester of college credit for their work and remain fully enrolled at Occidental.
