For over thirty years, the Campaign Management Institute (CMI) in the Center for Congressional & Presidential Studies has offered a nationally recognized program designed to train individuals for participation in local, state and federal political campaigns.

Developed and taught by strategists from the Republican and Democratic parties, national campaign consultants and political scientists, this intensive two-week program serves as a valuable foundation for political activists and campaign managers. Participants will develop their expertise by utilizing the extensive personnel and organizational resources in the Nation's Capital. Pictured above: May 2026 cohort with CMI Director Fulks. 

Course Dates:

• January 5-11, 2026
• May 11-24, 2026

Leadership

Led by Director Quentin Fulks (SPA/MA '15), CMI comprehensively covers campaign techniques, strategy, and tactics with emphasis on recent technological developments. Group seminars and campaign simulations are used to develop and refine a participant's ability to coordinate a successful political campaign. Written work for this course consists of several short exercises plus development of a campaign plan. Small groups of students work jointly on the development and presentation of a single campaign plan for an actual upcoming race. The final day of the Institute is devoted to the presentation of the group-designed campaign plans before a panel of CMI faculty and campaign professionals.

AU students should see their academic adviser for information on enrolling in the institutes. There are also a limited number of seats available to non-AU students and professionals to participate in the institute either for- or not for-credit. See more below.

CMI Scholarships

The Center offers the Harry Michael Urian III Congressional and Presidential Studies Scholarship to help offset the cost of participating in the institutes for graduate students pursuing a degree.

To apply for scholarships, please review application requirements through Blackbaud. The deadline to submit scholarship applications are:

• Winter Intersession is November 24, 2025
• Spring Institute deadline is April 24, 2026

Non-AU Students & Professionals Application

CMI welcomes applications from qualified individuals who are committed to contributing meaningfully to coursework, discussions, and fully participating for the duration of the institute. Non-AU applicants are expected to have a demonstrated interest in political campaigning and the ability to engage actively in a rigorous, collaborative learning environment. Lodging/transportation not provided.

Application Requirements: Please submit all application materials by April 10, 2026 as a single PDF to [email protected] with the subject line 'CMI Non-AU Application.'

• a current resume;
• a two-page letter of interest explaining why you wish to participate in CMI; 
• any relevant campaign or political experience; and
• applicants future career goals in the field of political campaigning.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and selected applicants may be invited to participate in a brief interview to confirm readiness and availability for the full program. Accepted applicants will receive instructions regarding non-degree enrollment and course registration.