Program Overview
UC Center Sacramento (UCCS) is the University of California’s premier teaching, research, and public service site located one block from the State Capitol Building in Sacramento, California. Operated by UC Davis, UCCS offers a distinctive academic internship program in public policy, combining academics, research, and public service.
General Information
The program allows students to engage with public policy and policymaking at all levels of government, in a diverse number of fields. It is an unparalleled opportunity for students to expand their professional network with University of California peers as well as a range of professionals in a variety of fields!
The UCCS program is available year-round (fall, winter, spring, and summer quarters), and all majors are encouraged! Past students have interned in the Office of the Governor, the State Capitol (with State Assemblymembers and State Senators, Committees, and Offices), various government departments and agencies (such as the Department of Public Health, Department of Housing & Community Development, the Environmental Protection Agency), and organizations (such as LULAC, California Forward, and more).
Interested students can also fill out the UCCS Student Interest List, and UCCS advisors will provide information based on noted interests and reminders about upcoming deadlines, or contact UCCS advisor directly at uccsadvisors@ucdavis.edu.
Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions – Register here
Program Eligibility
In order to participate in UCCS, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Junior or Senior standing. Sophomores with a B or better in at least two upper-division courses.
- 3.0 GPA or above.
- Transfer students with 1 completed quarter at their UC campus are eligible to apply.
- International students and DACA/AB540/Undocumented students are eligible to apply.
Program Dates and Deadlines
Visit the UC Center Sacramento Program Dates and Deadlines webpage for more information.
Courses
Students take 16 units during fall, winter, and spring, and 14 units during the summer. The internship accounts for 6 of these units and is graded P/NP. All other courses are graded. A description of all UCCS courses can be found on the UCCS website.
Internships
An experiential internship is the most important component of the UC Center public policy program. UCCS faculty and staff work closely with students to ensure that internship placements meet the goals and interests of each student. For more information, visit the UCCS website.
Available Internship options
- Commerce and International Affairs
- Criminal Justice
- Education and Education Administration
- Environment
- Finance and Economics
- Health and Human Services
- Humanities and Liberal Arts
- Law
- Local Government
- Media and Journalism
- Natural Resources and Agriculture
- Regional and Community Development
- Science and Technology
Program Costs and Financial Aid
Actual costs will vary depending on student needs and their available financial aid. You can visit the UCCS Program Costs and Financial Aid page for an estimated average budget. Tuition and fees are subject to change. Estimated program costs are based on California residency. Non-California residents will be charged Non-Resident Tuition.
Scholarship Opportunities
- Health Justice Scholars Award (more information provided in the UCCS online application)
- UC President’s Public Service Fellowship (more information provided in the UCCS online application)
Other resources for financial assistance:
Housing
UCCS has limited housing available at the 19J Midtown Lofts in Sacramento, CA in Downtown, Sacramento. UCCS students receive quarter-long leases. Parking is not available for students living in 19J Midtown Lofts. The 19J Midtown Lofts are within walking distance from the Capitol and the UCCS Center. Public transportation to and from downtown is accessible, though students may choose to commute or carpool with other students. Students stay in two-bed, double-occupancy furnished studio units with all beds in a large, loft-style room. Units also have a kitchen, one full bathroom, two desks, closet space, and a communal study space for UCCS students. Items such as kitchenware, linens, and toiletries are not included. If more students request housing facilitation than there are spots available, housing will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis using the date that a student submitted their application.
For more information, visit the UCCS website.