Expand your professional skillset and knowledge by participating in the UCDC (quarter in Washington, D.C.) Program, offering unparalleled access to internships within various industries alongside rigorous coursework in addition to the opportunity to network with professionals and make invaluable connections for future career success.
Program Overview
The UCDC (quarter in Washington, D.C.) Program supervises and supports students who pursue internships and academic study in the nation’s capital. The program is open to juniors and seniors in all majors. Students enroll for fall, winter, or spring quarter, earning 12-17 course credits, while registered as full-time UCSC students.
Students spend 24-32 hours each week in their internships, from working on Capitol Hill or a government agency to a major media outlet or a nonprofit organization. Internship placements are selected by students based on their interests.
Students also attend a weekly research seminar that enables them to draw on D.C.’s variety of research opportunities to complete a research paper on a subject related to their internships. In addition, students may also take one upper-division elective course from a range of classes offered by faculty at the Washington Center. Elective classes are offered in several disciplines, including the social and natural sciences, arts, and humanities.
For information on resources and upcoming events, follow us on Instagram @ucdc_ucsc
“I was an Operations and Community Engagement intern for MetroPrize where I learned about youth development and intervention efforts in the nation’s capital. Today, I work in D.C. and MentorPrize is one of my current job’s partners! My UCDC experience was amazing, humbling, and insightful.”
– Tanya Magaña
UCSC-Specific Information Sessions
New session times will be posted in Fall 2024.
UC Systemwide Information Sessions
UCDC Information Sessions happen on the second Tuesday of every month during the academic year. Registration is required to attend these virtual information sessions.
Program Dates
| Quarter & Year | Start Date | End Date |
| Fall 2024 | September 23, 2024 | December 6, 2024 |
| Winter 2025 | January 6, 2025 | March 14, 2025 |
| Spring 2025 | March 24, 2025 | June 6, 2025 |
Selection Criteria
Students from all majors are encouraged to apply. Admission is competitive. To be eligible for consideration, students must:
- Be a junior or senior (occasionally sophomores)
- Recommended 3.0 GPA or higher
- Have a strong academic record.
- Provide a strong statement of purpose
- Provide a strong letter of recommendation (if possible, from faculty rather than TAs or employers).
Final decisions will be made approximately one month from the application deadline. A mandatory orientation for accepted students will happen near the end of the previous quarter prior to departure (e.g., orientation for fall quarter will be held the preceding spring, etc.).
“I interned at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), which allowed me to research health policy, attend meetings with legislators and legislative assistants, and go to briefings on Capitol Hill. I made friends and connections that have led to opportunities that would not have been possible without my internship.”
– Chloe Mietzel
Admission
Admission will be based on the student’s statement of purpose, academic record, letter of recommendation, and in some cases a personal interview. Consideration is also given to the distribution of academic disciplines participating in the program. Participation in UCDC changes the way in which a student meets residency requirements for a degree. Contact your college academic advisor for more information.
UCDC Video
For more information about UCDC, please see this Unveiling UCDC: Why This Internship Program Should Be YOUR Choice! video produced by UCDC Washington Staff.