The UCDC Program

Overview

UCDC is an academic program created in 1997 for the purpose of providing approximately 30 students per quarter an opportunity to continue their studies while interning in Washington, DC. The availability of a 4-unit research seminar that satisfies upper-division course requirements for a number of majors affords students the opportunity to reflect on and enlist their intern experiences in an academic exercise. UCDC is also a residential program with apartments at the centrally-located, UC Washington Center. Not only does this facilitate relocating temporarily in the nation's capital, the Center offers students a rich exposure to the Washington community through tours and an evening speaker series. Since its inception, hundreds of UC San Diego students have included UCDC in their educational experience.

Course Credit

Students participating during the academic year are required to remain enrolled for a minimum of twelve units (full time status) to participate in the program. All participants pay UC San Diego student services fees and remain eligible for financial aid if full time status is maintained. Students must check with their individual major department regarding the use of credits and grading options from the internship (POLI 197I), mandatory research seminar and/or elective-course towards their major. Most classes are taught at the UC Washington Center.

Internship Credit (Mandatory)

Political Science 197I (6- or 8-units, Pass/Not Pass): Internship and related assignments and responsibilities. The units are upper-division general elective credit; check with your academic department regarding application of credit toward your major. (These units may not be used toward the Political Science major requirements).
Research Seminar Credit (Mandatory)
Political Science (POLI 194); Communication (COGN 194); Urban Studies and Planning (USP 194); Cognitive Science (COGS 194); History (HITO 193); Sociology (SOCE) 194; (4 units): Development and completion of an independent research project under the supervision of the Washington Center Director, a UCSD Professor, and guided by a teaching assistant. Students from departments other than those listed above should contact their academic department to determine if this course will be counted toward their major.
Elective Course Credit
Upper-Division Elective Course (4-units): From a selection of courses offered by UC Washington Center faculty. Information regarding electives offered will be provided to students after being admitted to the UCDC program. To get a sense of electives offered in the past, please refer to UCDC Class Descriptions.

Students participating during the summer term are not required to enroll to earn academic credit, but do have the option of enrolling in AIP 197 for 4, 8 or 12 units if they so choose. Sudents hoping to receive financial aid during the summer should connect with the Financial Aid office regarding their personal aid package. Receipt of financial aid for the summer term typically requires enrollment in a minimum of eight units.

Housing and Facilities

UCDC participants are required to live in the UC Washington Center located at 1608 Rhode Island Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20036. The building includes living quarters for students, classrooms, state-of-the-art teaching technology, a fitness center, lounges and auditorium. The apartments are 2 bedroom/1 bathroom, four students per apartment, fully furnished, fully equipped kitchens, microwaves, cable TV, and high speed internet access. Housing costs include all amenities except sheets and towels. We recommend you refer to the checklist (PDF) of items to bring with you. Housing fees are paid in advance, for some quarters as early as 3-4 weeks after being admitted to the program. Students seeking disability accommodations at the UC Washington Center must be registered with the UCSD Office for Students with Disabilities and contact the UC Washington Center's staff immediately after acceptance into the UCDC program.

Program Costs

University fees are the same as for a quarter on campus, but the cost of living in Washington is higher. Estimated total fees and living expenses (including round trip airfare, housing, food and meals, books and supplies, local commuting, clothing, and other personal expenses) per quarter run in the range of $9,500 - $9,955. Please refer to the UCDC Estimated Budget (PDF) worksheet. Of course, this will vary for different individuals. Financial aid recipients will be given a budget to take to their financial aid officer so their aid amount may be increased accordingly. Financial aid recipients with a minimum 3.0 GPA are automatically considered for a UCDC Scholarship.

For more information on the UCDC program, click the links at left, or download the resources to the right.