Program Overview

About the UC Merced Washington Program (UCDC)

The UC Merced Washington Program (UCDC) is a unique opportunity for students to study and intern in Washington, D.C. while being registered as full-time students and fulfilling university residency requirements.

Academic Study

• Students are eligible for financial assistance.
• The program consists of a research seminar and academic courses.

Research Seminar

The research seminar is the core of each student's program of study, consisting of weekly class meetings. There are separate thematic seminar issue areas that include students from all UC schools, such as:

• Congress
• Media/Political Communications
• The Bureaucracy
• Traditional (non-themed)
• Supreme Court Each student designs a research project leading to a substantial term paper that incorporates the knowledge gained from the internship as well as making use of extensive local resources.

Academic Courses

Students will take one or two Upper-Division Elective(s) that emphasize a particular subject, such as:

• Politics
• History
• Public policy
• Media
• Arts and culture Subject matter varies per semester. UC Merced, UC Berkeley, the University of Michigan, and the University of Pennsylvania share a joint semester curriculum that allows students to receive UC Merced credit for each elective offered.

Past Electives

Previous elective courses have included:

• A Theater of Politics/The Politics of Theater
• Islam and Democracy in the Modern Age
• Art and Power in Modern Times
• American Foreign Policy
• Museums and Society: the Power of Display in Washington, D.C.
• Campaigns and Elections

The DC Experience

The program offers students the opportunity to experience life in Washington, D.C., with access to housing and transportation information.

Internships

Internships are a key component of the UCDC program, providing students with hands-on experience in their field of study.

Costs

Information on program costs is available, and students are eligible for financial assistance.

Application

The application process includes a checklist and tips for submitting a competitive application.

Program Dates & Deadlines

Important dates and deadlines for the program are available.

Student Interest List

Students can express their interest in the program by joining the student interest list.

UCDC Alumni

The program has a strong alumni network, with participant experiences and testimonials available.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the program are answered.