Program Information
The Washington Program offers two programs for undergraduates: an academic program during fall, winter, and spring quarters; and a summer program.
- Academic Program: students participating during fall, winter and spring quarters earn 15 units of credit. Students enroll in an internship, research seminar, and an upper division elective course. Although based in Washington, DC, students are registered as full-time students, fulfill university residency requirements, and are eligible for financial assistance.
- Summer Program: students participating during the summer complete an internship and receive transcript notation, but do not necessarily earn academic credit. Admitted students may choose to earn 7 units of academic credit by enrolling in one course in conjunction with their internship. Some financial assistance is offered, but assistance is more limited than for the Academic Programs in the Fall, Winter and Spring.
During Fall, Winter and Spring quarters, 42 UC Davis students participate in the program, and 30 students participate during the Summer. Eight other UC campuses have programs in Washington, bringing the total number of students living and learning at the Washington Program to about 280 students during each academic quarter.
- To see first hand how past students evaluate the Washington experience, click here to watch our program DVD.
Courses and Academic Credit
Participants in the Academic Program will enroll in three classes for a total of 15 upper division units. With the exception of the internship, all classes are taught at the UC Washington Center.
Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters:
- WAS 192/Political Science 192W, Internship (7 units, Pass/No Pass)
Internship and related assignments and responsibilities. Students will receive transcript notation for the internship. (Note: In some cases, a student may petition to have these credits awarded in the equivalent "192" internship course in his or her major. These arrangements must be made with your department prior to going to DC). - WAS 193/Political Science 193W, Research Project (4 units, letter grade only. The P/NP option is NOT available for the research seminar.)
The research seminar is a core academic component of the Washington Program. Each student develops a project in consultation with Washington Program faculty. Through weekly seminars, students receive guidance on the process of writing a 20-25 page research paper. Students must receive a passing grade of C- or better for the research project. It is the UC Davis campus policy that serious academic work must accompany any credits that are awarded for internships. Students who do not pass WAS 193/POL 193 (Research Project) will not receive any credit for WAS 192/POL 192 (Internship).
Programs from previous Undergraduate Research Conferences: Winter 2006; Spring 2006; Fall 2006.
Research Guidelines for Spring 2008 and for Science Majors - Upper Division Elective (4 units, letter grade or P/NP option)
Students choose from a selection of courses offered by UC Washington Program faculty. Course offerings change each quarter. Click here to see course offerings from previous quarters.
UC Davis Washington Program Academic and Professional Code of Etiquette
Additional course information located on the UC Washington Center website.
*Health Policy Focus: During some Spring Quarter programs, the UC Davis Washington Program offers a special focus on health policy. Professor Garen Wintemute, an emergency room physician at the UCD Medical School teaches a seminar on public health policy and supervises student research projects in this area. Students with an interest in health-related topics are encouraged to apply for Spring Quarter to take advantage of this focus. Most recent syllabus.
Summer Quarter:
- Political Science 192W (7 units, P/NP): Internship and related assignments. This ten-week course will draw on students' internships as a basis for its focus on the intersection of public policy and organizational behavior. Summer 2007 syllabus.