The UC Center Sacramento program (UCCS) is located one block from the State Capitol Building. An academic program, you can intern and take courses for academic credit during the summer, fall, winter and spring terms.
UCCS Internships
Gain hands-on practical experience in Sacramento, the state’s capital! Get involved and learn about the policy making process of the largest state in the country. Students intern for a minimum of 20 hours per week.
Placement process
An internship placement process is built-in to the UCCS program. After students are selected for the program, the UCCS Systemwide Staff actively helps students secure internships. They will meet with the participants, determine their interests and offer possible options. Students are still required to apply to, interview for and get accepted to the position.
Examples of internship organizations
Placements are tailored to students’ interests, skills and background. Below are examples of possible internship sites.
Internships are available in a wide variety of sectors including law, local government, legislative branch, executive branch, health policy, non-profits, state agencies, etc. Check out the UCCS social media pages for examples of specific internship sites.
Learn more about internship opportunities and the placement process on the UCCS site.
UCCS Courses
UCCS participants receive academic credit for their internships and courses. Instructors are UC faculty and guest speakers are invited to attend. Students enroll together in a set curriculum that is consistently offered each quarter. Special topics courses can vary per term.
Fall / winter / spring / summer quarter
Students receive a minimum of 16 UC quarter units:
Required:
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Political Science 192A: Political Science Internship (6 units)
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Course combines research with professional experience
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Intern for a minimum of 20 hours per week
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Complete a public policy service research paper
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Political Science 193: Internship & Research (2 units) (optional for summer students)
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Political Science 195: The California Policy Seminar (4 units)
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Political Science 196E: Research Design & Methods (4 units)
Topic specific courses in public policy (healthcare, education, environment) are also offered during certain terms and may be taken instead of Political Science 195. Topics are subject to change.
At the end of each term, students present their research projects in a Undergraduate Research Showcase for public policy professionals in the Sacramento area.
Visit the UC Center Sacramento site for syllabi and additional course information.
UCCS Cost & Scholarships
UCCS is affiliated with UC Davis, therefore, students will be billed by UC Davis for applicable fees. Actual costs will vary upon student need and their available financial aid. The following is an estimated average budget based on the UC 2022-23 quarterly cost of attendance for undergraduate CA residents. Non-CA residents will also be responsible for the non-resident tuition fees. The SHIP health insurance may be waived with other proof of insurance.
Financial aid recipients
Use your financial aid package! Your package will be provided by UC Davis. Be sure to add UC Davis school code 001313 to your FAFSA and DREAM Act application.
Carefully review additional details here.
Scholarships
The following scholarships are available to UCSB students participating in the program.
Offered by the UCSB Capital Internship Program
The Public Service Scholarship is available to participants eligible to receive financial aid. Limited scholarships are available per term. Students must submit a scholarship application by the deadline. Scholarship application will be distributed after students have been selected for the program.
Offered by Student Affairs and Career Services
The Community Financial Fund is provided through Student Affairs and is open to all undergraduates.
The Internship Scholarship Program is offered by Career Services and provides $1,500 scholarships to students. (Offered only in Summer)
UCCS Housing
There are several housing options.
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Reside in loft-style apartments pre-arranged by UCCS
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Limited amount of spots available on a first-come, first-served basis
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Within walking distance from the Capitol and UCCS
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Live with family and friends in the Sacramento area
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Find your own apartment in Sacramento
Be mindful of the additional transportation and parking costs if living not within walking distance to UCCS.
Learn more about housing at UCCS here.
UCCS Eligibility
UCCS is open to upper-division students from ALL majors.
International degree-seeking students are eligible but must consult with the Office of International Students & Scholars prior to applying. DACA/AB540/Undocumented students are also eligible to apply.
Eligibility criteria
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Junior or senior standing when the program begins. Sophomores with a B or better in upper division courses (at least two) may apply.
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Minimum UC GPA of 3.0 at the time of application and maintained through departure
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Be a registered UC student. (Please consult with the UCSB Capital Internship Programs advisor if you are a graduating senior.)
UCCS Application & Deadlines
Students are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible and by the deadlines listed below.
UCCS 2025-2026
Winter 2026
Priority Deadline: June 18, 2025
Final Deadline: August 28, 2025
Spring 2026
Priority Deadline: September 10, 2025
Final Deadline: October 16, 2025
Application
The application consists of 2 parts.
1. Access the online application here. This application goes directly to the UC Sacramento Center.
2. You must also submit the required Academic Planning Form (signed by your major department) to the UCSB Capital Internship Program. You may email this form to eap-capitalinternships@ucsb.edu.
Notification timeline
- Applicants will be notified by email approximately 4-6 weeks after the application deadline.
Selection criteria
If you apply for the UCCS Program, your written application will be evaluated according to your communication skills, academic accomplishments, work experience, extracurricular activities and, most importantly, evidence of the following:
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Seriousness of purpose
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Appropriate academic preparation for the proposed internship and research project
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Ability to work independently and effectively in a highly demanding environment
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Ability to collaborate with others