Overview

The Community Studies B.A. at University of California, Santa Cruz offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to social change and community engagement. This programme integrates rigorous classroom study with practical field experience to prepare students for active roles in social justice movements and public policy development.

Why Community Studies at University of California, Santa Cruz?

Choosing this programme means joining a department with a long-standing commitment to social justice and community-based learning. The curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, allowing students to explore complex social issues within a supportive academic environment. The university provides a vibrant setting for students interested in grassroots organising and urban planning.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 37602 per year
National fee: USD 37602 per year
Local fee: USD 16785 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the intersection of social sciences and community development. Modules may include:

Community Studies
Social Work
Grassroots Organising
Public Policy
Urban Planning
Community Engagement
Behavioral and Social Sciences

Careers with Community Studies

Graduates are well-equipped for diverse professional paths dedicated to social improvement and advocacy. The skills gained during the programme prepare students for roles as community organisers, policy analysts, and social workers. Many alumni find success in non-profit organisations, government agencies, and urban planning departments, where they apply their expertise to foster equitable community development and systemic change.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Psychology & Law

Gender and Education

Psychology & Law

Sociology of Law

Global Health Politics

Psychology of Poverty & Social Class

Sociology of Drugs, Botanicals & Pharmaceuticals

International Law & Global Justice

Media, Marketing & Culture

Activist Art Since 1960: Art, Technology, Activism

Sociology of Science and Technology

Environmental Inequality

Media & Social Movements

Numbers and Social Justice

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies Community Development View 808 other Bachelors in Area & Cultural Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the "a–g" courses.

Non-residents must earn a minimum GPA of 3.40.

Take the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT with Essay

The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test or the SAT with critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores from the same sitting.

Proof of English Proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Out-of-State

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16785 USD / year

≈ 16785 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Community Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Cruz

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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