Overview

The Critical Race and Ethnic Studies programme at University of California, Santa Cruz provides a rigorous academic framework for understanding how race and other modalities of power structure human life. Students examine the ideological impact of race on a local, national, and global scale while exploring the history of social transformation. This major is currently the fastest-growing programme within the Humanities division at the university.

By engaging with this curriculum, students investigate the dynamic power relations resulting from cultural productions and institutional structures. The course treats race as a primary lens through which both historical domination and modern struggles for liberation are articulated.

Why Critical Race and Ethnic Studies at University of California, Santa Cruz?

University of California, Santa Cruz offers a unique environment where this programme has become a leading choice for students interested in the Humanities. The institution provides specialised support through initiatives like the Humanities EXCEL program, which facilitates professional internships with regional organisations. These opportunities allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical conservation, communication, and community engagement projects.

The university's commitment to social justice is reflected in the interdisciplinary nature of the department, which bridges Behavioral and Social Sciences with the Humanities. Students benefit from a curriculum that is both academically challenging and deeply relevant to modern global challenges. The programme also offers flexible pathways, including a three-year accelerated option and a combined 4+1 bachelor and master's route for advanced study.

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

Modules may include:

Critical Race and Ethnic Studies
Race Theory
Social Justice
Cultural Studies
Intersectionality
Humanities Research

Careers with Critical Race and Ethnic Studies

Graduates from this programme are prepared for a wide variety of professional paths focused on social impact and institutional leadership. Many alumni pursue careers in public policy, law, and politics, using their expertise to influence legislative and social change. The degree also provides a strong foundation for roles in community organising, union organising, and lobbying.

In the corporate and public sectors, graduates often find success in human resources, business, and affirmative action roles. The analytical skills developed during the course are highly valued in research, higher education, and K-12 teaching. Additionally, the programme prepares students for essential service roles in social work, health care, and career counselling, ensuring a broad range of graduate destinations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Critical Race Feminisms

Queer Diasporas

Touring War and Empire

Marxism and Feminism

Critical Race Feminisms

Queer Diasporas

Touring War and Empire

Marxism and Feminism

Central America and the United States

Latin American Politics

Law and Politics in Contemporary Japan and East Asian Societies

International Law and Global 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 , International
- Apply before 2027-07-01 00:00:00 , National

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 Ethnic Studies View 807 other Bachelors in Area & Cultural Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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

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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 Critical Race and Ethnic 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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