Overview

The Jewish Studies programme at University of California, Santa Cruz offers an intellectually compelling curriculum that allows students to achieve extraordinary depth in the study of Jewish history and culture. This interdisciplinary major provides a comprehensive look at the social history of ancient Israel alongside the comparative study of modern Jewish life. As one of the few institutions in California to offer this specific major, the university provides a unique environment for undergraduate research and academic growth.

Why Jewish Studies at University of California, Santa Cruz?

The university stands out for its particular emphasis on the dynamic histories of Jews within the world's great cities. Students benefit from a broad humanities focus that spans five continents, covering everything from the Hebrew Bible to modern Jewish radicalism. The programme is housed within the History Department, offering access to expert faculty and a curriculum that integrates language, law, and social sciences.

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 covers a vast chronological and geographical range, integrating language study with historical analysis. Modules may include:

Hebrew
Yiddish
Modern Jewish History
Zionism
Hebrew Bible
Holocaust
Middle Eastern and North African Jewish History
Latin American Jewish History
Jewish Radicalism

Careers with Jewish Studies

Graduates of the Jewish Studies programme develop versatile skills highly valued by modern employers, including critical thinking, advanced research, and professional writing. The ability to solve complex problems and communicate across cultural boundaries prepares students for diverse professional sectors. Many alumni find success in fields such as education, media, and community or social services.

The analytical nature of the degree also provides a strong foundation for careers in law, consulting, and marketing. Graduates may pursue roles in entrepreneurship, healthcare services, or human resources. Additionally, the programme equips students for specialised positions in research, arts and design, finance, and information technology, reflecting the broad applicability of a humanities-based education.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

History of Modern Israel

Genesis: A History

German History

German Film, 1919-1945

Modern Jewish Intellectual History

Latin American Jewish History in the Modern Period

The Modern Jewish Experience

Jewish Life in Eastern Mediterranean Port Cities

Where Civilizations Met--Jews, Judaism, and the Iberian Peninsula

Zionism: An Intellectual History

The Holocaust and the Arab World

Jewish Shanghai

Jewish Identity and Visual Representation

The Holocaust in a Digital World

Jews, Anti-Semitism, and the American Legal System

Law and the Holocaust

Hebrew Bible

Jewish Travel Narratives

Hebrew Poetry

Global Jewish Writing

Jewish Diaspora, Ethnicity, and Urban Life

Literature and the Holocaust

Jewish Writers and the European City

Jewish Writers and the American City

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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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Ethnic Studies Theology and Religious Studies View 870 other Bachelors in Theology and Religious 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

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 Jewish 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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