Overview

The Language Studies programme at University of California, Santa Cruz offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to understanding the mechanics and applications of human communication. Students develop high-level proficiency in a chosen foreign language while investigating the fundamental nature of linguistic structures. This academic path bridges the gap between practical language acquisition and theoretical analysis within the Humanities.

By integrating diverse perspectives from the Linguistics Department, the curriculum ensures that students do not merely learn to speak a language but also understand its evolution and societal impact.

Why Language Studies at University of California, Santa Cruz?

Choosing this major at University of California, Santa Cruz provides students with access to a distinguished Linguistics Department known for its rigorous academic standards. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme allows students to take elective courses from a variety of departments, ensuring a well-rounded education that covers the cultural, historical, and social dimensions of their chosen language.

The university offers a unique three-year pathway for motivated students, providing an accelerated route to graduation without compromising the depth of the curriculum. This flexibility, combined with the institution's reputation for excellence in the Humanities, prepares graduates to navigate a globalised world with sophisticated analytical and communicative skills.

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 linguistic theory and practical language mastery. Modules may include:

Linguistics
Italian
Literature
Japanese
French
Chinese
Spanish

Careers with Language Studies

Graduates from this programme are equipped for diverse professional environments that require high-level communication skills and cultural sensitivity. Many alumni pursue successful careers in international relations, government service, and law, where linguistic expertise is a vital asset. The analytical training provided also serves as an excellent foundation for roles in journalism, editing, and publishing.

The programme also prepares students for specialised fields such as translation and interpretation, speech-language pathology, and bilingual education. Additionally, graduates often find opportunities in advertising, communications, and teaching, leveraging their deep understanding of how language influences human interaction and global commerce.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Linguistics

Semantics

Phonology

Syntactic Structures

Syntax

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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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

Language Studies View 2642 other Bachelors in Language 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 Language 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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