Overview

The Latin American and Latino Studies programme at University of California, Santa Cruz provides a multidisciplinary framework for understanding the complex social and political dynamics of the Americas. Students examine the interconnectedness of Chicanx and Latinx communities in the United States alongside the diverse societies of the Caribbean and Latin America. The curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of transnational issues, migration, and cultural expression.

Why Latin American and Latino Studies at University of California, Santa Cruz?

The department offers a unique environment where students can engage in high-impact research through initiatives like the Human Rights Investigations Lab. This facility allows undergraduates to contribute to real-world projects, such as investigating the impacts of border policies. Additionally, the university provides flexible pathways, including combined degree options with Politics, Sociology, or Education, and a contiguous bachelor’s/master’s pathway for aspiring teachers.

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 changing economic and cultural realities of the Western hemisphere. Modules may include:

Migration and Transnational Communities
Social Movements and Cultural Expression
Political and Economic Restructuring in Latin America
Gender, Racial, Sexual, and Ethnic Identities
Chicanx and Latinx Studies
Human Rights Investigations
Community Engagement and Civic Organisations
Media Literacy and Cross-Cultural Analysis

Careers with Latin American and Latino Studies

Graduates are prepared for professional roles that require cross-cultural fluency and an understanding of transnational issues across the Americas. Many alumni pursue careers in education, social work, community organising, and government service. The programme also provides a strong foundation for those entering journalism, legal services, global health, or environmental science. Many students continue their academic journey by pursuing advanced degrees in fields such as anthropology, public health, urban planning, and migration studies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Social Science Analytics

Cultural Theory in the Americas

Concepts and Theories in Latin American and Latina/o Studies

Social Science Analytics

Cultural Theory in the Americas

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

American and Australasian studies View 537 other Bachelors in American and Australasian 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.

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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 Latin American and Latino 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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