Overview

The Legal Studies programme at University of California, Santa Cruz offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the role of law within society. This bachelor degree is designed for students interested in the intersection of policy, behavioral sciences, and the judicial system. By examining legal frameworks through a social science lens, the curriculum encourages critical thinking and analytical depth.

Why Legal Studies at University of California, Santa Cruz?

Studying at this institution allows students to benefit from a curriculum housed within the Social Sciences Division and the Department of Politics. The university is recognised for its strong rankings and accomplishments, providing a vibrant community for aspiring legal professionals. Students gain access to a broad academic network that supports exploration into prelaw, policy making, and legal theory.

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 foundational and advanced aspects of the legal system. Modules may include:

Legal Theory
Constitutional Law
Criminal Justice
Policy
Behavioral & Social Sciences
Politics

Careers with Legal Studies

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for a variety of professional trajectories within the legal and public sectors. The course provides a solid foundation for those intending to pursue further education in law school or graduate studies in public policy. Common career paths include roles in criminal justice, legal administration, policy analysis, and various positions within governmental or non-profit organisations.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Constitutional Law

Issues in Constitutional Law

Law and the Holocaust

Comparative Law

State and Capitalism in American Political Development

Poverty and Public Policy

The World Jury on Trial

International Law and Global Justice

Wildlife, Wilderness, and the Law

California Water Law and Policy

Law of Democracy

Congress: Representation and Legislation

Native Peoples Law

Federal Indian Law and International Comparative Indigenous Peoples' Law

International Environmental Law and Policy

War Crimes

Environmental Law and Policy

Courts and Litigation

History of the U.S. Penal Culture

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

Legal Studies View 302 other Bachelors in Legal 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 Legal 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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