Overview

The Writing programme at University of California, Santa Cruz provides students with a rigorous foundation in composition, rhetoric, and the art of creative expression. This course of study is designed to transform students into confident prose writers capable of communicating complex insights to diverse audiences. By approaching writing as a vital tool for discovery, the curriculum ensures that graduates possess the technical and creative skills necessary for professional success.

Why Writing at University of California, Santa Cruz?

The institution offers a unique environment where writing is treated as a primary method for making discoveries about the world. Students benefit from the combined expertise of the Literature Department and the Writing Program, creating a multidisciplinary atmosphere. The curriculum focuses on essential strategies of invention, composition, and revision, ensuring that every student masters the mechanics of grammar and organisation while developing a distinct personal voice.

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 developing mastery over prose, creative experiments, and rhetorical strategies. Modules may include:

Creative Writing
Composition and Rhetoric
Poetry
Fiction
Memoir
Cross-genre Experiments
Grammar and Organisation
Invention and Revision
Editing

Careers with Writing

Graduates from this programme are prepared for a variety of professional paths that require high-level communication and analytical skills. The training in composition and rhetoric serves as a strong foundation for roles in professional writing, journalism, and editorial work. Students often pursue careers where the ability to synthesise information and present it clearly is paramount, including positions in publishing, media, and corporate communications.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Rhetoric and Inquiry
Writing about Place

Writing about Language

Grammar for Tutors and Teachers

Theory & Practice of Tutoring Writing

Teaching Writing

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

Creative Writing Literature View 1015 other Bachelors in Literature 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 Writing.

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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