Overview

The Language, Culture and Society programme at University of California, Santa Barbara offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding how language functions within social and cultural contexts. This degree integrates perspectives from sociolinguistics, linguistic anthropology, and communication studies to provide a holistic view of human interaction.

Students engage with complex themes such as social justice, intersectionality, and the evolution of digital communication. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking about the role of language in constructing identity and power dynamics across diverse global communities.

Why Language, Culture and Society at University of California, Santa Barbara?

The University of California, Santa Barbara provides a unique interdisciplinary environment where students can collaborate across departments like Sociology, Ethnic Studies, and Feminist Studies. This breadth allows for a highly customisable academic experience tailored to specific research interests.

The Department of Linguistics is recognised for its focus on sociocultural linguistics, preparing students for both advanced graduate research and professional roles. Graduates benefit from a strong network and expertise that is increasingly valued in the modern technology and media sectors.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14934 per year
National fee: USD 14934 per year
Local fee: USD 14934 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the relationship between linguistic structures and societal norms. Modules may include:

Language and Power
Language in Society
Language, Gender, and Sexuality
Memes: Theory and Analysis of Cultural Evolution
Language, Race, and Ethnicity
Language, Power and Learning

Careers with Language, Culture and Society

Graduates from the University of California, Santa Barbara are well-equipped for diverse professional pathways that require deep cultural competency and analytical skills. Many alumni find success in the technology industry, where sociocultural linguistic expertise is highly sought after for user experience and communication roles.

The programme also prepares students for impactful careers in the following areas:

Education at K-12 and higher education levels
Media and technology firms
Non-profit organisations and social advocacy
Social work and community outreach
Linguistic Anthropology research

Additionally, the interdisciplinary nature of the degree provides a robust foundation for those wishing to pursue graduate studies in fields such as Sociology, Anthropology, Educational Studies, or Ethnic Studies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Language and Power

Language in Society

Language, Gender, and Sexuality

Memes: Theory and Analysis of Cultural Evolution

Language, Race, and Ethnicity

Language, Power and Learning

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 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 Barbara, United States

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies Linguistics View 804 other Bachelors in Area & Cultural 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 may either meet minimum requirements for the International Baccalaureate or British Systems:

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: You must take a minimum of six IB exams, with three exams taken at the higher level. The overall average must be 5 with no exam score below 4 and be awarded the diploma with a score of 30 or higher.

British Systems (GCSE/GCE Examinations): You must complete at least five GCSE/IGCSE (O-Level) exams with a 3.4 GPA or higher and at least three GCE (A-Level) exams with a 3.0 (unweighted) GPA or higher and no grade below C to be considered for admission.

Or meet minimum requirements for your country

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

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year
Out-of-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Barbara

United States

1640 - 2480 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, Culture and Society.

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 Barbara

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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