Overview

The Education, Democracy, and Justice (EDJ) programme at the University of California, Santa Cruz provides a rigorous exploration of how educational practices and policies influence democratic societies. Students engage with critical theories and research to understand the systemic factors that shape learning environments beyond traditional classroom settings. This degree focuses on the transformative power of cultural and social resources in addressing historical inequities within the United States.

Why Education, Democracy, and Justice (EDJ) at the University of California, Santa Cruz?

The University of California, Santa Cruz offers a unique sociocultural perspective that bridges academic theory with practical field experience. The curriculum is deeply rooted in social justice, drawing from diverse disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, and philosophy. Students benefit from a faculty dedicated to participatory research and community organising, ensuring that graduates are equipped to impact various educational and social institutions. Furthermore, high-achieving students receive priority consideration for the university's Master of Arts and Credential programme, creating a clear pathway for aspiring primary school 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 consists of foundational lower-division courses, core upper-division requirements, and specialised electives. Modules may include:

Learning
Schooling, Democracy, and Justice
Popular Education, Democracy, and Social Movements
Teaching
Senior Seminar Capstone
Education, Media, and Society
Immigrants and Education
Gender and Education
Bilingualism and Schooling

Careers with Education, Democracy, and Justice (EDJ)

Graduates of this programme are prepared for leadership roles across a variety of social and educational sectors. While the degree is not a teaching credential, it serves as an excellent foundation for those pursuing graduate studies in education or roles in youth-serving organisations. Alumni are equipped to work in schools, non-profit organisations, and public policy settings, focusing on improving the lives of disadvantaged communities and advancing social welfare. The skills gained in critical thinking and field research are highly applicable to careers in community advocacy and educational reform.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Learning

Schooling, Democracy, and Justice

Popular Education, Democracy, and Social Movements

Teaching

Research

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

Education Teaching View 1222 other Bachelors in Teaching in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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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

Complete a minimum of 15 college-preparatory courses ("a-g" courses), with at least 11 finished prior to the beginning of your senior year.

Earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better (3.40 or better for a non-resident of California) in these courses with no grade lower than a C.

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 Education, Democracy, and Justice (EDJ).

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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