UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the intimacy of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university.
- #105 Ranking
- 67 Bachelors
- 817 Academic Staff
- 19,700 Students
- 2,561 Students (int'l)
- 9,456 Students (female)
- Public Institution Type
Bachelor's programmes
Natural Sciences & Mathematics (19)
- B.Sc. Applied Mathematics
- B.Sc. Applied Physics
- B.A. Biology
- B.A. Biotechnology
- B.Sc. Chemistry
- B.A./B.S. Earth Sciences
- B.Sc. Ecology and Evolution
- B.Sc. Human Biology
- B.Sc. Mathematics
- B.A. Mathematics
- B.Sc. Neuroscience
- B.Sc. Physics
- B.Sc. Physics (Astrophysics)
- B.Sc. Plant Sciences
- B.Sc. Science Education
Social Sciences (15)
- B.A. Anthropology
- B.Sc. Cognitive Science
- B.A. Community Studies
- B.A. Economics
- B.A. Feminist Studies
- B.A. Global Economics
- B.A. Jewish Studies
- B.A. Politics
- B.A. Psychology
- B.A. Sociology
- B.A. Spanish Studies
Humanities (12)
- B.A. Classical Studies
- B.Sc. Cognitive Science
- B.A. History
- B.A. Jewish Studies
- B.A. Language Studies
- B.A. Linguistics
- B.A. Literature
- B.A. Philosophy
- B.A. Spanish Studies
- B.A. Writing
Arts, Design & Architecture (11)
- B.A. Art Studio
- B.A. Community Studies
- B.A. Music
- BM Music
- B.A. Theater Arts
- B.A. Theater Arts - Dance
- B.A. Theater Arts - Drama
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (10)
- B.A. Agroecology
- B.A./B.S. Earth Sciences
- B.Sc. Ecology and Evolution
- B.Sc. Environmental Sciences
- B.Sc. Marine Biology
- B.Sc. Plant Sciences
- B.Sc. Science Education
Computer Science & IT (9)
- B.Sc. Computer Engineering
- B.A./B.S. Computer Science
- B.Sc. Robotics Engineering
Business & Management (6)
- B.A. Economics
- B.A. Global Economics
- B.Sc. Mathematics
Education & Training (4)
- B.A. Psychology
- B.Sc. Science Education
Engineering & Technology (4)
Agriculture & Forestry (2)
- B.A. Agroecology
- B.Sc. Marine Biology
Medicine & Health (2)
- B.Sc. Human Biology
- B.A. Psychology
Law (1)
- B.A. Legal Studies
About
History
Since its founding in 1965, the University of California, Santa Cruz, has earned international distinction as a university with high-impact research and an uncommon commitment to teaching and public service.
Education
Undergraduates pursue course work in 65 majors in the arts, engineering, humanities, physical and biological sciences, and social sciences. Graduate students work toward master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and graduate certificates in 41 academic programs
Research
At UCSC, formal research activities or research groups include the following:
- Arboretum
- Archaeological Research Center (ARC)
- Arts Research Institute
- Baskin School of Engineering Research Labs
- Blum Center
- Center for Adaptive Optics (CfAO)
- Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS)
- Center for Analytical Finance
- Center for Collaborative Research for an Equitable California (CCREC)
- Center for Cultural Studies
- Center for Educational Research in the Interest of Underserved Students (CERIUS)
- Center for Emerging Worlds
- Center for Force Majeure Studies
- Center for Games and Playable Media (CGPM)
- Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS)
Career
UCSC people, including about 93,000 alumni, are leaders in virtually every field; and the campus is highly regarded for the positive impact it has on society.
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2021
GSSA 2021
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2021. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 8 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
University Ranking
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2023
105 -2
2022
103 -22
2021
81
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2022
151
2021
151
2020
151
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2023
192 9
2022
201
2021
201
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2023
375 -28
2022
347 69
2021
416
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Services
Student services
SOMeCA stands for Student Organization Advising & Resources (SOAR), Student Media and Cultural Arts & Diversity, and we are dedicated to the success of UC Santa Cruz's campus-wide student organizations and government
Housing services
- The residence halls (often referred to as dorms or dormitories), include both shared and private rooms; they typically house 15 to 50 students per floor and have common bathrooms.
- Nine of the colleges have both residence halls and apartments, while Kresge College is all apartments.
- Rooms are furnished and have window coverings. Each resident is provided an extra-long twin bed (39"x80"), a desk, a chair, and storage space such as wardrobe or closet. You will need to bring your own bedding (sheets, pillowcase, etc.), lamp, clock, and other personal items essential to your daily life.
Library services
The UCSC University Library has two buildings:
McHenry Library- Special Collections and Archives
- The Grateful Dead Archive
- Media Collection
- Digital Scholarship Commons
- University Library Administration
- Yoga & Meditation Space
- East Asian Collection
- Video Gaming Lab
ICT services
The Advisory Committee for Information Technology (ACIT) provides a forum for reviewing, evaluating, and recommending strategies, plans, and policies for campus information technology in order to support and advance campus priorities.
Medical services
The UCSC Student Health Services mission is to provide high quality services which promote physical and emotional well being focused on the diverse needs of students.
Student Life
Campus life
A campus with world-class facilities and one of the most visually spectacular settings in higher education, UC Santa Cruz offers rigorous academic programs and cutting-edge research opportunities that guide students in how to think, not what to think. A commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement are central to the core values of UC Santa Cruz.
Sports facilities
East Field House
- 6,500 square foot of workout space
- Olympic Weight Lifting Platforms
- Over 50 pieces of Cardio Equipment
- Weight Racks
- 2 TRX Training Zones
West Field House
- Square Foot: 7625
- Bleacher Seating capacity is 350 people.
- Court Deminsions: Basketball 94' x 50', Volleyball 59' x 29' 6" and Badminton 44' x 20'
- Includes: Hardwood Floor, 6 Adjustable Basketball Hoops, Court Lining: Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Bleachers, Upper Balcony and Scoreboard.
- Activities: Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Dance, Fencing and Futsal
Student clubs
- Delta Omega Chi (ΔΩΧ)
- Psi Chi Omega (ΨΧΩ)
- Ski and Snowboard Club
- Theta Chi (ϴΧ)
Accreditation
UC Santa Cruz has been fully accredited since 1965 by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Being accredited means the campus has met rigorous standards for quality, capacity and effectiveness. Accreditation confers a variety of benefits, including access to federal financial aid resources.
Student Reviews
Good university with great human values
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars
This university gives you a wide set of knowledge while it helps you with moral and human values in order to prepare you to be a professional with a distinctive value.
Always positive
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
Many challenges specially due to financial constraints but am so grateful I have reached this level and feel very positive about obtaining my doctorate degree
Very Good
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
I had a great experience studying business field... Business is my first love and every aspect of this study is amazing
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