The interdisciplinary major in Spanish Studies introduces students to the study of the cultural dynamics and expressive cultures produced by peoples of Hispanic origin residing in the United States, Latin America, and Spain throughout history and into the present day.

The biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) major constitutes an integrated curriculum of basic instruction in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, followed by the opportunity to pursue advanced study in specialized areas of interest.

Classical Studies is an interdisciplinary program offering a broad range of courses on the languages, literature, history, and culture of the ancient world. The Classical Studies program provides the nurturing atmosphere and personal attention associated with a small liberal arts college, in the context of a large university. Students work in small classes with a distinguished and dedicated teaching faculty. Classical Studies majors and minors are a group of dedicated students who enjoy a challenge and find their work demanding but rewarding. Public lectures, guest speakers, and frequent social events bring Classical Studies students and faculty together on a regular basis.

The bachelor of science (B.S.) degree in Earth Sciences focuses on fundamental processes that shape the evolution and functioning of the Earth and other objects in our solar system. Earth scientists study big questions, such as how planets form and evolve, or what controls the landscapes around us. Earth scientists also solve problems affecting society, such as water and resource supply, sea level rise, and natural hazards. The Earth Sciences degree combines material from across the physical sciences to prepare students for the competitive graduate school and career marketplace. Along with the standard Earth Sciences major, we offer concentrations in geology, geophysics, ocean sciences, and planetary sciences; bachelor of arts (B.A.) combined majors with Environmental Studies and with Anthropology; and an Earth Sciences minor.

The UCSC Environmental Sciences (ESCI) major is an interdepartmental, undergraduate-only degree program. The purpose of the ESCI major is to educate students interested in environmental science problems and issues, with a focus on issues within the physical sciences (versus focusing on biological sciences). The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program is designed for students who intend to pursue professional careers in environmental sciences, engineering, policy, law, teaching, or business or who otherwise desire the broad, quantitative training available at UCSC. In addition to providing comprehensive preparation in the basic physical sciences, and particular breadth and depth in environmental sciences, the curriculum is structured to prepare students for the competitive graduate school and career marketplace.

People often think of studying history as a matter of memorizing names and dates. While having a command of basic facts is important, college-level study of history shifts the focus to learning how to ask new questions, find new evidence, incorporate more voices, and reconsider old assumptions. As a UCSC history major, you will cultivate a broad understanding of human history across time and space. You will learn how the challenges that confront us today like economic inequality, environmental degradation, and racism, have developed and changed over time. You will explore the patterns of social movements and political transformation that help us understand how people change the world. History is about the past, but it is also about understanding the world we live in today.  

Global and Community Health (GCH) at UC Santa Cruz comprises two separate programs. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program offers two concentrations—biomedical or public and community health—that help to prepare students for a healthcare related career or other patient-care careers, or roles in health administration, public health, and advocacy. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program trains students to address social determinants of health, fostering skills that will enable them to serve as future leaders in health care, health policy, public health, and community organizing.

Jewish Studies at UC Santa Cruz is an intellectually compelling, interdisciplinary program that makes it possible for students to achieve an extraordinary depth and breadth of learning about Jewish history and culture. From the social history of ancient Israel to the comparative study of modern Jewish cultures, our courses range across three millennia and five continents, with particular emphasis on the dynamic histories of Jews in the world's great cities. We also offer courses in Hebrew and Yiddish, modern Jewish history, the history of Zionism, the Hebrew Bible, an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the Holocaust, Middle Eastern and North African Jewish history, Latin American Jewish history, the history of Jewish radicalism, Anti-Semitism and the American legal system, the history of Israel, and a variety of courses on Jewish music, including the music of modern Israel and music in the lands of Islam. UC Santa Cruz is one of the very few campuses in California where undergraduates have the opportunity to major in Jewish Studies.

The Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) Department integrates the study of Chicanx and Latinx communities in the United States with analysis of the histories, politics, cultures, and societies of Latin America and the Caribbean. The LALS Department prepares students for bilingual participation in a diverse, dynamic, and globalized world. LALS courses address changing political, social, economic, and cultural realities, including migration and transnational communities; gender, racial, sexual, and ethnic relations and identities; social movements; diverse forms of cultural expression; political and economic restructuring in Latin America; and the challenges of political and economic inequities and empowerment for Latinx communities in the United States. Students in LALS learn to develop thoughtful analysis and clear arguments on controversial topics, and to communicate effectively in both Spanish (or Portuguese) and English. Through internship and field study experiences, students can acquire useful, pre-professional skills in any of the following key areas: community development/advocacy, public policy, education, journalism, media, performance, and research/writing, among others

Students interested in developing and exercising their analytical abilities are well-served as mathematics majors. Math majors acquire and enhance their reasoning and problem-solving skills in mathematical contexts. The acquired habits of rigorous thought and creative problem-solving are invaluable skills for living in a rapidly changing, complex, and interdependent society. Students who learn to logically question assertions, recognize patterns, and distinguish the essential from the irrelevant aspects of problems can think deeply and precisely while utilizing these skills in all aspects of life. Mathematics is both a fundamental discipline and an essential tool for students of biology, chemistry, computer engineering, computer science, earth sciences, economics, electrical engineering, physics, and psychology. Researchers in these areas work with mathematicians to develop innovative applications of mathematics to their fields.

The Mathematics Education Bachelor’s of Arts (B.A.) is specially designed to prepare students for a career in K-12 mathematics education. It shares a rigorous approach to advanced mathematics but requires coursework that is particularly relevant to the K-12 classroom: number theory, classical geometry, and the history of mathematics. In addition, the math education major requires experience in supervised teaching. Many math education majors also participate in CalTeach, to enhance their experience and directly connect with local schools. In California, students seeking a single-subject credential for secondary teaching in mathematics are required to take the CSET (formerly The National Teachers Examination), a series of examinations that must be passed in order to enter a teaching credential program. Students who are interested in teaching in high schools can obtain a waiver of the CSET Examinations by completing the mathematics education major, plus three additional specified courses. The Mathematics Department Undergraduate Adviser, the Mathematics Department’s website, and the Education Department advising office have more information about the additional required courses.

This is an extraordinary time to be involved in biomedical research. New technologies are rapidly changing our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of life, with dramatic implications for how we treat human disease. The Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, along with Biomolecular Engineering, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Microbiology & Environmental Toxicology, and Physics, is participating in a revolution in biomedical science. A broad spectrum of cutting-edge research tools are being employed to tackle problems in key areas that include: the structural and functional role of RNA in regulation of gene expression; chromatin biology and epigenetic control of genes; cell biology of the cytoskeleton and the cell cycle; decisions controlling embryogenesis and organ development; and developmental neurobiology. The insights generated by this research enable new strategies for treatments of aging disorders, birth defects, neurological diseases, cancer, and other human ailments.

The neuroscience major provides students with rigorous preparation for graduate studies and research. The brain and determinants of behavior are studied at all levels, from biological molecules to individual nerve cells to functioning organisms to social behavior.

The business management economics major provides students who are interested in careers in business or management with a foundation in economics and a selection of applied fields related to business management. This course of study prepares students for entrance into the business world or admission to graduate programs.

The programs offered by the UC Santa Cruz Economics Department are designed to acquaint students with the broad range of issues studied by economists (for example, unemployment, financial crises, international trade, economic growth, business strategy and public policy regarding health, the environment, financial regulation, and business) and with the tools that economists employ (including statistical analysis and laboratory experiments). All economics majors must study a substantial core of economic theory and mathematical and statistical methods, and then choose among a wide variety of upper-division electives.

Global economics is an interdisciplinary major designed to prepare students to participate in the global economy; the program aims to deepen students’ knowledge of economics within a culturally and linguistically diverse world. The major is particularly useful to students contemplating careers at home or overseas in international relations, in international business, or with international organizations. Hence, the major requires overseas study, regional area study, and second-language proficiency in addition to the basic economics requirements.

The study of literature at UC Santa Cruz is organized as an interdisciplinary field coordinated through a single Department of Literature, rather than through separate departments of English, modern languages, and classics. This structure fosters innovative and comparative approaches to literature among both faculty and students. Courses in the major encompass traditional literary history and interpretation as well as cross-cultural inquiry and current theoretical debates.

The science education major provides a broad introduction to the major fields of science, specialized coursework in two selected fields, and educational theory and practical work designed for future science teachers. The program is designed to prepare outstanding candidates to enter teaching credential programs after completion. Students earn a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree. They do not earn a teaching credential; this must be completed later.

Physics seeks to discover the fundamental regularities or “laws” that govern our universe and to apply these laws to explain the behavior of fundamental and complex systems. The department offers majors in physics, physics (astrophysics), and applied physics. The applied physics major is good preparation not only for industrial careers but also for graduate studies. For more information about the physics program requirements, please see the program description in the General Catalog.

Physics seeks to discover the fundamental regularities or “laws” that govern our universe and to apply these laws to explain the behavior of fundamental and complex systems. The Physics Department offers majors in physics, physics (astrophysics), and applied physics. These programs prepare students for graduate work in physics, astrophysics and astronomy, for engineering and other technical positions in industry, and for careers in education. With appropriate courses in other disciplines, these majors provide excellent preparation for advanced study in technical subjects such as biology, chemistry, engineering, geophysics, and the philosophy of science. The applied physics major is excellent preparation for positions in industry directly upon graduation. For more information about the physics (astrophysics) program requirements, please see the program description in the General Catalog.