Spanish Studies

Program overview

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.

Learning Experience

Through a qualitative, Humanities-based preparation, the major offers students the linguistic competence and cultural literacy required to understand the perspectives and productions of Spanish-speaking communities. The major gives students a broad understanding of the historical and cultural developments of the countries in which Spanish enjoys status as a national language, as well as those regions in which Spanish is in contact with other minority and/or majority languages.

Study and Research Opportunities

Concentrations/tracks offered in Languages and Linguistics, and Literature and Culture
Opportunities for study abroad in Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Spain through the UC Education Abroad Program

First-Year Requirements

In addition to completing the courses required for admission to the University of California, high school students who plan to major in Spanish Studies at UC Santa Cruz should try to acquire as much proficiency in Spanish as possible before coming to UC Santa Cruz.

Find more information on first-year requirements

Transfer Requirements

This is a non-screening major. Transfer students planning to major in Spanish Studies should complete two years of intensive language study before coming to UCSC. In addition, they will find it helpful to have completed courses that satisfy campus general education requirements.

While it is not a condition of admission, transfer students will find it useful to complete the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) in preparation for transfer to UC Santa Cruz. Transfer course agreements and articulation between the University of California and California community colleges can be accessed on the ASSIST.ORG website.

Find more information on transfer requirements