Continue the Journey

UC Santa Cruz offers graduate study in 30 academic fields. Approximately 1,400 graduate students are enrolled in certificate, Master’s, and doctoral programs. The small size of UCSC graduate programs encourages close working relations between students and faculty in an informal atmosphere conducive to rapid learning and professional growth. Many graduate programs have interdisciplinary components. Students are encouraged to explore the conceptual connections between related fields as they acquire mastery in their areas of specialization.

Research facilities at Santa Cruz are excellent, providing extensive opportunities for graduate students to engage in significant study and research both independently and in groups. Graduate students are also encouraged to obtain teaching experience, primarily as supervised teaching assistants. UCSC graduate students are engaged in exciting and diverse forms of scholarly research activities, with the strong support of faculty, staff, and the administration.

Faculty and emeriti who have been attracted to Santa Cruz include members and fellows of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Institute of Medicine. UCSC’s graduate programs include world-class departments and research facilities, including the Long Marine Laboratory, the Center for Adaptive Optics, and the Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems.

Nestled in the woods, the Santa Cruz campus overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The campus offers a variety of programs to enhance the quality of student life, all available to graduate students. Programs and services include: child care, sports and recreation, health, cultural events, transportation, and the Women’s Center. Graduate students at Santa Cruz may affiliate with one of the 10 colleges on campus and participate in its educational or extracurricular activities. The campus is just a few miles from the town of Santa Cruz and its much enjoyed beach.