University of California-Santa Cruz

Academic Programs

The University of California – Santa Cruz is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission and offers Bachelor’s degrees, post-baccalaureate Certificates, Master’s degrees and Doctorates in over 60 fields. Noted for Psychology, the largest programs on campus are in Biology/Bio-Medical fields and Social Sciences. The University is comprised of 10 residential colleges: Cowell College, Stevenson College, Crown College, Merrill College, Porter College, Kresge College, Oakes College, College Eight, College Nine and College Ten. Per the Vision Statement, “UC Santa Cruz is a world-class research university with an extraordinary commitment to society and the success of our students. Our research propels human knowledge, understanding, and creativity forward through a shared spirit of innovation and discovery. Our students join in this experience through our outstanding academic programs, broad student research opportunities, and varied extracurricular activities. An uncommon dedication to diversity, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship pervades all that we do.”

Student Life

There are over 16,000 undergraduate students enrolled in the University of California – Santa Cruz, many of whom live on campus among the residence communities associated with each college. The University sponsors dozens of clubs and student organizations, including club sports and intramurals. For the varsity athlete, the USCS blue and gold Banana Slugs, led by Sammy the Slug, field teams in 7 sports and participate in NCAA Division III competition. The University is also home to an official Grateful Dead archive called “Dead Central.” Students accept and abide by the Principles of Community – We strive to be: Diverse: We embrace diversity in all its forms; Open: We believe free exchange of ideas requires mutual respect and consideration for our differences; Purposeful: We are a participatory community united by shared commitments; Caring: We promote mutual respect, trust and support to foster bonds that strengthen the community; Just: We are committed to due process, respect for individual dignity and equitable access to resources, recognition and rewards; Disciplined: We seek to advance common goals through reasonable and realistic practices, procedures and expectations; Celebrative: We celebrate the heritage, achievements and diversity of the community and the uniqueness and contributions of our members.