Critical Race and Ethnic Studies

Critical Race and Ethnic Studies at the University of California offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive exploration of race, ethnicity, and power in American society and beyond. This program examines the historical, social, political, and cultural dimensions of racial and ethnic identities, focusing on the ways in which systems of inequality and oppression are constructed, maintained, and challenged. Students will analyze a diverse range of topics including systemic racism, social justice movements, intersectionality, immigration, identity formation, and the legacies of colonialism and slavery. Through a combination of coursework, research, and community engagement, the program aims to foster critical awareness and empower students to become active participants in social change. The curriculum encourages w critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics that shape racial and ethnic relations in contemporary society. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in academia, public policy, advocacy, community organizing, education, journalism, law, and other fields committed to equity and social justice. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating perspectives from history, sociology, political science, anthropology, literature, and more, to provide a rich and multidimensional understanding of race and ethnicity. Students also have opportunities to participate in seminars, internships, and research projects, gaining practical experience and fostering meaningful connections with communities and organizations dedicated to racial and ethnic justice. Overall, Critical Race and Ethnic Studies at UC offers a transformative educational experience that promotes critical consciousness, cultural understanding, and a commitment to social equity.

To graduate with a major in CRES, a student is required to complete 10 courses with the approval of the program.

• One lower-division foundation course: CRES 10

• Two upper-division foundation courses: CRES 100 and CRES 101

  • Students may petition to substitute a department-based community engagement  course for CRES 101.

• At least six upper-division electives offered by other departments, from the list of CRES-approved courses.

  • At least two electives must be from the list of designated courses focusing on phenomena outside of the US or on transnational or hemispheric subjects.
  • At least two academic divisions must be represented in the elective coursework.
  • Students are encouraged to take more than the minimum number of elective courses. They may elect to craft an elective distribution from several areas of specific research and career interests. Or, they may wish to take a number of elective courses in a particular area to develop expertise in it. For example, they may wish to focus on a social group (e.g., members of the African Diaspora), on a discipline (e.g., history), on a social phenomenon (e.g., social movements), or on a methodological or theoretical orientation e.g., theories of race, gender and sexuality.)

• A capstone research seminar: CRES 190

Students are encouraged to supplement their upper-division coursework with language study, internships, and individual or group independent studies. Students may petition to have up to 10 credits of such activities substituted for upper-division elective requirements, so long as these activities serve, or do not interfere with, the breadth requirements.

Requirements

• To be considered for admission to UC Santa Cruz, international students must be on track to complete secondary school with superior grades/marks in academic subjects and to earn a certificate of completion that enables the student to be admitted to a university in their home country. 
• Reporting Foreign Course Work on the Application: When you apply to UC Santa Cruz, you must report ALL foreign course work as it would appear on your foreign academic record. You should not convert the grading system of your home country to U.S. grades or use an evaluation done by an agency. If your grades/marks appear as numbers, words, or percentages, please report them as such on your UC application. Each UC campus has an International Admissions Specialist who will thoroughly evaluate your international records.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Overall band score of 6.5 or higher*
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test or 80 on the Internet-based test
• SAT Writing Exam: 560 or higher

Test Requirements

All freshman applicants are expected to submit scores from one of the following tests. Even if the test is not offered in your country, we expect it:

• The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test  

--OR—

• The SAT with critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores from the same sitting. 

*Note: We no longer require SAT Subject exams. (We will still review these exam scores if applicants choose to send them to us, however, and certain SAT Subject exams may be recommended for some majors.)

SAT Subject exams accepted by UC:

• English (literature) 
• History/social studies
• Mathematics (Level 2 only; Level 1 is not accepted by the UC)
• Science
• Languages (Other than English)

Please note: In order for your test scores to be available in time for our review, all tests must be taken by December of the year before you plan to enroll.

Scholarships

To qualify for Federal, State, or University funding you must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen and you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial aid is not available for students with F1 or F2 Student Visas, J1 or J2 Exchange Visitor Visas, or G Series Visas.

Undergraduate Dean’s Scholarships and Awards

This award recognizes the academic achievement of non-resident students. Entering non-resident students will be considered for the Undergraduate Dean's Scholarships and Awards ranging from $12,000 to $40,000 (for freshmen) or $6,000 to $20,000 (for transfers), depending upon several factors from your admissions application. The award is intended to offset non-resident tuition and will be discontinued if the student becomes a California resident.

Critical Race and Ethnic Studies is an interdisciplinary program offered by the University of California that aims to explore the intersections of race, ethnicity, power, and social justice. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics including racial identity, systemic inequality, social movements, and policies affecting marginalized communities. Students enrolled in this program gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical and contemporary issues related to race and ethnicity, often engaging in rigorous research, critical analysis, and community-based projects. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in academia, public service, activism, law, education, and other fields where understanding racial and ethnic dynamics is essential. Courses within the program are often taken across various departments such as Sociology, History, Political Science, and Literature, reflecting its interdisciplinary nature. Faculty members are renowned scholars dedicated to social justice and diversity scholarship, fostering an environment that encourages critical thinking and active engagement with issues of racial and ethnic disparities. Students have the opportunity to participate in internships, research projects, and community outreach to apply their learning in real-world contexts. The program also emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing historical injustices and their contemporary ramifications. Graduates of the Critical Race and Ethnic Studies program leave with a nuanced understanding of the complexities of race relations and the skills to contribute meaningfully to societal transformation. The program encourages active dialogue about race and ethnicity and aims to produce informed, conscious citizens committed to fostering equity and inclusion in their communities.