BA Jewish Studies at University of California, Santa Cruz

Programme overview

The interdisciplinary program in Jewish studies introduces students to the study of classical, medieval, early modern, and modern Jewish cultures and to the range of disciplines that bear upon the field. The Jewish studies major and minor offer students the chance to study Jewish communities and cultures across the world, with special reference (though not limited) to modern issues.

Faculty: Humanities Division | Department: History | Study mode: full-time | Location: Santa Cruz, CA, United States

What you will study

Required courses listed in the catalogue include First-Year Hebrew, Second-Year Hebrew, Introduction to Biblical Hebrew, First-Year Yiddish, Introduction to Jewish History and Cultures, Introduction to Middle Eastern and North African Jewish History: Ancient to Early Modern.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Catalogue preparation guidance for the major (admission to the university is separate): Jewish studies has no major qualification. Students should submit a petition to declare before or by their declaration deadline quarter.

Domestic applicants: USD 14,202 a year (2026-27). UC undergraduate Tuition for California residents first enrolled in 2026-27 (Tuition Stability Plan cohort rate); one rate for all undergraduate majors. Excludes Student Services Fee, campus fees, UC SHIP health insurance and records fee. Non-residents ad Source

Fall quarter entry (classes for fall 2026 began September 24, 2026); winter quarter entry (winter 2027 instruction begins January 4, 2027).

UC Application for fall 2027 opens October 1, 2026 and the filing deadline is November 30, 2026; the application is available online from August 1, 2026. Fall 2027 first-year decisions appear on the Admissions Portal late February to mid-March 2027; transfer decisions April 1-30, 2027. Transfer Academic Update due January 31, 2027; UCSC TAG filing period September 1-30, 2026.

UC Santa Cruz does not use ACT/SAT scores in its comprehensive review and selection process. Applications are made through the UC Application. Minimum GPA is 3.00 for California residents and 3.40 for non-residents and international applicants.

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