BA Latin American and Latino Studies/Education, Democracy, and Justice at University of California, Santa Cruz

Programme overview

A combined major in Latin American and Latino studies (LALS, pronounced el-ay-el-es) and education, democracy, and justice (EDJ, pronounced "edge") builds on both departments’ interdisciplinary social justice orientations to bridge theory and practice, with core required courses and elective field experiences that incorporate history and insights from participatory forms of research and community organizing to highlight the relationships between educational justice, Latina/o/x studies, democratic politics, race studies, and social change.

Faculty: Social Sciences Division | Department: Latin American and Latino Studies | Study mode: full-time | Location: Santa Cruz, CA, United States

What you will study

Required courses listed in the catalogue include Schooling, Democracy, and Justice, Introduction to Latin American and Latino Studies, Introduction to Human Rights and Social Justice, Introduction to Chicanx & Latinx Studies, Concepts and Theories in Latin American and Latina/o Studies, Research in LALS.

Career pathways

Students choosing a combined major in LALS and EDJ will find themselves prepared for a wide variety of careers and/or graduate study, including teaching credential programs and/or masters degrees in education, Ph.D. programs, public policy, educational administration, and inclusive student outreach programming.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Catalogue preparation guidance for the major (admission to the university is separate): Students must complete the required lower-division courses with grades of C or better or Pass before the major can be declared.

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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