Graduate Studies
2013-14 General Catalog
UC Santa Cruz offers graduate study in more than 30 academic fields. About 1,500 graduate students are enrolled at the certificate, master’s, and doctoral levels. The small size of the 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, and students are encouraged to explore the conceptual connections between related fields as they acquire mastery in their areas of specialization.
Research facilities at UCSC are excellent, and there are extensive opportunities for graduate students to engage in significant independent study and research (see Resources for Learning and Research). Graduate students are also encouraged to obtain teaching experience, primarily as supervised teaching assistants. They are highly valued members of the UCSC community, contributing substantially to the research and teaching conducted on the campus.
Degrees and Programs
The University of California, Santa Cruz, offers graduate programs leading to advanced degrees or certificates in the following areas:
|
Department |
Degree or Certificate |
||
|
Anthropology |
Ph.D. |
||
| Applied Economics and Finance | M.S. | ||
|
Astronomy and Astrophysics |
Ph.D. |
||
|
Bioinformatics |
M.S./Ph.D. |
||
|
Biology |
Ecology and Evolutionary |
M.A./Ph.D. |
|
|
Molecular, Cell, and Developmental |
M.A./Ph.D. |
||
|
Chemistry and Biochemistry |
M.S./Ph.D. |
||
|
Computer Engineering |
M.S./Ph.D. |
||
|
Computer Science |
M.S./Ph.D. |
||
|
Digital Arts and New Media |
M.F.A. |
||
|
Earth and Planetary Sciences |
M.S./Ph.D. |
||
|
Economics |
Ph.D. |
||
|
Education |
Teaching and Credentials |
M.A. |
|
|
Research |
Ph.D. |
||
|
Collaborative Leadership |
Ed.D. |
||
|
Electrical Engineering |
M.S./Ph.D. |
||
|
Environmental Studies |
Ph.D. |
||
|
Feminist Studies |
Ph.D. |
||
|
Film and Digital Media |
Ph.D. |
||
| Games and Playable Media | M.S. | ||
|
History |
M.A./Ph.D. |
||
|
History of Consciousness |
Ph.D. |
||
|
Linguistics |
M.A./Ph.D. |
||
|
Literature |
M.A./Ph.D. |
||
|
Mathematics |
M.A./Ph.D. |
||
|
Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology |
M.S./Ph.D. |
||
|
Music |
M.A./D.M.A./Ph.D. |
||
|
Ocean Sciences |
M.S./Ph.D. |
||
|
Philosophy |
M.A./Ph.D. |
||
|
Physics |
M.S./Ph.D. |
||
|
Politics |
Ph.D. |
||
|
Psychology (with emphasis in social, developmental, or cognitive) |
Ph.D. |
||
|
Science Communication (writing) |
Certificate |
||
|
Social Documentation |
M.A. |
||
|
Sociology |
Ph.D. |
||
|
Statistics and Applied Mathematics |
M.S./Ph.D. |
||
|
Technology and Information Management |
M.S./Ph.D. |
||
|
Theater Arts |
Certificate |
||
|
Visual Studies |
Ph.D. |
||
Program Descriptions
Descriptions of individual programs appear under the specific disciplines in the Programs and Courses section. Application materials for all programs are available online at graddiv.ucsc.edu.
All of our graduate programs have information on the web at www.ucsc.edu/academics. Inquiries about part-time study should be directed to the individual departments. If there are any problems with the online application process, please e-mail gradadm@ucsc.edu.
Administration
At UCSC, the individual graduate programs are directed by departments. Overall policy is determined by the Graduate Council, and coordination and record keeping for matters common to all graduate students—such as admission applications, fellowships, and advancement to candidacy—are the responsibility of the Division of Graduate Studies. The dean of graduate studies is the chief administrative officer. The Graduate Student Handbook—containing graduate policies and other information—can be found online here.
Catalog Rights
Students matriculating in a given graduate program will select the UCSC General Catalog they will follow to meet their requirements. This can be either the one published the year they enter the program, or any subsequent catalog published prior to the year they are awarded the degree sought. Students who seek readmission after a break in attendance of more than two years (six regular quarters) must adhere to the graduation requirements in effect at the time of readmission or to those subsequently established for all portions of the degree requirements not already fulfilled. The readmitting program will determine which degree requirements remain to be fulfilled, and will communicate this information in the letter offering readmission. This determination constitutes a formal requirement for readmission to the program, and the student’s acceptance of readmission implies acceptance of the program’s written stipulation of remaining degree requirements. Should any student choose to follow catalog requirements for a year in which the catalog is not printed in hard copy, the requirements will include any online catalog update for that year. A student must follow the chosen catalog in its entirety, including both the individual degree program and general university requirements. General university requirements may be found in the Graduate Student Handbook.
Evaluation of Performance
Graduate students are graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) or, at student option, A, B, C, D, F. The grade A, B, or S is awarded for satisfactory work. A graduate student receiving a grade of C, D, or U will not be able to use the credit for that course to satisfy any course requirement for a graduate degree. Courses in which a graduate student receives a grade of C, D, F, or U may be repeated. Credits will be counted once, and the most recently earned grade will determine whether a degree requirement has been met. Repeating a course more than once requires the prior written approval of the dean of graduate studies.
Graduate student performance in all courses taken for credit at UC Santa Cruz is also evaluated according to the Narrative Evaluation System. A narrative evaluation usually runs from one to four paragraphs in length and describes (1) the nature and requirements of the course, (2) the student’s strengths and weaknesses in the various aspects of the course (e.g., discussion, laboratory work, term papers, and examinations), and (3) the student’s general understanding of the course content. Evaluations may be used by academic advisers and become part of the student’s official academic record.
Please also refer to the statement on Academic Integrity; Appendix F, Graduate Student–Faculty Adviser Relationship Guidelines; and Appendix O, Official University Policy on Academic Integrity for Graduate Students, published in the Student Policies and Regulations Handbook.
Graduate Opportunity Program
Applicants assisted by the Graduate Opportunity Program must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. During the application process, the Graduate Opportunity Program can help students by requesting an application fee waiver for cases of hardship, by providing insight into the application process, and by distributing information about the various graduate academic and fellowship programs. The primary goals of the program are to increase the number of applicants through extensive outreach and to increase the number of enrolled students from diverse backgrounds through effective recruitment.
Diversity-Enhancement Programs
The Eugene Cota-Robles Fellowship is a merit-based diversity-enhancement program that provides financial support for students from diverse backgrounds to pursue and successfully complete a graduate degree. This fellowship is awarded to entering doctoral students who have overcome significant obstacles to achieve a baccalaureate-level degree, and whose economic, educational, or social background contributes to intellectual diversity of the graduate student population. Applicants should refer to the information under Financial Support in the application to gain a better understanding of this fellowship. Fellowship recipients must be U.S. citizens or permanent
The Eugene Cota-Robles Fellowship and the Dissertation-Year Fellowship are part of the University of California’s Academic Career Development Program. The Dissertation-Year Fellowship is available to continuing students. Enrolled students are assisted through formal and informal group orientations, individual advice about academic matters, financial aid, postdoctoral opportunities, and the provision of information about career planning, health care, and housing.
If you have questions, call the Division of Graduate Studies, (831) 459-5905.
Intercampus Exchange Program
A graduate student in good standing at Santa Cruz who wishes to take advantage of educational opportunities available only at another campus of the university may become an intercampus exchange graduate student for a quarter or more. This program also permits students to take courses on more than one campus of the university during the same quarter.
To participate in the program, a student must have the approval of his or her faculty adviser, the dean of the Division of Graduate Studies at UC Santa Cruz, and the graduate dean on the campus to be visited. Application forms may
be obtained from the Division of Graduate Studies and should be submitted three weeks before the quarter in which the exchange begins.
Student Life
The campus offers a variety of programs to enhance the quality of student life, all available to graduate students. These include child care, sports and recreation, health services, cultural events, transportation services, and the UCSC Women’s Center. See Campus Life for information on these services and a description of the local community. See Disability Resource Center for services available to students with disabilities.
College Affiliation
Graduate students at Santa Cruz have the opportunity to affiliate with one of the 10 colleges on campus (college descriptions). Participation in the activities of a college may include taking an occasional meal there, living at the college, or participating in the college’s educational and preceptorial programs or in its extracurricular activities.
Graduate Student Association
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is an organization of all graduate students at UCSC. It seeks to advance the general welfare of the graduate student body and is responsible for promoting extracurricular activities on campus.
Graduate students elect a GSA steering committee, which coordinates activities and their funding. In past years, the steering committee has sponsored student social gatherings, musical events, poetry readings, lectures by visiting scholars, and other activities of special interest to graduate students. A portion of the college student government fee, paid by all students, is available to the association for this purpose. The steering committee also recommends graduate students for appointment to university committees.
Graduate Student Commons (Grad Commons)
Located right above Joe’s Pizza and Subs in the Quarry Plaza, the Graduate Student Commons (Grad Commons) exists solely to serve the needs and interests of graduate students at UCSC. The Grad Commons is the only building on campus that is owned and operated entirely by graduate students. It provides a comfortable and welcoming space, fostering graduate student interaction and a sense of community. The Grad Commons is open 24 hours a day for all graduate students and graduate student groups to use the various study and meeting rooms. In addition, the Grad Commons holds numerous events each quarter to enrich graduate student life and cultivate professional development.
Social events such as monthly 1st Friday Socials, quarterly parties, and art shows are sponsored by the Grad Commons to promote a sense of community and cohesion among graduate students across the various departments. Health and wellness activities provided in partnership with OPERS—such as yoga, meditation, campus hikes, and acupressure/massage tables—are available to help graduate students relax from the stresses of TAing and research. The Grad Commons also offers a wide range of professional development workshops each quarter to support graduate student success in academia and beyond. Past professional development workshop topics include: grant writing, conflict management, résumé and CV writing, website design, time management, teaching and diversity statements, communication skills, preparing for your Qualifying Exam, and more. Visit our website (http://gradcommons.drupal.ucsc.edu/) to learn about upcoming programming and ways to get involved with the Grad Commons.
Housing
As at all other UC campuses, finding housing is a challenge. Students who wish to reside on campus should submit their application as soon as possible to secure housing in a timely manner. Likewise, students who wish to live off campus will find this task challenging. Often, single students share housing as a means of lowering expenses. However, married students or students with dependent children do not always have the option of sharing housing with other students.
Twenty apartments for single graduate students are located on the west side of campus between Kresge College and the Baskin Engineering Building. Metro and campus bus stops are nearby. On-site parking is available.
The apartments were designed with privacy, energy conservation, and aesthetics in mind. The wood-frame units have cedar exteriors and are bordered by redwood forest on two sides. Four students share each apartment, which has a living and dining room, a kitchen, two bathrooms, four single bedrooms, an outdoor deck, and abundant closet and cabinet space. The units contain solid oak and maple furniture, although residents must supply their own linens, cooking utensils, and household supplies. Common facilities include a laundry room and lounges with computer terminals and a large-screen television.
The apartment rental rate for a single room is $1,870 per month for the 10-month 2013–14 academic year. Students may stay for the summer at additional cost. First-year graduate students are usually given priority.
Graduate students may also apply to the individual colleges for a limited number of resident preceptorships. These positions offer an on-campus apartment as a stipend and the opportunity to participate in a college community.
Married students and students with dependent children may live in Family Student Housing, a complex of two-bedroom unfurnished apartments located on the west side of campus. These apartments are in great demand, and students often wait up to a year for a vacancy. Interested students should apply as soon as possible.
Another on-campus option is UCSC’s 42-space camper park, available to students who own appropriate recreational vehicles.
To assist students in locating living accommodations in the surrounding communities, the Community Rentals Office maintains a list of available rentals. Students intending to live off campus should begin their search at least four weeks before classes begin.
See Student Life for more detailed information about on- and off-campus housing.
Application and Admission
Application Deadlines
Students may apply for only one UCSC graduate program at a time. A list on the Graduate Studies web site shows the date set by each program as the final deadline for submission of all documents. Applications are limited to programs of study beginning in fall quarter (except the M.A. program in education). Please visit the Graduate Studies web site for the most current information on applying to UCSC graduate programs. Application deadlines for 2013–14 may be updated on or before applications open on Oct. 1, 2013. The dates listed are the official deadlines, but students are strongly advised to submit applications well in advance of the deadline. If an application deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, there will not be staff available for assistance.
To be considered for fellowship support for fall quarter 2014, the application for admission and all supporting materials must arrive at the Division of Graduate Studies by the program’s deadline or by February 1, 2014, whichever is earlier.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted with graduate status at UCSC, a student must have completed a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited undergraduate institution of acceptable standing and demonstrate ability to pursue a program of study leading toward an advanced degree. Preparation must provide an adequate foundation for advanced study, as determined by the department for the program in which the student intends to enroll. If the bachelor’s degree is not in the same discipline as the graduate program, the student must have sufficient preparation in the intended area of study to undertake graduate-level work.
To apply for admission, the items described below must be submitted before the deadline date to the Division of Graduate Studies. UC Santa Cruz requires that applicants complete an online application to be considered for admission to a graduate program. The Graduate Studies Division will provide access to a printed version for those who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The application and the accompanying materials should be complete and accurate.
-
Admission application form. Application materials for all programs are available online at the Division of Graduate Studies web site. The completed application is paid for online with either a credit card or e-check. This application fee is not refundable. Application fee waivers are available for cases of hardship. International applicants are not eligible for fee waivers.
Applicants to the programs in anthropology, computer engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering also need to conform to the admission guidelines posted on the web pages for these departments. These pages can be accessed from the Division of Graduate Studies web site.
-
Statement of purpose. This should be a concise, well-written account of the applicant’s background and reasons for pursuing graduate study in the field chosen. Selection committees place particular importance on the statement of purpose. It exhibits the applicant’s ability to present ideas in clear, coherent language. The statement of purpose should indicate all of the following:
-
How knowledgeable the applicant is in the desired field of study
-
How undergraduate studies and other experiences (work, community involvement, and so forth) serve as a foundation for graduate study
-
How and why the applicant intends to build on this foundation of knowledge and apply the training to social or theoretical problems
-
Official transcripts. Official transcripts of all previous course work since high school, including certification of degrees received or documentation of status upon leaving each institution, should be obtained. UC Santa Cruz requires only one transcript from each institution. Official evidence that the applicant has received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education must be presented. All of the official transcripts and documentation should be requested well in advance of the program deadline to be sent to Graduate Application Processing. Only official transcripts bearing the signature of the registrar and the seal of the issuing institution will be accepted. If work is in progress at the time of application, a final transcript of such work must be submitted before the student can be officially enrolled at UC Santa Cruz. If the bachelor’s degree is in a field other than that in which the student intends to apply, evidence of course work sufficient to prepare for graduate study in the intended field must be shown.
-
Letters of recommendation. Three letters of recommendation should be included in the online application packet, or the applicant should have them forwarded to Graduate Application Processing. These letters should be prepared by professors or others who are in a position to analyze the applicant’s abilities and academic promise in the chosen field of graduate study.
-
Graduate Record Examination scores. Individual departmental requirements for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are in the table below.
If the applicant is applying for admission to a program that requires the GRE, the scores must be received by UC Santa Cruz Graduate Application Processing before the application deadline. It is strongly recommended that all applicants complete testing by November, since December test scores will not reach the division prior to application deadlines.
The Educational Testing Service should be asked to forward the test scores directly to the division. UC Santa Cruz’s school code is 4860. Test results are electronically submitted to UC Santa Cruz Division of Graduate Studies four to six weeks after the exam has been taken.
|
Department |
GRE & Subject GRE |
|
|
Anthropology |
GRE General Test |
|
|
Astronomy and Astrophysics |
GRE General Test; GRE Subject Test in Physics or Mathematics strongly recommended |
|
|
Bioinformatics |
GRE General Test; Computer Science Test or Subject Test in major strongly recommended |
|
|
Biology |
Ecology and Evolutionary |
GRE General Test |
|
Molecular, Cell, and Developmental |
GRE General Test; Biology Test or Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Test recommended |
|
|
Chemistry and Biochemistry |
GRE General Test; GRE Subject Test in any of the following strongly recommended: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology; |
|
|
Computer Engineering |
GRE General Test; GRE Engineering Test or Subject Test in major strongly recommended |
|
|
Computer Science |
GRE General Test; GRE Computer Science Test or Subject Test in major strongly recommended |
|
|
Digital Arts & New Media |
No GRE required |
|
|
Earth and Planetary Sciences |
GRE General Test |
|
|
Economics |
GRE General Test |
|
|
Education |
Teaching & Credentials |
No GRE required |
|
Research |
GRE General Test |
|
|
Collaborative Leadership |
||
|
Electrical Engineering |
GRE General Test; GRE Subject Test in major strongly recommended |
|
|
Environmental Studies |
GRE General Test; GRE Subject Test in disciplinary field of |
|
|
Feminist Studies |
GRE General Test |
|
|
Film and Digital Media |
GRE General Test |
|
|
History |
GRE General Test |
|
|
History of Consciousness |
GRE General Test |
|
|
Linguistics |
GRE General Test |
|
|
Literature |
GRE General Test |
|
|
Mathematics |
GRE General Test and GRE Mathematics Test |
|
|
Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology |
GRE General Test; GRE Subject Test in major strongly recommended |
|
|
Music |
GRE General Test and UCSC’s Music Graduate Entrance Examination for M.A., D.M.A., and Ph.D. applicants with a bachelor’s degree; GRE General Test for Ph.D. applicants with a master’s degree |
|
|
Ocean Sciences |
GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test in major |
|
|
Philosophy |
GRE General Test |
|
|
Physics |
GRE General Test and GRE Physics Test |
|
|
Politics |
GRE General Test |
|
|
Psychology (with emphasis in social, developmental, or cognitive) |
GRE General Test |
|
|
Science Communication (writing) |
GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test in Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology; Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Geology; Mathematics; or Physics |
|
|
Social Documentation |
No GRE required |
|
|
Sociology |
GRE General Test |
|
|
Statistics and Applied Mathematics |
GRE General Test; GRE Computer Science Test or Subject Test in major strongly recommended |
|
|
Technology and Information Management |
GRE General Test |
|
|
Theater Arts |
No GRE required |
|
|
Visual Studies |
GRE General Test |
|
- Additional required material. Many of the graduate programs have special application requirements, such as writing samples, portfolios, auditions, or personal interviews. The Graduate Division or program website to which the student is applying should be consulted and all of the requirements specified should be fulfilled.
The applicant must petition the graduate dean in writing prior to the application deadline for the program in question.
The department sponsoring the program to which admission is sought must support the applicant’s petition.
The department must present the graduate dean with a clear and complete outline of the program required for the degree sought, and must explain the intellectual separateness of the proposed program from that completed by the applicant in attaining the earlier degree.
The program or Graduate Division website to which the student is applying should be consulted and all of the requirements specified should be fulfilled.
|
Department |
Requirement(s) |
|
|
Anthropology |
A writing sample |
|
|
Digital Arts and New Media
|
Online portfolio, and résumé |
|
|
Education
|
||
|
|
M.A. Program |
A writing sample, and résumé |
|
|
Ph.D. |
A writing sample, preferably in education or a related field, and résumé |
|
|
Ed.D. |
An analytic writing sample that demonstrates your potential for undertaking advanced research. A case study, excerpt from an MA paper or research, and similar materials can be appropriate for this sample. Five-page limit (double spaced, 12 pt. font, 1" margins. A résumé must also be submitted. |
|
Feminist Studies |
Writing sample of up to 10 pages |
|
|
Film & Digital Media
|
Writing sample not to exceed 10 pages; a portfolio of creative work (if available); and a CV |
|
|
History
|
Writing sample of up to 30 pages |
|
|
History of Consciousness
|
A writing sample of up to 10 pages |
|
|
Linguistics
|
Demonstrated ability to conduct original research. Applicants should enclose a sample of written work. The work need not be in the area of linguistics, but should ideally reveal the applicant's ability to address abstract issues and formulate and investigate precise hypotheses. |
|
|
Literature
|
15–20 page writing sample |
|
|
Music
|
||
|
|
M.A. Program |
1. Writing sample for applicants in ethnomusicology or performance practice (e.g., term paper, senior thesis, or other research paper) or compositions (applicants in composition who wish to emphasize electronic music may include two recordings without scores, but one score, with recording if available, must also be included). 2. A 10- to 20-minute unedited recording on CD, DVD, VHS, etc., of one or more recent performances as instrumentalist, vocalist, or conductor; or of performances of original compositions. |
|
|
D.M.A. |
1. Three composition scores with recordings (if available) on CD, DVD, VHS, etc. For works involving improvisation, digital audio, or other approaches, one of the three compositions may be submitted in the form of a recording with brief notes on the media and/or performance conditions. Applicants to the computer-assisted composition track should include either an example of a computer program they have written (a source code for the program plus documentation describing its use) or other evidence of technical competence with computers. 2. Writing sample (e.g., term paper, thesis, or other research paper) |
|
|
Ph.D. |
Ph.D. Applicants with a bachelor's degree: 1. Writing sample (e.g., term paper, senior thesis, or other research paper) 2. Optional materials demonstrating musical skills (e.g., compositions, a performance, or lecture-recital on CD, DVD, VHS, etc.) Ph.D. Applicants with a master's degree: 1. Writing sample of substantial length (e.g., an excerpt from a master's thesis or a set of research papers) 2. Optional materials demonstrating musical skills (e.g., compositions, a performance, or lecture-recital on CD, DVD, VHS, etc.) |
|
Philosophy
|
A 10–15 page writing sample. |
|
|
Politics
|
An abstract of a scholarly written work (1200–1500 words) should represent the applicant’s best research and capacity to engage in scholarly inquiry. The work need not be in the area of politics, but should reveal an ability to address abstract issues and formulate and investigate precise hypotheses. The abstract may represent a term paper, thesis, article, conference paper, or problem solution. The entire work upon which the abstract is based should be available to be sent electronically to the admissions committee upon request. |
|
|
Social Documentation
|
An analytical writing sample (e.g., research paper, professional report, or substantial essay) is required. Sample documentary production work is recommended but not required (e.g., a video or audio recording, photographic essay, web page). Preferred format for submission of production work is web, DVD, or CD ROM (please provide URL's to publications and documentary productions where possible). |
|
|
Sociology
|
A writing sample, approximately 25 pages, preferably in sociology or a related field. This sample can be a term paper, a field report, a research proposal, or an essay written especially for the application. |
|
|
Theater Arts
|
Applicants may be asked to submit a videotape of their performance work, a design portfolio, or a sample of their written work. |
|
|
Visual Studies
|
Writing sample illustrating scholarly potential, not to exceed 20 pages |
|
Duplication of Higher Degrees
It is the policy of the Santa Cruz campus to prohibit the pursuit of duplicate advanced degrees. However, applicants may petition the graduate dean for an exception to this policy if the degree sought is in a field of study distinctly different from the field in which the original advanced degree was attained.
In order for a student who already holds the doctorate to be admitted or readmitted to work toward a second Ph.D.—or toward an academic master’s degree—all of the following conditions must be met:
The graduate dean will review all materials submitted and decide whether or not to admit the applicant, consulting with the Graduate Council when appropriate.
Admission to a professional master’s program after a Ph.D.—or to an academic master’s program after a professional doctorate—is not subject to these restrictions.
Transfer of Credit
UC Santa Cruz does not automatically grant credit for graduate-level work undertaken at other universities. Each department determines credit transferability on an individual basis.
International Applicants
Applicants from other countries must meet standard admission requirements and, upon admission, provide satisfactory evidence of financial support before they may obtain the necessary visa documents. Because it normally takes much longer to process international applications, such students are urged to apply as early as possible. Once the student has been formally admitted, a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) will only be issued by the UC Santa Cruz Office of International Education when all requirements are satisfied. Please note that international students are eligible for neither need-based financial aid nor application fee waivers.
For those choosing to take the TOEFL, a minimum score on the paper-based TOEFL of 550, or 220 on the computer-based test, or 83 on the Internet-based test is required for admission. Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Electrical Engineering require 570 on the paper-based test, 230 on the computer-based test, and 89 on the Internet-based test. Any international students who wish to be considered for Teaching Assistant opportunities must score a 26 or higher on the Spoken Word portion of the Internet-based test.
For those choosing to take the IELTS, our institution requires an overall band score of 7 or higher on the IELTS. An overall score of 8 from the IELTS test is required for all new international students who may serve as a Teaching Assistant at any time during their graduate career.
All official academic records must be issued in the original language and be accompanied by English translations prepared by the issuing institution. If translations are not available from the institution itself, translations may be prepared by government or official translators. In order for translations to be acceptable, they must bear the stamp or seal of the issuing institution or governmental agency and the original signature of the translator. They must be complete and exact word-for-word translations of the original documents, not interpretations. Grades must not be converted to the American scale. Specially prepared English versions are not acceptable in place of documents issued in the original language.
Any records submitted to the Division of Graduate Studies may not be borrowed, returned, or sent elsewhere.
Application Processing
The Division of Graduate Studies receives most application materials and creates a file for each applicant. Once the application is submitted online, it will be available to the appropriate department for review and recommendation. Applicants are admitted by the graduate dean following recommendations by the departments. Applicants will be notified by e-mail whether or not they have been admitted for graduate study at UCSC after all reviews are complete. Under no circumstances will UCSC give out this information over the phone, in person, or by proxy. E-mail notifications are sent throughout the month of March. By a general agreement to which UC Santa Cruz and most graduate schools in the U.S. are signatories, applicants admitted to graduate schools have until April 15 to reply with their acceptance of fellowship offers. Any information about the completeness of the file can be found on the MyUCSC student portal once an application has been submitted. Specific questions about the evaluation of the application should be directed to the department.
NOTE: Expense figures below to be verified in July
Fees and Expenses
Fees and expenses for graduate students are shown below. Tuition, fees, and other charges are subject to change without notice by the Regents of the University of California. For current fee information, check registration fees.
|
Graduate Student Fees, 2013-14 |
||
|
|
One |
F-W-S |
|
Student Services Fee (formerly University Registration Fee) |
$324.00 |
$972.00 |
|
Tuition (formerly Educational Fee) |
$3,740.00 |
$11,220.00 |
|
Campus Based Fees |
$355.86 |
$1,067.58 |
|
USHIP Health Insurance (waivable) |
$1,052.00 |
$3,156.00 |
|
Total for California Residents |
$5,471.86 |
$16415.58 |
|
Nonresident Tuition (a) |
$5,034.00 |
$15,102.00 |
|
Total for Nonresidents of California |
||
|
(a) A limited number of Nonresident Tuition Fellowships are available. Please refer to the Financial Support section. |
||
For information on fee refunds, see Finances.
Minimum annual expenses, including registration fees, for a single graduate student living on campus are estimated to be $38,672.58 per academic year. Students should not plan to undertake graduate study without assured funding, since outside employment in the Santa Cruz community can be difficult to obtain. An estimated sample student budget for the 2013–14 academic year is provided below. Non–California residents should add $15,102 in nonresident tuition and fees to the total.
|
Graduate Student Budget, 2013-14 |
|
|
Fees |
$16,415.58 |
|
Books and supplies |
$1,494.00 |
|
Room and board (on or off campus) (a) |
$16,203.00 |
|
Transportation (b) |
$1,827.00 |
|
Personal |
$2,733.00 |
|
Total |
$38,672.58 |
|
a) Estimated room and board for graduate students living with family is $4,491. |
|
|
b) Expenses of owning a car and parking on campus are not included here. For parking fees, see http://taps.ucsc.edu/pdf/2013-14rates.pdf |
|
Required Fees
Required fees are due and payable before the start of each quarter. At the beginning of each quarter, sufficient funds will be needed to cover housing charges and book costs. For many financial aid recipients, however, fees and on-campus housing charges are paid automatically from approved student aid funds. Financial aid recipients should note that fellowship, grant, and loan checks or bank deposits in excess of university charges are not available until after enrollment each quarter.
The Student Services Fee supports student services that provide a supportive and enriching learning environment and that are complementary to, but not part of, the instructional program. Programs include, but are not limited to, services related to the physical and psychological health and well-being of students, social and cultural activities and programs, services related to campus life, and educational and career support.
Tuition helps support student financial aid and related programs; administration; libraries; operation and maintenance of plant; the university’s operating budget; and all costs related to instruction, including faculty salaries.
Santa Cruz campus fees help support a wide range of student services, including extracurricular programs, campus child care, community and public service projects, and free-fare use of the local transit systems.
In addition, all students, including international students, are assessed a mandatory Health Insurance Premium. The Cowell Student Health Center provides the primary care services for the plan while a contracted insurance company provides major medical and hospitalization insurance. Dependent coverage is also available. Detailed information is on the web at www2.ucsc.edu/healthcenter/billing/insurance.shtml or contact the Student Health Insurance Office, (831) 459-2389.
Waivers from the mandatory insurance fee are available for students who can show that their outside plan provides coverage equal to or better than the student health insurance plan. Deadlines for applying for a waiver are listed in the Schedule of Classes and the Graduate Student Handbook.
Nonresident Tuition
A resident of a state other than California or of another country must also pay nonresident tuition. General criteria for residency are in Appendix A.
Non-U.S. citizens note: Regardless of how long you live in California, only U.S. citizens and holders of immigrant visas may become qualified for resident classification.
Late Fees
Late fees may be assessed if a student fails to make university payments or enroll by the specified deadlines. Late fees are assessed on a graduated basis for each month there is an unpaid balance on your university account. Late fee amounts of $50 for each late registration payment and/or late enrollment and $25 for a late housing payment. Deadlines are published online in the Graduate Student Handbook and the Schedule of Classes, and they appear on the Statement of Account.
Deferred Payment Plan
See the information under undergraduate expenses.
Financial Support
The University of California, Santa Cruz, makes a strong effort to provide financial support to all graduate students who make normal progress in their program of studies. Certain kinds of support are awarded on the basis of academic merit, and others are granted on the basis of need. Students are encouraged to apply for both kinds of assistance by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form must be submitted after January 1 prior to the academic year for which you are requesting aid. The FAFSA may be filled out online and filed electronically at www.fafsa.gov. To receive need-based support for the fall quarter, the FAFSA should be submitted no later than three weeks prior to the end of spring quarter of the year you are enrolled. Applications for student loans for each academic year will be accepted until April of that academic year. More detailed information about the application process and loans can be found at financialaid.ucsc.edu. Students may also visit the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office, 205 Hahn Student Services Building, or call (831) 459-2963.
Fellowships, Assistantships, Grants
Students who received Cal Grant A or B as undergraduates within the last 15 months may request a one-year extension from the California Student Aid Commission to attend a teacher credential program. The Cal Grant A program and Cal Grant B program paid a maximum of $12,192 for 2013–14 for study at the University of California. Renewal of these awards requires the student to submit the FAFSA by March 2nd. In addition, the student must submit a Request for Teaching Program Benefits Form (Form G-44) to the California Student Aid Commission.
The federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants of up to $3,496 per year to students who intend to teach in a high-need field in a public/private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. The program at UCSC is for M.A. Education students. In exchange for receiving this grant, you must sign an Agreement to Serve and complete online counseling. This grant converts to a loan with retroactive interest if the Service Agreement is not fulfilled. More information and a Fact Sheet can be found at http://www.studentaid.ed.gov /PORTALSWebApp/students/english/TEACH.jsp.
Teaching Assistantships. For the 2011–12 academic year, half-time teaching assistantships provided a salary of $5,770 per quarter.
Graduate Student Researcher Internships. For the 2011–12 academic year, half-time internships for researchers provided a salary ranging from $1,391 to $2,338 per month, depending on the student’s academic level and department.
By checking a box on the online application, you may be considered for a variety of fellowships, assistantships, and researcherships.
The division and the UCSC Career Center can provide information about external graduate fellowships and grants.
Student Loans
Graduate students can qualify for federal student loans by completing the FAFSA. Graduate students are eligible for Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS loan programs. For additional information: http://financialaid.ucsc.edu/types-eligibility/loans/index.html.
Loan Forgiveness Programs
The federal government will forgive all or part of a student loan under certain circumstances. This can include performing volunteer work or military service, or practicing medicine in certain communities. For a summary of such exemptions, visit http:// studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation.
Revised: 09/01/13
