Santa Cruz,
CA,
United States
Type
Public
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
BA in Art in Santa Cruz United States | University of California, Santa Cruz
University of California, Santa Cruz
|
Santa Cruz United States
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Bachelor Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD
16,014
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
36 months
The Art Department delivers a comprehensive curriculum blending theory and practice to examine visual communication's role in personal expression and public engagement. Students gain hands-on experience across diverse media while developing critical thinking skills within broader societal contexts. UC Santa Cruz's art program encompasses disciplines ranging from traditional drawing and painting to cutting-edge digital media, public installations, and social practice art, all supported by state-of-the-art facilities at Baskin visual arts studios. Our department maintains an ongoing conversation about foundational art education while exposing students to both time-honored techniques and emerging technologies. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles form the bedrock of our art education, integrated throughout coursework to cultivate creative problem-solving that embraces multiple viewpoints and lived experiences. These values shape our learning environment, preparing artists to engage meaningfully with our multicultural society. The department actively promotes an inclusive community and opposes discrimination in all forms through its policies and practices. Our Bachelor of Arts program equips graduates for vibrant careers across the visual arts spectrum. Alumni establish themselves as professional artists while others enter fields like arts administration, digital design, photography, curation, animation, and arts education. Many pursue advanced studies in graduate programs to further refine their artistic practice and professional development.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 6.0
Qualification Requirements
First-year applicants are students who have:
Completed their secondary education and have earned a certificate of completion which enables them to be admitted to a university in their home country
Never been enrolled as a university student
UC has slightly different admission requirements for applicants who are international students. If you're applying as a first-year applicant, you must:
1. Complete 15 year-long academic courses with a 3.4 GPA:
2 years of history (in place of U.S. History, history of your country)
4 years of composition and literature in language in which you are instructed
3 years of college-preparatory mathematics that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry.* (Approved integrated math courses may be used to fulfill part or all of this requirement)
2 years of college-preparatory science, including or integrating topics that provide fundamental knowledge in two of these three subjects: biology, chemistry, or physics. One year of approved interdisciplinary or earth and space sciences coursework can meet one year of the requirement. Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Science courses can be used in area D as an additional science (i.e., third year or beyond).
2 years of a second language
1 yearlong course (or 2 semesters) of visual and performing arts
1 additional course from any subject areas above
 
English-language Proficiency
- Score 6.5 or higher on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)*
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)* examination:
- Internet-based test (iBT) or iBT Home Edition: Minimum score of 80 or better
- Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score of 115 
Tuition
USD
16,014