BA in Community Studies - Economic Justice and Political Economy in Santa Cruz United States | University of California, Santa Cruz

Established in 1969, the community studies program was a trailblazer in hands-on learning, with its community-centered approach becoming a model for institutions nationwide. It also led the way in tackling social justice issues, particularly inequalities stemming from societal race, class, and gender structures.

This program allows students to blend classroom and real-world learning. On campus, they take specialized courses and a foundational curriculum that equips them to recognize, evaluate, and contribute to platforms for social justice initiatives, nonprofit advocacy, policy development, and social entrepreneurship. Off campus, students dedicate six months to engaging with and assessing the operations of a social justice organization - a hallmark experience of this unique major.

Academic and Research Pathways
Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies
The intensive fieldwork component provides a prime opportunity for original research connecting social justice theory with practical application.

This framework examines social dynamics, particularly power structures (including race, class, gender, age, and sexuality), that influence resource allocation in society. Within Community Studies, urban and regional political economies are best understood through the lens of place-based analysis. The emphasis lies in understanding how individuals and communities secure fundamental necessities such as housing, employment, financial services, and even nutrition.