UC Santa Cruz diploma certificate
UC Santa Cruz diploma certificate sample for 2026.The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), founded in 1965, is located in the Redwood Conservancy, south of the San Francisco Bay Area and adjacent to Silicon Valley. It is one of the most distinctive “Public Ivy” institutions in the University of California system. The university is known for its unique residential college system, interdisciplinary innovation, and cutting-edge fields such as environmental science and game design.
Comprehensive Degree Programs: UCSC comprises five colleges: the Baskin-Robbins College of Engineering, the College of Humanities, the College of Social Sciences, the College of Physical and Biological Sciences, and the College of the Arts. In the 2025-26 academic year, it will offer 61 undergraduate majors, 27 master’s programs, and 38 doctoral programs, covering Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Music (B.M.), Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.), Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1, emphasizing small class sizes and personalized instruction.
Flagship Undergraduate Programs: Computer Game Design
Computer Science: The Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Design is one of the earliest game design programs in the US to deeply integrate technology and art. Core courses span computer graphics, human-computer interaction, game engine architecture, and digital storytelling. Students must complete advanced projects and form interdisciplinary teams to develop playable works. The Bachelor of Science in Computational Media further bridges the boundaries between art and engineering, with electives covering virtual reality, interactive installations, and serious games.
Earth Sciences: From Redwood Forests to the Deep Sea
The Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences is a traditional strength of UCSC, leveraging its location near Monterey Bay. It offers four specializations: Geology, Geophysics, Marine Science, and Planetary Science. Students must take calculus, physics, chemistry, and a series of advanced electives, including seismology, water resources, and planetary geology. Graduation requires completion of a field geology camp or capstone research. The Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology emphasizes field sampling and laboratory analysis, with graduates finding employment in marine conservation and research institutions.
School of Music: A Hub for Intercultural Musicology
The Department of Music offers a complete pathway from Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Music, to Doctor of Musical Arts and Doctor of Cultural Musicology. Undergraduate programs are divided into three main branches: Western Art Music, Global Music, and Contemporary Practice. Master’s programs emphasize the integration of composition, ethnomusicology, and performance practice, while the doctoral program focuses on intercultural musicology. The minor in Electronic Music is open to all students and is equipped with a state-of-the-art recording studio.
Five-Year Integrated Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs
UCSC offers five-year integrated Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in multiple disciplines: Electrical and Computer Engineering allows undergraduates to complete both their B.S. and M.S. degrees within 15 academic quarters, with only 7 graduate-level courses required for the Master’s program. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0+, and those without an engineering background must complete designated prerequisites. Similar pathways cover more than 10 fields, including Computer Engineering, Physics, Linguistics, Statistical Science, and Applied Mathematics.
Silicon Valley Extension Campus and Career Pathways
The Silicon Valley extension campus offers certificate courses and continuing education for working professionals. Instructors are current experts from technology companies, and courses focus on cutting-edge skills and regional industry needs. Some credits can be transferred to a degree program at the main campus. Admissions and Fees Reference: For international undergraduate applications, a TOEFL score of 80+ or IELTS score of 6.5+ is required, with a suggested GPA of 3.4+. For graduate applications, a TOEFL score of 89+ or IELTS score of 7.0+ is required, and the GRE is mandatory for most programs. The total cost for international students in the 2025-26 academic year is approximately US$57,234 per year. Leveraging its Silicon Valley location, interdisciplinary approach, and immersive academic environment within the Redwood Forest, UCSC offers students pursuing a unique and unparalleled growth path within the UC system, combining technology and humanities.
