Feminist Studies

With over 100 declared majors and course offerings that reach more than 2,000 students annually, the Feminist Studies Department at UC Santa Cruz is one of largest departments focused on gender and sexuality studies in the U.S. Founded as Women's Studies in 1974, it has contributed to the development of internationally recognized feminist scholarship and is one of the oldest and most well-regarded departments in the world. The major in feminist studies offers opportunities to pursue careers in fields such as law, social services, public policy, health care, and higher education. Feminist studies also encourages community service through faculty-sponsored internships and a mutually supportive and collaborative teaching and learning environment.

Study and Research Opportunities

As interdisciplinary scholars who support feminist research and teaching in our department and across campus, Feminist Studies faculty are at the forefront of key debates in feminist philosophy and epistemologies, critical race and ethnic studies, immigration, transgender studies, incarceration, science and technology, human rights and sex trafficking discourses, postcolonial and decolonial theory, media and representation, social justice, and history. Our Affiliated Faculty teach courses across campus that are integral to our major. The undergraduate program offers thematic pathways to facilitate focused courses of study in: culture, power, and representation; Black studies; law, politics, and social change; STEM; decolonial studies; and sexuality studies.

The Feminist Studies Department Library is a non-circulating library of 4,000 books, journals, dissertations, and theses. This space is available to Feminist Studies majors as a quiet place for reading, studying, and meeting with other students. The library is located in Room 316 Humanities 1 and is generally available M-F, 9:00am - 6:00pm.

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Overall band score of 6.5 or higher*, includes IELTS Indicator Exam (through fall 2022)
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test or 80 on the Internet-based test, includes TOEFL iBT Home Edition (fall 2021 only)
• SAT (March 2016 or later) Writing & Language Test: 31 or higher
• SAT (prior to March 2016) Writing Exam: 560 or higher
• ACT combined English-Writing or English Language Arts portion: 24 or higher
• AP English Language and Composition, or English Literature and Composition: 3, 4, or 5
• IB Standard Level examination in English: Literature, or Language and Literature: 6 or 7
• IB Higher Level examination in English: Literature, or Language and Literature: 5, 6, or 7
• Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score of 115 (through fall 2022)

• Feminist studies alumni go on to study and work in a myriad of fields including law, education, activism, public service, filmmaking, medical fields, and much more. Please check out our  Feminist Studies Alumni page to learn what our majors are doing after graduating!