Undergraduate Program

The UC Santa Cruz undergraduate courses in education engage students in histories of educational thought and philosophy, the politics and economics of education, multiple approaches to learning theory and teaching pedagogy, and contemporary issues of cultural and linguistic diversity in education.

Because an academic major in teaching is not permitted in the state of California, UC Santa Cruz instead offers two minors in education for students who are considering a career in teaching or who hold a more general interest in educational studies. Please note that the minors in education do not provide a California Teaching Credential. Additionally, please note that the UC Santa Cruz teaching credential program is a graduate program and coursework taken in the minor cannot be substituted for credential requirements.

Students considering a career in K-12 school teaching should start planning in their junior year. Find out more here.