Academic Areas

Arts

In the Arts Division, undergraduate research spans diverse topics, from monster studies and playable media to climate change and racial equity. Students have the opportunity to engage in all facets of creation and analysis, with options extending beyond coursework to include internships, independent projects, and cross-disciplinary collaborations.

Engineering

Baskin School of Engineering envisions a world elevated by bold and socially responsible innovation. With undergraduate research opportunities in fields such as health engineering, climate and sustainability, machine learning, artificial intelligence, games, human-computer interaction, and engineering math, Baskin School of Engineering is a leader in hands-on, cutting-edge research.

Humanities

At UC Santa Cruz’s Humanities Division, the fundamental questions of what it means to be human and how to analyze and construct the human experience guide the learning, teaching, and scholarship. Undergraduates gain professional experience through paid fellowships, internships, and research opportunities, making a direct impact in our community through sophisticated research projects.

Science

The Science Division at UC Santa Cruz offers unparalleled undergraduate research opportunities across a diverse array of scientific fields. Our students work in cutting-edge labs, observatories, and natural reserves, contributing to world-changing research that spans everything from the forces shaping our planet to the evolution of life. With 23% of undergraduates engaged in Science Division programs, including over 31% who are first in their families to attend college, we ensure that students of all backgrounds are integral to our mission of advancing science on a global scale.

Social Sciences

The Division of Social Sciences at UC Santa Cruz excels in integrating undergraduates into cutting-edge research. Students receive a rigorous education while actively participating in projects that address critical societal challenges, such as racism, economic inequity, educational reform, and environmental degradation. Faculty collaborate with students across interdisciplinary research clusters and centers, providing unparalleled opportunities for hands-on involvement. This commitment to research excellence has earned the Division the top ranking among public universities.