About the Department

The interdisciplinary field of feminist studies investigates how gender impacts our world and shapes social, political, and cultural formations. Deriving its momentum from multiracial and multicultural contexts, the undergraduate program in Feminist Studies at UC Santa Cruz provides students with a unique transnational perspective. From the nuances of theory to the crucial dynamics of social justice practice, the Feminist Studies Department is committed to developing scholars who can transform our world through innovative thought and inspired actions.

The Feminist Studies Department at UC Santa Cruz is one of largest departments focused on gender and sexuality studies in the United States. Founded as Women's Studies in 1974, the department has produced some of the most notable scholars working in the field today, and is one of the oldest and most well-regarded departments in the world. Working within a legacy of progressive and revolutionary ideals, the studnets who graduate from our program are well-equipped to produce inspired change 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.

We invite you to explore and connect with the Feminist Studies community at UC Santa Cruz. Here you'll find information about our undergraduate and graduate programs, announcements, upcoming events and everything else you'll need to make the most of your experience at UC Santa Cruz.

We hope you'll take a moment to explore our webstite and get to know us. You can read our newsletters by clicking on News and Events at the top of the page, and browse our faculty profiles by clicking on Faculty.

Questions? Contact the appropriate staff or faculty member listed on the Contact Us page.