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 website and get to know us. If you have questions, contact the appropriate staff or faculty member listed below.
Contact Us
Location
The Feminist Studies Department Office is located in the Humanities 1 building, room 403.
Mailing Address
Feminist Studies Department
Division of Humanities
UC Santa Cruz
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95064
Campus Mailstop: Feminist Studies
Department Chair
(Interim – 2023-24)
Tanya Merchant
(831) 459-5762
merchant@ucsc.edu
Graduate Director
For graduate program info, contact: fmstgc@ucsc.edu
Undergraduate Director
For undergrad program info, contact: fmst-advising@ucsc.edu
Department Manager/Graduate Coordinator
Laura Wilson
(831) 459-3981
latawils@ucsc.edu
Undergraduate Advisor
TBD
(831) 459-1478
fmst-advising@ucsc.edu
Advising Hours