B.A. Program and Minors
Undergraduate programs in the Education Department examine critical questions, theories, practices, and research in the field of education. We emphasize the importance of language, culture, power, and social contexts in teaching, learning, and democratic education. Our programs offer a strong foundation for a wide range of career pathways related to education.
Education, Democracy, and Justice B.A. program
The Education, Democracy, and Justice major covers the history and politics of education and public schooling and explores how transformative teaching practices can support the development of more healthy and flourishing youth and a more just and democratic society. In this major, you’ll study theories of cognition, learning, identity formation, knowledge production, and pedagogy and issues of equity and cultural and linguistic diversity in education and in public school policies and practices. This major does not focus on education in international contexts but will address the effects of immigration and globalization on U.S. education.
Learning outcomes
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of the key theoretical perspectives and existing research on innovative teaching and learning approaches that value and promote historically disadvantaged and under-served communities and their cultural and linguistic resources.
- Students will apply critical perspectives in reflecting on and/or conducting research and/or fieldwork, and present their findings in multi-modal forms.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of broad historical, social, and political contexts that impact equal opportunity to learn and contribute to society, and the role that education and schooling can play in expanding opportunity.
- Students will demonstrate basic knowledge of transformative teaching and learning principles that can be applied in a wide range of learning environments and youth serving educational organizations.
- Students will demonstrate oral and written communication skills through individual and group presentations and assignments in their courses.
Minors
Education Minor
The Education Minor explores the history of educational thought and philosophy, the politics and economics of education, theories of cognition, learning, and pedagogy, and issues of cultural and linguistic diversity in education. It is designed to provide opportunities to examine basic questions, theories, practices, and research in the field of education.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education Minor
The STEM Education Minor is designed to serve students in STEM majors who are considering careers in secondary mathematics or science teaching. Students apply through CalTeach for acceptance into required courses and should meet with Cal Teach staff to express interest. Declaring is done through the Education Department.
What can you do with a degree in education?
Our bachelor’s degree provides a strong foundation for those who are interested in a career in elementary school teaching, especially those who wish to teach in underserved public schools. Other career options with additional schooling/experience include school administrators, curriculum developers, policy analysts, counselors, speech therapists, outdoor educators, and community college or university professors. Listen to our interviews with a K-12 teacher, school psychologist, educational policy analyst, school principal, and school counselor to see which careers might be right for you.
To prepare for teaching middle school or high school, pursue a degree in the subject you want to teach. Then pursue a single subject teaching credential program for that subject. Undergraduates who want to go into teaching can complete our 12-month Master’s/Credential Program after earning their bachelor’s degree. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing website explains the credentials necessary for different careers in education.
Meet our students and alumni
Lizeth Peña Sanchez: Two time scholarship recipient shares her transformative experiences
Lizeth Peña Sanchez spent her summer interning at School and Labor Against Privatization (SLAP) Bay Area through the Transforming Futures program, an experience that affirmed her desire to become a teacher in Oakland. She has also assisted Education Professor Rekia Jibrin with research on the harms of school punitive practices through the Building Belonging program.
Veronica Salazar: Former foster youth breaking generational barriers to educational success
Education, democracy, and justice and psychology double major Veronica Salazar won the Walsh Family Scholarship for the 2022 to 2023 academic year. She aims to become a school counselor after graduation to support foster youth within the public school system. As a former foster youth herself, Salazar benefited from participating in the Smith Society while at UCSC.
Rojina Bozorgnia: Studying education policy and reform
As a double major in education, democracy, and justice and politics, Rojina Bozorgnia pursued educational opportunities that supported her continued advocacy for policies that make education more equitable for all students. During her freshman year, she joined a student group that successfully advocated for greater mental health funding for the UC system.
More student stories
More alumni stories
Admissions requirements
First-year students
High school students who plan to pursue a career in education should take the courses required for UC admission and complete any courses recommended as background for their intended major. Find more information about getting started in the education, democracy, and justice major in the catalog.
Transfer students
This is a non-screening major. Transfer students can designate the education, democracy, and justice major as their intended major and begin working on the requirements as soon as they arrive at UCSC. EDUC 10, and EDUC 60 (or approved equivalents) are required before students can formally declare the major. See our undergraduate advising page for more details. Find all transfer admissions and policy information in the catalog.