Language Studies is an interdisciplinary major designed with two principal goals in mind: (1) to provide students with a thorough competence in at least one language other than English, and (2) to provide students with a core foundation in linguistics, the study of language structure. To achieve these objectives, the Language Studies program contains three basic components:

The Language Component: Students must achieve a high level of competence in at least one language other than English.

The Linguistics Component: In addition to studying a particular language, students also learn about the general principles that govern the structure of human languages.

The Context/Elective Component: Students gain an understanding of the communities and cultural contexts of their language of concentration.

Because the Language Studies curriculum is necessarily multi-lingual, students are encouraged to study abroad during the course of their degree program. The University of California's Education Abroad Program (EAP) and UCSC's Office of International Education provide ample opportunities for overseas studies, and many language studies students spend at least a quarter abroad.

Successful completion of the language studies major leads to a BA degree in Language Studies. The department also offers a minor in Language Studies.

Questions related to Language Studies degree requirements, linguistics classes, and independent study petitions sponsored by a linguistics instructor should be directed to the Linguistics department. The Linguistics and Language Studies Undergraduate Advising Office is located at 241 Stevenson (phone: 459-4988, email: ling@ucsc.edu) Questions about language placement examinations, language classes, or independent study petitions sponsored by a language instructor should be directed to the Language Program Office (218 Cowell, 459-2054). Further information can be found at the Language Program's home page.

The undergraduate linguistics program at UC Santa Cruz, a core component of the Language Studies program, is recognized as one of the best in North America. Our graduates are routinely admitted to top graduate programs. Undergraduate alumni/ae from this department are on the faculty at the University of Chicago, Rochester University, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, and the University of Michigan. A language studies degree is excellent training for many careers. See the "Life After the Department" link to learn more about this.