About Us
The Department of Linguistics is an internationally recognized center for the study of language, home to a vibrant community of researchers asking fundamental questions about this uniquely human ability: What properties characterize language? How is language represented in the mind and brain? How is language used in production and comprehension?
Faculty and students in Linguistics deploy an interdisciplinary set of methods — formal and logical systems, computational tools, fieldwork, experimental methods, brain mapping — to study a diverse sample of languages from around the world.
Located in Stevenson College, the department houses the Linguistics Research Center, which supports research activities in the language sciences on campus.
What is Linguistics?
Academic Programs
Linguistics Major and Minor
The undergraduate linguistics program at UC Santa Cruz is recognized as one of the best in North America. Majors and minors receive training in five core areas of linguistics: phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, and psycholinguistics. The linguistics major leads to a B.A. degree, which alumni have used to pursue a wide range of career paths.
Language Studies Major and Minor
Language Studies is an interdisciplinary major (leading to a B.A. degree) and minor. It is designed to equip students with competence in one or more foreign languages, and at the same time provide them with a general understanding of the nature of human language.
Ph.D. and M.A. in Linguistics
The Ph.D. program in linguistics at UC Santa Cruz is a top-ranked program. Its alumni hold faculty positions at many universities around the world, and have pursued successful careers in industry. It is fully integrated with the M.A. program, which has provided many students with a bridge to future careers in academia and industry.
Advising
The department offers individualized support for undergraduate students in linguistics and language studies. The Undergraduate Advisor can advise you about degree requirements, prerequisites, and other aspects of your academic progress. In addition, a dedicated team of peer advisors is available as another source of support and guidance for students.
Both the Undergraduate Advisor and peer advisors offer regular drop-in office hours, in person and remotely.
Linguistics in the News
Centering nourishment at The Humanities Institute
The Humanities Institute (THI) at UC Santa Cruz is exploring the theme of nourishment this year, inviting the campus and community to reflect on what sustains life, fosters connection, and makes flourishing possible.
“What does it mean to be nourished in our bodies, our minds and our communities at a moment of profound social, political, and ecological change?” said Saskia Nauenberg Dunkell, research programs and communications director for THI.
Shaping the future of artificial intelligence
UC Santa Cruz experts are working to guide AI in ethical, sustainable, and socially beneficial directions
Nine major wins worth celebrating for 2025
From amazing research discoveries to high-impact new education and fundraising initiatives, UC Santa Cruz created significant positive change, despite headwinds
Find Us
Stevenson College
Academic Building, 2nd Floor
Mailing Address:
University of California, Santa Cruz
Department of Linguistics
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, California 95064
Office Hours: Monday through Friday (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Email: ling@ucsc.edu
Support Linguistics at UC Santa Cruz
