Importance of an early start:

Students interested in majoring in Creative Technologies are encouraged to speak with the CT advisor early in their academic career. Due to the rigid nature of the courses, students move through the program in cohorts beginning their junior year. Incoming frosh do not need to satisfy any requirements prior to arriving at UCSC.

During the first two years, students should complete their general education requirements and major qualification requirements (see below). Students who enter as frosh need to complete these major qualification courses early in their studies so that the petition to major status is accomplished by the end of their sophomore year.

During their first two years, students who enter UCSC as frosh may wish to explore a double major or a minor.

Please reach out to the CT major advisor at creative@ucsc.edu for assistance with major planning.

Qualification requirements and/or prerequisites for the major:

Review Major Qualification Requirements in the General Catalog. 

Two courses are required for qualification:

• One introductory arts course in theory or history
• One practice-based, “maker”/production-oriented arts course

The full list of courses in each category is available in the General Catalog.

In addition, a personal statement is required.

Prospective majors’ personal statements should address three issues:

• (~1 paragraph) Describe relevant courses you have taken that you believe support your goals in the Creative Technologies major. You may wish to consult our list of “Recommended Courses”
• (~2 paragraphs) Describe a creative project that you are proud of, completed either in a course or in your own personal practice as an artist. Did you intend it for a specific audience, and if so, how did that intention shape the work? What did you hope audiences would gain from it? You may opt to describe a series of smaller projects, if you wish.
• (~1 paragraph) What are your aims in Creative Technologies? What kind of creative arts or design practices do you envision working on after you have completed your degree?

When complete, upload personal statements

Frosh who intend to pursue this major should do the following things prior to the beginning of fall term...

Complete parts 1 & 2 of the Slug Orientation Course to receive your enrollment appointment date.

Students should meet with the CT advisor as early as possible to gain a clear understanding of degree requirements, non-standard enrollment procedures for certain required courses, and to create a customized academic plan.

...and should take these courses their first term:

In their first term, students are encouraged to enroll in GEs and/or any lower-division coursework in the Arts Division according to their areas of interest. Please feel free to reach out to the CT advisor for guidance.

Special enrollment procedures:

Enroll in classes during the enrollment appointment date listed in your MyUCSC portal.

Although not required for the major, students in this major might benefit from:

The following courses are recommended prior to qualification:

• Coursework in programming, 2D drawing, 3D modeling, or sound design.
• At least one course in a justice-related topic, including but not limited to: courses in critical race and ethnic studies (or similar), indigenous studies, labor studies, disability and accessibility, feminist studies, gender studies, and/or courses on postcolonial or decolonizing practices.
• At least one course in critical art and media studies, including but not limited to: courses in the dissemination and interpretation of contemporary media; visual and aural culture studies; film studies; documentary or archive studies; media history; relationships between media, power, and representation; and critical studies of journalism, social media, or popular culture.

Sample Academic Plan:

Review the Sample Academic Plan in the General Catalog.

Other Information:

Students are encouraged to make an academic plan and update it at least once a year together with the major advisor. Enrollment Preparation Week (quarterly dates listed in the Academic and Administrative Calendar) is an ideal time to meet with advisors.

This program offers advising appointments through Navigate Slug Success.

Links to Review:

Program Description (Catalog)

https://creative.ucsc.edu/

Advisor Contact Information:

Emily Spitz

creative@ucsc.edu

Advising appointments for matriculated/current students are made through Navigate Slug Success. Students who do not yet have access to Slug Success are invited to email the advisor for an appointment.

Please note that all advising appointments for CT are conducted remotely, via Zoom.