Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
ON THIS PAGE
Academic Enrichment: Individualizing your Education
Most students will have opportunities to include enrichment and/or electives in their academic plan, beyond the courses taken to satisfy major and general education requirements. Since majors at UCSC might require anywhere from 11 to 29 courses, the number of elective courses and/or enrichment opportunities you can fit into your four-year plan (or two-year plan, for transfer students) will depend, to some extent, on the major you choose.
Use the links at left to explore the possibilities that are open to you, but don’t limit your exploration to this list! UCSC is a large and vibrant community with a huge number of opportunities. When you meet someone who has pursued an enrichment experience that added to their education, ask questions! Talk with faculty and your advisors about opportunities specific to your major and/or goals. Since many of these opportunities take some time to prepare for, explore early to keep your options open.
Your education is not a series of requirements to check off (although there are, of course, requirements). It’s a path that you create to become the person you want to be. Approach your planning process actively, intentionally, and with a sense of exploration!
Global Learning
UCSC students may participate in summer, quarter, semester, or year-long academic programs through Global Learning. Most students participate sometime during their junior year, but there are also options for sophomores, seniors, transfer students, and graduate students! On select programs, students may participate the summer after their first year.
Internships and Field Study
Pursuing an internship or field study during your undergraduate education gives you an opportunity to apply the skills you’re learning in the classroom, learn about a career field that may be of interest to you, and gain valuable work experience and references that will support your post-UCSC job search! Career Success maintains a list of internship opportunities available to you at UCSC, and Global Learning maintains information about the UC/DC Program (which allows students to spend a term doing an internship in Washington, D.C.). You may find other opportunities outside the university, as well.
Undergraduate Research
Pursuing research under faculty supervision can help you to apply what you’re learning in the classroom while learning even more from a faculty member who has expertise in that area. Information about pursuing such opportunities is available through your department/major advisor, faculty in your major, and through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities website.
Some students pursue an independent project or “independent study” under faculty supervision. See the Undergraduate Research Opportunities page for tips on planning for such opportunities.
Exchange and Visitor Programs
UCSC offers opportunities for students to study at another University of California campus, at the University of New Mexico, or at the University of New Hampshire through organized exchange or visitor programs. The Registrar’s Office administers these programs.