Photo of Art supplies, Baskin Visual Arts Studios, UC Santa Cruz

Degrees

The Visual Studies program offers a Doctoral degree.

Important: Transcripts and letters of recommendation are required of all applicants. 

See the test score requirements for this program.

  • Academic writing not to exceed 20 pages. Be sure to include your name in the footer of each page of your writing sample.
  • Please describe your plans for graduate study or research and for your future occupation or profession. Include any information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and qualifications for graduate study at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Recommended length is a concise 2-4 pages.
  • This statement will be used in conjunction with your application for graduate admission and financial support. Note that the personal history statement should not duplicate the statement of purpose. Recommended length is a concise 1-3 pages.
  • UC Santa Cruz is interested in a diverse and inclusive graduate student population. In an essay, discuss how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Include any educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how you might contribute to social or cultural diversity within your chosen field; and/or how you might serve educationally underrepresented segments of society with your degree.

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Contact information for UCSC Graduate Programs

Learn more about the Visual Studies Ph.D. program

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Last modified: Sep 01, 2025