Division of Social Sciences

The study of human relationships in society is the focus of the Division of Social Sciences. As social, economic, political, and technological changes transform global society, social scientists are tackling extremely complex issues, from racism, economic inequity, educational reform, and governance to environmental degradation, international trade and finance, transnationalism, the challenges of emerging worlds, and how the human mind works. Offering many interdisciplinary collaborations and several graduate programs at the master's level emphasizing professional training (economics and education), students experience a comprehensive and rigorous education that prepares them for productive careers and further academic pursuits. Faculty are conducting leading-edge research in their fields, frequently working with students in research clusters linking departments and research centers. A recent study ranked the Division of Social Sciences at UCSC 1st in the nation among public universities for the quality of its research productivity. College Nine and College Ten are formally part of the Division of Social Sciences. College Nine's theme is international and global perspectives and College Ten's theme is social justice and community. Both colleges are an important part of the division's undergraduate educational mission.