Preparation for Admission
Students entering the Social Documentation program are expected to have completed the equivalent of a four-year undergraduate degree in a discipline such as Anthropology, History, Sociology, Politics/Political Science, Ethnic Studies, American Studies, Literature, Education, Art, Journalism, Photography, Graphic Design, Film, or Communications.
Candidates for admission must also have demonstrated skill in some area of social documentary practice (e.g., photography, film or video production, sound recording, oral history, or journalism) and a demonstrated interest in the study of social life and community engagement. Preference will be given to students who exhibit well-conceived plans for their work in the program in the application statement of purpose, define their final projects in detail, and who have experience working with community organizations or movements. Individuals who have worked with groups that have been historically underrepresented in society are especially encouraged to apply.
If a student’s weakness in either documentary skills or social science/humanities training is matched by exceptional preparation in the other area, admission to the program with an approved plan for remediation (for example, taking undergraduate courses) may be a possibility.
Application Requirements
Please refer to the UCSC Graduate Division to begin the admission process and to review guidelines for admission to graduate study at UCSC. Students must submit a finalized application using the Online Applications Process by the deadline to be considered for entrance into the program the following September.
A complete application for the Social Documentation Program includes the general UCSC graduate admissions requirements, with the exception that we do not require the GRE. In addition to the general university requirements, the department requires the following supplemental information:
- A project description of the work that you propose to carry out while in the program: It should specify the subject, individual, or targeted issue. This is one of the most important factors in selecting students, so please give it considerable care and check to ascertain that it fits the parameters of the SocDoc Program.
- An analytical writing sample (a research paper, professional report, substantial essay, or published work).
- A resume or curriculum vitae.
- A sample of your documentary production work (a video or sound recording, oral history, ethnographic essay, photographic essay, or web page). We cannot accept portfolio submissions outside of the Graduate Division’s official application. The preferred format for submission of production work is along with the rest of your application materials through the official Graduate Division online application, using URLs to publications and documentary productions. You may use any widely available website (e.g., Vimeo, YouTube, etc.) that does not require an account to access the website. Please make sure your submission is not password-protected, or be sure to include the password in your application. Hard copy versions may be accepted in some cases. You must mail any hard copies of sample production materials (DVDs, CDs, portfolios, etc.) directly to the department, and materials not received by the application deadline, for any reason, will not be considered. Documents will not be returned.
- Please submit only up to five video and/or samples (no time limit) and up to 40 still images. Portfolio websites are especially appreciated, but you may also submit individual samples.
- Please do not submit any applications materials to the Graduate Division or to the department outside of the open application period. These materials will be discarded and will not be reviewed.