2024-2025 Application Cycle
Online applications for the program will become available beginning October 1st. The deadline for applications for enrollment for Fall 2024 will be at 11:59PM PST on January 11, 2024.
For more information about UCSC applications, consult the Graduate Division website and their Application Instructions for UCSC Graduate Studies Applicants.
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Application Requirements
Please refer to the UCSC Graduate Division to begin the admissions 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 publicatins and documentary productions. You may use any widely available website (e.g., Vimeo, YouTube, Flickr, 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 only submit 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.