Discover new interests at UC Santa Cruz

Curious about a subject, looking to build new skills or ready to try something new? Open Campus gives you access to UC Santa Cruz courses without committing to a full program.

Whether you are a working professional looking to build new skills, a lifelong learner exploring personal interests or a member of the public curious about a subject, Open Campus offers a flexible way to learn from UC Santa Cruz instructors.

Courses are available in formats that fit a range of schedules, with options to learn in person on UC Santa Cruz's coastal campus or online.
 

Community members include, but are not limited to:

  • Lifelong learners

  • Members of the public

  • Working professionals

aerial image of Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz

Why Open Campus?

🌱 Pursue a personal interest

Take a course because you've always been curious about a subject, want to return to learning or enjoy exploring new ideas. View our featured courses page to see a sample of available offerings.

💼 Build professional skills

Choose courses to strengthen your current skill set, stay competitive in your field or prepare for new opportunities.

🌊 Experience learning at UC Santa Cruz

Study online or take classes in person on UC Santa Cruz’s coastal, redwood-lined campus.

 

Enrollment FAQs

  1. Search for the course

    Search the course you are interested in to confirm it will be offered during the quarter you plan to enroll. You will need all of the course information listed to apply.

    We recommend reaching out to the instructor before submitting your application. While not required, it can be helpful to introduce yourself, explain your background and confirm that the course is a good fit.

  2. Register and pay application fee

    Register for section UCSC.1000 and pay a one-time application fee. If you are a returning Open Campus student, please email opencampus@ucsc.edu and we will register you for the next session.

  3. Submit Open Campus form

    Submit a completed Open Campus form and pay your tuition by the deadlines indicated in the fee schedule.

    Open Campus Form

Here’s what to expect after you submit your enrollment form:

  1. Email confirmation
    After you submit your enrollment form, you'll receive a confirmation email from the Open Campus team.

  2. Enrollment form verification
    The Open Campus team will review your form to make sure all information is accurate. If anything needs correction, they’ll contact you.

  3. Instructor approval
    Open Campus staff will reach out to the course instructor for approval. If the instructor denies your request, you'll be notified. If approved, your enrollment will move forward.

  4. Prerequisite check
    The instructor may request an unofficial transcript before approving your enrollment. The Open Campus team will let you know if this is needed. Your enrollment won't proceed until the transcript is submitted and reviewed.

  5. Canvas access
    Once approved, you’ll be added to the course on Canvas.

  6. Final enrollment and payment
    You’ll get an email once you’re officially enrolled. Note: Open Campus courses are managed through your UCSC Extension portal—not your MyUCSC portal. All payments must be made in the Extension portal before the deadline. If you miss the payment deadline, you’ll be dropped from the course.

  7. Final grades and transcripts
    At the end of the quarter, your instructor will submit your grade. You can request transcripts as needed once grades are available.