The University of California, San Diego is a student-centered, research-focused, service-oriented public institution that provides opportunity for all. Recognized as one of the top 15 research universities worldwide, a culture of collaboration sparks discoveries that advance society and drive economic impact.
San Diego, California, United States
Bachelor's programmes
Natural Sciences & Mathematics (7)
- B.Sc. Bioinformatics
- B.Sc. Chemical Education
- B.Sc. Computational Physics
- B.Sc. Physics
Social Sciences (7)
- B.A. Anthropology
- B.Sc. Cognitive Science
- Bachelor Communication
- Bachelor Critical Gender Studies
- B.A. Ethnic Studies
- B.A. Political Science
- B.A. Third World Studies
Computer Science & IT (5)
- B.Sc. Bioinformatics
- B.Sc. Computational Physics
- B.Sc. Computer Engineering
- B.A. Computer Science
Arts, Design & Architecture (3)
- B.A. Dance
- Bachelor Visual Arts
Humanities (3)
- B.A. Chinese Studies
- B.A. Classical Studies
- B.A. History
Medicine & Health (2)
- B.Sc. Public Health
Education & Training (1)
- B.Sc. Chemical Education
Engineering & Technology (1)
About
History
UC San Diego’s origins begin at the ocean at the turn of the 20th century with the creation of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, pictured here circa 1931. Hand-tinted photograph by Barber, L.D. Scripps Institution of Oceanography Archive, UC San Diego.
Education
UC San Diego’s rich academic portfolio includes six undergraduate colleges, five academic divisions and five graduate and professional schools. The university’s award-winning scholars are experts at the forefront of their fields with an impressive track record for achieving scientific, medical, creative and technological breakthroughs.
Research
The University of California San Diego is one of the top-ranked public research universities in the nation. This timeline chronicles the development of UC San Diego from the site of a U.S. military training ground and a marine research station to the innovative, vibrant institution that it is today.
Career
As part of our comprehensive commitment to career development, we strive to provide students with the quality training and tools necessary to find meaningful life work.
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2019
GSSA 2019
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2019. By rating institutions on a scale from 1 to 5, on multiple studies-related questions, we found the top educators in the world.
Learn more about the Global Student Satisfaction AwardsUniversity Ranking
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2019
18 -3
2018
15
2017
15
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2020
19 -2
2019
17 -1
2018
16
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2020
31 -1
2019
30 1
2018
31
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2020
45 -4
2019
41 -3
2018
38
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Services
Student services
Find resources and support to help you improve academic achievement, make connections on campus, and succeed as a student at UC San Diego.
Housing services
We take a proactive approach to cultivating a welcoming environment for all—because excellence is only attainable when everyone is included, respected and empowered. We invite you to engage in self-reflection and dialogue at one of our campus community centers, join our cultural celebrations and become a social justice leader.
Library services
Ranked among the nation's top public academic research libraries, the UC San Diego Library plays an integral role in advancing and supporting the university's research, teaching, and public service missions.
ICT services
Information Technology Services is UC San Diego’s central IT organization, providing information technology services to support business systems, messaging and collaboration, information security, campus infrastructure, educational technology and researcher needs.
Medical services
Student Health Service provides quality primary medical care, including urgent care and support services such as laboratory, pharmacy, and x-ray. SHS has primary care physicians who are board certified in family medicine or internal medicine. Some physicians also have additional training and expertise in gynecology, sports medicine, rheumatology, urgent care, and mental/ behavioral health.
Student Life
Campus life
UC San Diego is ideally located near the Pacific Ocean, the U.S.-Mexico border and the Pacific Rim. Our diverse student population is drawn from the best and brightest worldwide. Discover how an education at UC San Diego can be the gateway to your future.
Sports facilities
UC San Diego Athletics is committed to the physical, intellectual and personal development of students, enhancing the overall student life experience, and campus pride.
Student clubs
At UC San Diego, we encourage you to focus on what excites you - because having a balanced life is essential to success. With more than 500 student organizations on campus, there is no shortage of opportunities to express yourself, grow into a leader and make meaningful connections.
Accreditation
UC San Diego is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Student Reviews
University Review
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed the diversity of experiences available to students. There are opportunities to get involved in every field of interest.
Amazing Professors!
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
I think the professors in my department really made my experience interesting and worth it. I learned alot from them and was able to get hands on experiences that I can apply to future opportunities.
UCSD Student Review
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars
I liked the interdisciplinary approaches to all the different fields of study. However, the social life can be improved as well as access to proper mental health care.
Other programmes from this university
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