University of California-San Diego

Academic Programs

UC San Diego is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission and offers Bachelor’s Degrees, Master’s Degrees and Doctorates. Presently, only certain master’s programs are available online. The university is comprised of six undergraduate residential colleges: Revelle College (founded as First College), John Muir College (founded as Second College), Thurgood Marshall Collegee (Third College), Earl Warren College (Fourth College), Eleanor Roosevelt College (Fifth College) and Sixth College. Noted for its Pharmacy, Speech Pathology, English Language, Medical Education, Dietetics and Psychology programs, the largest programs on campus are in Biology/Bio-Medical, Engineering and Social Science fields. The stated Mission of the University is to “transform California and a diverse global society by educating, by generating and disseminating knowledge and creative works, and by engaging in public service.” This will be accomplished through the goals including: Delivering education that develops students capable of solving problems, leading, and innovating; Cultivating a diverse and inclusive community that encourages respectful open dialogue; Supporting a collaborative research culture that advances the frontiers of knowledge, shapes new fields, and disseminates discoveries that transform lives; Promoting sustainable forms of economic development, shared prosperity, and social/cultural enrichment; Ensuring a dedication to service, people, and financial stewardship.

Student Life

The University of California at San Diego has approximately 25,000 undergraduate students on campus. A myriad of residence options are available (each college sustains their own residences). There are over 550 student-run clubs and organizations including club and intramural sports. For the varsity athlete, the Navy Blue and Gold Tritons field teams in 12 sports and participate in NCAA Division II competition. Among the many campus traditions is the Spring watermelon drop (which started as part of a physics exam!). The university was ranked as one of the ‘happiest colleges’ based on nightlife, student organizations, retention rate and sunny days. While enrolled, students are educated in the core values of the university: “Collaborative and interdisciplinary activities lead to unsurpassed discoveries, technologies, cures, scholarship, and creative works that advance and enrich society; Excellence in teaching, research, patient care, and a people- and service oriented culture that supports learning, scholarly work, and public service are the norm; Our focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion enables faculty, students, and staff to excel and provides an opportunity for all to succeed; and Our entrepreneurial spirit leads to agility, risk-taking, and innovative approaches to solving problems and seizing opportunities. Public service, sustainability, integrity, and ethics are core principles guiding our activities.