The perfect environment
to make a big impact
Salt air and sunshine. Renowned faculty. The finest labs and resources. As one of the world's leading public research universities, UC San Diego attracts bold thinkers and creative achievers — the disassemblers of the everyday who come here to "Break Things Better."
Departments & MajorsCampus Statistics & Rankings
Set yourself up for success by embarking on a college adventure where you aren't just encouraged to study from a textbook, but to journey into the world and achieve exceptional things.
Top Ranking University
- 130+ undergraduate majors in a wide array of fields
- 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Faculty honors include:
- Nobel Prize
- Pulitzer Prize
- National Medal of Science
- Academy Award
- Tony Award
- National Humanities Medal
- 600+ student organizations
- 1 in 3 undergraduates study abroad
- 30 NCAA Division II titles
- Joining NCAA Division I Big West Conference in Fall 2020
- Ranked #2 in the nation for superior education at an affordable price. - Money Magazine
Why the World Loves
UC SAN DIEGO
Hear from students who found their perfect academic match.
“My major is very interdisciplinary and I love having the chance to study many different perspectives and work with people from so many different fields of study.”
Maria | Human Development major
“The five-year master's really attracted me to the International Studies program. I thought it would be the best way to use all of my skills and my passion.”
Noble | International Studies and Political Sciences 5-year master's program
“I’ve had the chance to do so much here! I studied abroad in Italy and I’ve volunteered with patients in Nicaragua and Belize through Alternative Breaks and Global Medical Brigade.”
Crystal | Biochemistry/Cell Biology major
“UC San Diego does more research than most universities. The most important things to me were the quality of research being done here and my ability to impact the campus.”
Eddie | Bioengineering major
CAMPUS LIFE
Campus life is not just about going to class or studying for exams. It’s about exploring, experimenting, taking risks and trying new things. And it might just involve the occasional watermelon smashing.
UC SAN DIEGO COLLEGES
Experience the support of close-knit learning and living communities nestled within a bustling world-class institution. Each College has as much personality as its students.
Explore Campus On Your Own
Virtual Tour
View 360-degree panoramas of campus and listen to audio offered in six languages!