University of California, San Diego

University of California, San Diego

The University of California, San Diego, often called UC San Diego or UCSD, is a public research university that’s nestled along the California coast. Founded in 1960 and located near the Pacific Ocean, it has quickly grown into one of the top-ranking universities in the world.

Overview

UCSD was chartered as the University of California, San Diego, in 1960, and has been operating under that name ever since. The college's distinctive location and commitment to world-class research have allowed it to attract highly exceptional faculty and students from around the globe. The university offers a vibrant student life with more than 500 student organizations and a plethora of recreational and social activities. It boasts a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, including in fields like engineering, medicine, and business. From the iconic Geisel Library to the stunning beaches near campus, UCSD offers a dynamic and immersive learning environment. Furthermore, its relative youth has allowed it to shape its programs and approaches to education, which align with contemporary societal needs.

Schools & colleges

Explore University of California, San Diego's extensive range of specialized programs across diverse schools and colleges.

Jacobs School of Engineering:

  • Computer Engineering, Computer Science
  • Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering
  • School of Medicine:

  • Medicine, Medical Microbiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Scripps Institution of Oceanography:

  • Marine Biology, Oceanography
  • Rady School of Management:

  • Business Administration, Management Science
  • Division of Arts and Humanities:

  • Visual Arts, Art History
  • Literature
  • Division of Biological Sciences:

  • Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology
  • Division of Social Sciences:

  • Psychology
  • Communication
  • Division of Physical Sciences:

  • Physics
  • Chemistry, Chemical Physics
  • University Awards

    Highlighting the prestigious awards University of California, San Diego has received for excellence in education, research, and service.

    Academy Award:

    The Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film is an award given annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. UCSD graduate Mike Nichols won for the Graduate.

    Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine:

    The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is annually awarded for outstanding contributions to the field of physiology or medicine. UCSD graduates Susumu Tonegawa and Michael W. Young were recipients of this prestigious award.

    Pulitzer Prize for Poetry:

    The Pulitzer Prize for Poetry is one of the seven Pulitzer Prizes that are annually awarded for Letters, Drama, and Music. It has been presented since 1922 for a distinguished volume of original verse by an American author. UCSD graduate Rae Armantrout won this award.

    National Medal of Science:

    The National Medal of Science is an honor awarded by the President of the United States to individuals in science and engineering who have made important contributions to their fields. UCSD graduate Mario J. Molina received this award.

    Breakthrough of the Year:

    Breakthrough of the Year is an annual award made by the journal Science for the most significant development in scientific research. UCSD graduate J. Craig Venter has won this award.

    Rankings

    Discover where University of California, San Diego ranks nationally and internationally, reflecting its academic and research excellence.

    QS World University Rankings
    2021
    54
    in the world
    QS World University Rankings
    2022
    53
    in the world
    QS World University Rankings
    2023
    #
    in the world

    Famous Alumni

    Meet University of California, San Diego's distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to society and their fields.

    Susumu Tonegawa

    Nobel Laureate

    Susumu Tonegawa is a Japanese scientist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1987 for his discovery of the genetic principle for generation of antibody diversity.

    Michael W. Young

    Nobel Laureate

    Michael W. Young is an American geneticist who was awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm.

    Gregory J. Peck

    Film Actor

    Peck is best known for his breakout role in the film To Kill a Mockingbird, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.

    Rae Armantrout

    Pulitzer Prize Winning Poet

    Rae Armantrout is a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet best known for her renowned use of language and contribution to contemporary poetry.

    J. Craig Venter

    Genome Sequencer

    J. Craig Venter achieved fame for being one of the first to sequence the human genome and for his work in creating the first synthetic bacterial cell.

    Contact Information

    Find all essential contact details for admissions and support at University of California, San Diego Website: https://www.ucsd.edu

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