University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, United States
Overview
University of California-San Diego runs as a public university in La Jolla, United States, serving as a higher-education provider within the United States.
Teaching at University of California-San Diego covers multiple qualification levels, delivered through its academic units. The institution maintains an extensive programme catalogue spanning undergraduate and postgraduate routes.
The institution serves 34,948 students across its programmes. Academic staff support teaching and research activities alongside support staff who manage student services, operating within its campus environment.
Location & Contact
The geographic and contact details below cover where University of California-San Diego is and how to reach its administrative offices. Campus emergency contact is typically distinct from general inquiries.
Academic Details
Academic statistics for University of California-San Diego — including its student body and academic staff numbers. Read these alongside rankings; institution scale changes how rankings should be interpreted.
Programs Offered
Look through University of California-San Diego's programmes by level or filter for keywords. Programme-level scholarships exist alongside institution-wide ones; the programme page typically lists them.
Bachelor's Degree
72 programmes
There are 72 programmes to choose from at University of California-San Diego for undergraduates. A bachelor's degree builds the broad disciplinary foundation most employers and postgraduate courses expect.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Real Estate Development Architecture
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Engineering Physics General Engineering
Engineering Science General Engineering
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering Environmental Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Biological/Biosystems Engineering General Engineering
Engineering, Other General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences Molecular Biology
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Biological Sciences
Zoology/Animal Biology Biological Sciences
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Mathematics and Computer Science Liberal Arts
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
Cognitive Science Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Climate Studies & Meteorology
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Physical Sciences, Other Natural Sciences
Psychology, General Psychology
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Psychology, Other Psychology
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Urban Studies/Affairs Urban Planning
Social Sciences, Other Social & Cultural Studies
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Dance Performing Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Visual and Performing Arts, Other Visual Arts
Public Health Public Health
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
60 programmes
University of California-San Diego provides 60 programmes at master's level for graduates who want to specialise further or strengthen their standing for doctoral applications.
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Education, General Education & Teaching
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Engineering Physics General Engineering
Materials Engineering General Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Systems Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Engineering, Other General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Law
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Cognitive Science Liberal Arts
Computational Science Liberal Arts
Data Science Liberal Arts
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Materials Sciences Materials Science
Psychology, General Psychology
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Public Policy Analysis Public Administration
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies Health Sciences
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration Pharmacy
Public Health Public Health
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
57 programmes
University of California-San Diego's 57 programmes at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Engineering Physics General Engineering
Engineering Science General Engineering
Materials Engineering General Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Systems Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Engineering, Other General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Literature English Language Studies
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Cognitive Science Liberal Arts
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Materials Sciences Materials Science
Physical Sciences, Other Natural Sciences
Psychology, General Psychology
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Psychology, Other Psychology
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Visual and Performing Arts, Other Visual Arts
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Medicine Medicine
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration Pharmacy
Public Health Public Health
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
3 programmes
University of California-San Diego's 3 programmes at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Medicine Medicine
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration Pharmacy
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to University of California-San Diego
Step-by-step guidance for applying to University of California-San Diego, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. University of California-San Diego runs 192 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Before applying to University of California-San Diego, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with University of California-San Diego's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
- 4 Submit your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.ucsd.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of California-San Diego
Common questions students ask about University of California-San Diego — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.
In which city is University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego is based in La Jolla, United States.
What is University of California-San Diego's control type?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students study at University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego has approximately 34,948 students.
How do I find University of California-San Diego online?
University of California-San Diego's official website is www.ucsd.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Selectivity at the top the United States universities sets admissions baseline expectations for students applying to University of California-San Diego. The selectivity gap between University of California-San Diego and the leaders below tells you about admissions context.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Universities near University of California-San Diego often have cross-enrolment or visiting-student arrangements that let students take modules at the partner institution. Worth checking if subject coverage at University of California-San Diego is narrow in your area.
Where Else to Study Social & Cultural Studies
Cohort diversity (gender, nationality, prior experience) shapes the Social & Cultural Studies classroom experience. Some the United States programmes publish demographic data; others do not, but the question is worth asking.
Universities Often Compared with University of California-San Diego
Peer universities to University of California-San Diego by academic scale and prestige are listed below. These often share comparable faculty depth, research output, and graduate outcomes, making the comparison more meaningful than ranking alone.
