
9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0021, USA


The University of California-San Diego was established in the early 1960s as part of the University of California system's expansion to address growing educational demands. Initially, it began as a graduate institution closely linked to the nearby Scripps Institution of Oceanography, focusing on research and advanced studies. Over time, the university evolved to include a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, becoming a comprehensive research university. Its development was marked by a deliberate emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, which has shaped its identity as a leading institution in science, engineering, and the humanities. The university's founding vision emphasized innovation and academic excellence, seeking to foster a scholarly community capable of addressing complex global issues. This foundational ethos continues to influence its academic programs and research initiatives, making it an attractive option for prospective students interested in pursuing rigorous, impactful education and research opportunities.
The University of California-San Diego offers a diverse range of academic faculties and departments designed to accommodate a wide variety of interests and career goals. Prospective students can explore programs across several prominent divisions, each emphasizing interdisciplinary learning and research opportunities.
The Division of Arts and Humanities provides studies in literature, philosophy, visual arts, and cultural analysis, fostering critical thinking and creative expression. The Jacobs School of Engineering is recognized for its comprehensive curriculum in fields such as bioengineering, computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering, with a strong emphasis on innovation and technology.
Students interested in natural sciences can engage with departments covering biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences, which are supported by state-of-the-art laboratories and research initiatives. The Social Sciences faculty includes disciplines like economics, political science, psychology, and sociology, aiming to deepen understanding of human behavior and societal structures.
The Rady School of Management offers business-related programs focused on entrepreneurship, finance, and management, designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the global economy. Additionally, the university's School of Global Policy and Strategy integrates international affairs, public policy, and economics to cultivate a global perspective in its students.
For those pursuing health-related careers, the School of Medicine and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences provide specialized training in clinical practice, research, and pharmaceutical sciences, emphasizing translational medicine and patient care.
Overall, the university supports an eclectic mix of faculties and departments that enable students to tailor their education according to their professional ambitions and academic interests.
The University of California-San Diego is situated in the La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego, California. Its campus is located on Gilman Drive in the western part of La Jolla, providing students access to a coastal environment known for its scenic beauty and mild Mediterranean climate.
La Jolla offers a residential atmosphere with a blend of cultural and recreational opportunities that may enhance the student experience outside of academic activities. The university's proximity to San Diego International Airport facilitates convenient travel for both domestic and international students.
Prospective students can benefit from knowing the campus address is 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0021. The university's location balances a serene campus setting with accessibility to urban amenities and services found in the broader San Diego area.
The University of California-San Diego is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community that encourages innovation, critical thinking, and ethical leadership. Its primary mission emphasizes advancing knowledge through rigorous research, transformative teaching, and public service that addresses societal challenges.
The university envisions itself as a leader in creating impactful solutions that improve global health, sustain the environment, and enhance quality of life. It strives to empower students with a comprehensive education that blends interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world experience, preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to their fields and communities.
Central to the institution's educational philosophy is nurturing intellectual curiosity while promoting social responsibility and cultural understanding. This vision shapes its commitment to providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research, community partnerships, and a vibrant academic environment that supports personal growth and professional development.
Name of the institution
University of California-San DiegoLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
20,000 and aboveSchool type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1960
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
$60,511Anthropology
$29,743Applied Mathematics
$54,802Area Studies
$25,884Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
Data not availableBiochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
$33,915Biological/Biosystems Engineering
$64,592Biology, General
$26,086Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
$48,470Biomedical/Medical Engineering
$45,324Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
Data not availableChemical Engineering
$53,711Chemistry
$38,643Civil Engineering
$60,478Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Data not availableClinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
$29,313Cognitive Science
$39,060Communication and Media Studies
$34,173Computer and Information Sciences, General
Data not availableComputer Engineering
$79,476Computer Science
$87,738Dance
Data not availableDesign and Applied Arts
Data not availableDrama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
$19,321Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
$24,033Economics
$42,370Education, General
Data not availableElectrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
$71,127Engineering Physics
Data not availableEngineering Science
Data not availableEngineering, Other
$55,148English Language and Literature, General
$34,778English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
$23,736Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
Data not availableEthnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
$30,287Fine and Studio Arts
$18,064Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Data not availableHistory
$26,976Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
$25,882International/Global Studies
$41,542Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Data not availableLinguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
$25,354Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
$47,472Mathematics
$40,222Mathematics and Computer Science
$64,863Mechanical Engineering
$62,687Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
$33,263Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Data not availableMusic
$22,536Natural Resources Conservation and Research
$29,140Neurobiology and Neurosciences
$29,415Philosophy
Data not availablePhysical Sciences, Other
Data not availablePhysics
$41,524Political Science and Government
$28,579Psychology, General
$28,185Psychology, Other
Data not availablePublic Health
$30,159Real Estate Development
Data not availableReligion/Religious Studies
Data not availableResearch and Experimental Psychology
$29,604Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Data not availableSlavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Data not availableSocial Sciences, Other
Data not availableSociology
$29,964Statistics
$42,080Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Data not availableUrban Studies/Affairs
$41,393Visual and Performing Arts, General
$22,195Visual and Performing Arts, Other
$37,732Zoology/Animal Biology
Data not available