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University of California-Santa Barbara

1210 Cheadle Hall, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-2014, USA

University of California-Santa Barbara award
US ranking
position: 109
Tuition & fees per year: $48,240
Acceptance rate: 23.00%
Median alumni salary: $70,300
Avg. SAT and ACT: N/A
Entrance difficulty: N/A

Courtesy of University of California-Santa Barbara

What is the history of University of California-Santa Barbara?

The University of California-Santa Barbara (UCSB) has a rich history that dates back to 1944. Its roots, however, can be traced back to the Anna Blake School, established in 1891, which provided training in home economics and industrial arts. The state took over this school in 1909, transforming it into the Santa Barbara State Normal School, and later, in 1921, into the Santa Barbara State College.

A significant shift occurred in 1944 when the State Legislature, Governor Earl Warren, and the Regents of the University of California decided to transition the State College into the University of California system. This move was aimed at aligning the college with the University of California's mission and resources. Consequently, a state constitutional amendment was passed in 1946 to prevent future conversions of State Colleges to University of California campuses.

From 1944 to 1958, the institution was known as the Santa Barbara College of the University of California. A major milestone was reached in 1958 when the Regents of the University of California established Santa Barbara as a general university campus, and the official title of the chief executive was changed to chancellor. This marked the transition from a college to a full-fledged university campus.

During this period, the University of California-Santa Barbara experienced significant growth and development. The campus expanded its facilities and programs to accommodate the increasing number of students. A crucial factor in this expansion was the acquisition of a 400-acre portion of land in Goleta, previously used as Marine Corps Air Station Santa Barbara until 1946. This land was obtained for free from the federal government and became the new Santa Barbara campus in 1949.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the University of California-Santa Barbara gained national attention due to its involvement in anti-Vietnam War activities. The campus became a center of protests and demonstrations against the war. Unfortunately, these activities led to tragic events, including a bombing at the school's faculty club in 1969 and multiple instances of arson in 1970.

Despite these challenges, the University of California-Santa Barbara continued to evolve. In 1995, it was elected to the Association of American Universities, an organization of leading research universities in the United States. This recognition solidified UCSB's position as a prestigious institution of higher education.

Today, the University of California-Santa Barbara is renowned for its strong academic programs, cutting-edge research, and beautiful campus located in Santa Barbara, California. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The university's history is a testament to its resilience, adaptability, and commitment to providing a high-quality education to its students.

What are the faculties and departments at University of California-Santa Barbara?

The University of California-Santa Barbara provides a broad spectrum of faculties and departments, allowing students to delve into their academic interests. The chemical engineering department stands out as one of the top departments nationwide, and the mechanical engineering program also enjoys a high ranking. Beyond engineering, the university is recognized for its robust programs in the sciences.

In addition to these, the University of California-Santa Barbara offers the College of Creative Studies, a unique program that functions much like a graduate school for undergraduate students. This program necessitates a supplemental application and provides exceptional students with the opportunity to explore their academic interests with unparalleled freedom.

The faculty at the University of California-Santa Barbara is a source of pride for the institution. Students often commend the professors for their accessibility and knowledge. While some faculty members are Nobel Prize laureates or highly recognized in their respective fields, it's worth noting that a distinguished research career does not always translate into superior teaching skills. Nevertheless, students generally value the quality of their professors and consider them a significant source of inspiration.

While the specific departments are not detailed in the source, it is evident that the University of California-Santa Barbara offers strong programs in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and the sciences. The College of Creative Studies further enhances the academic offerings, providing a unique platform for students to pursue their academic interests with utmost freedom. The University of California-Santa Barbara, therefore, presents a diverse and academically rigorous environment where students can excel in their chosen fields of study.

What is the location of University of California-Santa Barbara?

The University of California-Santa Barbara is situated in the city of Santa Barbara, which is located in the western region of the United States. The university's campus is approximately 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles, making it a convenient location for students who may need to travel to and from the city. The nearest airport to the university is Los Angeles International, which further enhances its accessibility for both domestic and international students.

The campus of the University of California-Santa Barbara is uniquely positioned overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering students a picturesque and inspiring study environment. The official address of the university is 1210 Cheadle Hall, Santa Barbara, with the ZIP code 93106-2014.

What is the mission and vision of University of California-Santa Barbara?

Unfortunately there is not enough publicly available information to diligently answer this question.

What is the accreditation of University of California-Santa Barbara?

The University of California-Santa Barbara has been institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission since February 28, 1949. This accreditation is still valid and in effect, demonstrating the university's commitment to maintaining high educational standards.

In addition to this overarching institutional accreditation, the University of California-Santa Barbara also boasts programmatic accreditation for a number of its doctoral programs. Specifically, the American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation, has granted accreditation to the Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Professional/Scientific Psychology, and School Psychology doctoral programs. This accreditation is a testament to the quality and rigor of these specific programs.

Moreover, the University of California-Santa Barbara's Dance program has received specialized accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Dance. This accreditation is a clear indication of the program's excellence in the field of dance education.

Lastly, the University of California-Santa Barbara offers an accredited internship/residency program in Professional Psychology. This program, too, is accredited by the American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation, further emphasizing the university's dedication to providing high-quality education in the field of psychology.

In summary, the University of California-Santa Barbara holds both institutional and programmatic accreditations, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and high-quality education. Prospective students can be assured of the university's dedication to maintaining these standards.

University of California-Santa Barbara Rankings

See where this school lands in our other Rankings to get a bigger picture of the institution's offerings.

30 Best Public Colleges in 2023-2024

37 Best Value Colleges in California in 2023-2024

40 Most Affordable Colleges in 2023-2024

79 Most Popular Colleges in 2023-2024

88 Best Value Colleges in the West in 2023-2024 US

109 Best Colleges in 2023-2024

450 Best Value Colleges in 2023-2024

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Research.com Awards

University of California-Santa Barbara Profile - Basic Information

Name of the institution

University of California-Santa Barbara

Level of institution

Four or more years

Granulation by control over the institution (public/private)

Public

School type

University

Setting type

Suburb: Midsize

Calendar system

Quarters

Foundation year

1909

Institution size category

20,000 and above

Main student body

Coeducational

Institutional Category

Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or above

University of California-Santa Barbara Programs and Degrees

iconMaster's degree
iconBachelor's degree
iconPostbaccalaureate certificate
iconDoctor's degree - research/scholarship
iconOther degree
iconCertificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
iconAssociate's degree
iconCertificate of less than 1 year
iconCertificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
iconPost-master's certificate
iconDoctor's degree - other
iconDoctor's degree - professional practice

Alumni Salary for University of California-Santa Barbara Degrees

Degrees

Avg. salary

Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies

$24,418

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

$31,375

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

$54,194

Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs

$41,054

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

$86,276

Engineering

$71,097

English Language and Literature/Letters

$29,434

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

$24,903

History

$26,516

Mathematics and Statistics

$45,878

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

$35,213

Natural Resources and Conservation

$33,029

Philosophy and Religious Studies

$25,962

Physical Sciences

$42,323

Psychology

$28,978

Social Sciences

$37,039

Visual and Performing Arts

$23,996