University of San Diego : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details

About University of San Diego

Ranked among the world's top 1,000 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2019, the University of San Diego (USD) was initially established in 1949. A private Roman Catholic institution, USD offers teaching across seven different academic colleges. Campus is located to the north of downtown San Diego, California and the Pacific Ocean is visible from campus. Students here can enjoy the gorgeous Californian weather and are ideally located for trips to other Californian cities such as Los Angeles or Mexico, which is a short drive away.

Over 8,000 students are enrolled at the University of San Diego, with approximately 5,741 studying at undergraduate level. All students at the institution will have experienced a peculiar campus tradition known as the 'community scream'. At midnight before the first day of final exams, students gather on campus to collectively scream. This is supposed to bring good luck and passing grades to all those who participate.

About University of San Diego

Ranked among the world's top 1,000 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2019, the University of San Diego (USD) was initially established in 1949. A private Roman Catholic institution, USD offers teaching across seven different academic colleges. Campus is located to the north of downtown San Diego, California and the Pacific Ocean is visible from campus. Students here can enjoy the gorgeous Californian weather and are ideally located for trips to other Californian cities such as Los Angeles or Mexico, which is a short drive away.

Over 8,000 students are enrolled at the University of San Diego, with approximately 5,741 studying at undergraduate level. All students at the institution will have experienced a peculiar campus tradition known as the 'community scream'. At midnight before the first day of final exams, students gather on campus to collectively scream. This is supposed to bring good luck and passing grades to all those who participate.

Available programs

The University of San Diego is committed to a program designed to acquaint every student with the intellectual, cultural, and moral life of our civilization, while providing at the same time the opportunity to add to this knowledge special career-centered competencies. Normally, the student is in residence through eight semesters, during which he or she is enrolled in approximately 44 courses, carrying minimum credit of 124 units.USD students who wish to earn a second bachelor’s degree (as opposed to one degree with two majors) are required to complete a minimum of 30 units beyond the first USD degree (thus, at least 154 units are needed), to be seeking a different degree (for example, a BBA for a student who has already earned a BA degree), to fulfill the core curriculum requirements for the second USD degree (if these are different from the first degree), and to meet all prerequisite and major requirements for the second degree.Transfer students who already have a bachelor’s degree and wish to earn a USD baccalaureate degree in another major must meet all of USD’s core curriculum requirements, meet USD’s residency requirement of a minimum of 30 units, and meet all requirements (including prerequisites) for the degree and major sought.

Arts and Humanities (6)

BA in Architecture

BA in Art History (General)

BA in Art History - Global History of Modern and Contemporary Art and Architecture

BA in Art History - History and Theory of Architecture

BA in Art History - Museum and Curatorial Practice

BA in English

View All

Engineering and Technology (6)

BA in Computer Science

BS/BA in Electrical Engineering

BS/BA in Industrial and Systems Engineering

BS/BA in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor of Accountancy - Accountancy and Information Systems/Technology Combination Option

Life Sciences and Medicine (6)

BA in Anthropology

BA in Behavioral Neuroscience

BA in Biochemistry

BA in Biology - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Emphasis

BA in Biology - Marine Biology Emphasis

BA in Biology - Molecular and Cellular Biology Emphasis

View All

Natural Sciences (6)

BA in Chemistry

BA in Environmental Studies

BA in Liberal Studies - Mathematics Concentration

BA in Marine Science - Biology Pathway

BA in Marine Science - Earth Systems Pathway

BA in Mathematics

View All

Others (6)

Bachelor of Accountancy - Accountancy Option

Bachelor of Accountancy - Accountancy and Finance/Real Estate Combination Option

Social Sciences and Management (6)

BA in Communication Studies

BA in Economics

BA in English - Creative Writing Emphasis

BA in Ethnic Studies

BA in Interdisciplinary Humanities - Asian Studies

BA in Interdisciplinary Humanities - European Studies

View All

Through its six major academic divisions, the University of San Diego offers 25 different master's degrees, the JD and five LLM degrees, several dual degree programs, and three doctoral degrees – two in nursing and one in leadership studies. Several of these degrees offer a choice of areas of specialization. Because of the variety of programs offered, there are many different deadlines associated with our graduate programs. In some cases, programs offer entry during the summer, spring, and fall terms, while others only fall or summer entry.

Engineering and Technology (2)

Master of Engineering, Management, and Leadership

Social Sciences and Management (2)

Master Of Science In Humanitarian Action

Master of Science in Nonprofit, Leadership, and Management

Master of Theological Studies - Franciscan Theology

Business and Management (3)

Juris Doctor (JD) - Business and Corporate Law Concentration

Juris Doctor (JD) - Children's Rights Concentration

Natural Sciences (3)

Juris Doctor (JD) - Environmental and Energy Law Concentration

Social Sciences and Management (3)

Juris Doctor (JD) - Civil Litigation Concentration

Juris Doctor (JD) - Criminal Litigation Concentration

Juris Doctor (JD) - Employment and Labor Law Concentration

Juris Doctor (JD) - Health Law Concentration

Juris Doctor (JD) - Intellectual Property (IP) Law Concentration

Juris Doctor (JD) - International Law Concentration

View All

Bachelor

SAT

1250+

GPA

3.7+

IELTS

6.5+

TOEFL

80+

Master

GPA

3+

IELTS

7+

TOEFL

83+

Total students

7,663

UG students

73%

PG students

27%

International students

548

UG students

73%

PG students

27%

Total faculty staff

691

Domestic staff

97%

Int'l staff

3%

Tuition fee and scholarships

Scholarships

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

A list of available scholarships around the world

A scholarship application checklist

Download Scholarship Guide

Rankings & ratings

RANKINGS

University of San Diego is one of the top private universities in San Diego, United States. It is ranked #1201-1400 in QS World University Rankings 2025.