Undergraduate Admission 2024 International Viewbook - University of San Diego
Welcome to the University of San Diego
At USD we’re guided by our mission and vision – and we hope you’re inspired to join us.
You’ll experience something not found anywhere else in the world. This is a place that puts community, faith and service at the center, changing the lives of our students while changing the world for the better. Our unique location and our stunning campus, situated along an international border, in a highly biodiverse environment, is the perfect backdrop for your college experience.
MISSION
We are a contemporary Catholic university, grounded in the liberal arts and anchored along an international border, advancing academic excellence to create a more inclusive, sustainable and hopeful world.
VISION
Strengthened by the Catholic intellectual tradition, we confront humanity’s challenges by fostering peace, working for justice and leading with love.
We call “America’s Finest City” Home
Sunny San Diego is the eighth largest city in the country and provides our students with a rich array of academic, social and cultural opportunities. Our campus consistently ranks among the nation’s most beautiful – a perfect place to inspire students to make a difference in the world.
5 TOP
BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS The Princeton Review # 3 # 22
From the tranquil shores of Mission Bay to the lively atmosphere of Pacific Beach, and the captivating wonders of the Point Loma tide pools to the breathtaking views of Torrey Pines, our surroundings provide not just an endless source of fun and entertainment, but also a perfect backdrop for learning and exploring. Research opportunities, internships and cultural engagement are all an integral part of the USD experience. Students pair real-world experiences with academic learning, preparing them to excel in their chosen fields of study and contribute meaningfully to the world.
Grounded in the Liberal Arts, Focused on the World
At USD, we believe in the power of interdisciplinary learning, and we challenge students to see the ways in which all subjects are ultimately interconnected in our society. USD’s liberal arts tradition teaches students how to learn holistically, think critically and communicate effectively across borders and boundaries. Our faculty prepares students to explore the complexity of the human mind to become compassionate and ethical leaders with a desire to transform the world.
BEST UNDERGRADUATE ENGINEERING PROGRAMS
# 14 # 8
U.S. News & World Report
MAJORS
Accountancy*
Anthropology*
Architecture*
Art History*
Behavioral Neuroscience
Biochemistry
Biology*
Biophysics
Business Accounting
Business Administration*
Business Analytics*
Business Economics
Chemistry*
Communication*
Computer Science*
Economics*
Electrical Engineering
English*
Environmental and Ocean Sciences*
Ethnic Studies*
Finance*
French and Francophone Studies*
History*
Individualized Major
Industrial & Systems Engineering
Integrated Engineering
Interdisciplinary Humanities
International Business*
International Relations*
Italian Studies
Liberal Studies
*Also offered as a minor
BEST BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING DEGREE SCHOOLS
College Factual
Marketing* Mathematics*
Mechanical Engineering
Music*
Philosophy*
Physics*
Political Science*
Psychology*
Real Estate*
Sociology*
Spanish*
Supply Chain Management
Theatre*
Theology and Religious Studies*
Visual Arts*
MINORS
Africana Studies
Asian Studies
Biomedical Ethics
Changemaking
Chinese
Classical Studies
Cognitive Science
Creative Writing
Entrepreneurship
Environmental Studies and Policy
Film Studies
Food Studies
German
Information Technology Management
Italian
Bolded majors are STEM designated majors for F-1
Latin American Studies
Law and Ethics
Law, Justice and Society
Leadership Studies
Management
Medieval and Renaissance Studies
Nonprofit Social Enterprise and Philanthropy
Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Public Relations
Women’s and Gender Studies
PRE-PROFESSIONAL ADVISING
Pre-Health Advising
Pre-Allied Health
Pre-Dental
Pre-Medical
Pre-Nursing
Pre-Occupational Therapy
Pre-Optometry
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Physician Assistant
Pre-Podiatry
Pre-Veterinary
Pre-Law Advising
Pre-PK-12 Teaching
ROTC PROGRAMS
Air Force
Army
Navy
SPOTLIGHT: PROFESSOR CAWA TRAN
Dr. Cawa Tran, assistant professor of biology, studies symbiosis, specifically the connection between corals, sea anemones and microorganisms.
SMALL CLASSES
You’ll learn from our expert faculty members — not teaching assistants — in small classes of typically about 21 students. All our classes are led by faculty members who also serve as your academic advisors.
CREATE COMMUNITY
As part of the first-year experience at USD, students who share a common interest live and study together. Our Living Learning Communities (LLCs) ease your academic and social transition into college, expand your intellectual curiosity beyond the classroom and establish an immediate sense of community with your faculty members and fellow residents. While in an LLC, students take classes together and live near one another, supercharging the college experience and melding academics, co-curricular activities and community engagement. On-campus housing is guaranteed for 2 years.
A CORE CURRICULUM DESIGNED FOR YOUR SUCCESS
Learn the skills essential to cultivate innovation and prepare for your future pursuits and investigate questions of ethical, religious and philosophical inquiry. Our faculty have crafted USD’s core curriculum to create a learning environment where ideas and challenges are explored and discussed openly among a vibrant intellectual community. It spans critical competencies that employers routinely tout as the most important skills needed in the workforce. All USD undergraduate students, no matter their major, engage in a diversity of perspectives that can only come from critically examining art, history, literature and the human experience. Superior results in AP, IB, GCE Advanced-Level, and French Baccalaureate examinations demonstrate achievement beyond standard high school programs. Official documentation from the respective educational organization must be submitted for credit evaluation.
CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
We offer a wide array of religious and multicultural student organizations, interest-based clubs, professional societies and community service clubs. USD has more than 180 clubs and organizations. In addition to the student clubs, we have a robust network of support to help international students with their personal, academic and social transition.
30+ 80+
MULTICULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS
SUPPORT SERVICES
Student Health & Wellness Center
PROFESSIONAL AND HONORS SOCIETIES
Writing & Mathematics Learning Centers
Disability and Learning Difference
Resource Center
International Admission Ambassadors
9
9 SORORITIES FRATERNITIES
International Buddy Program
International Student Organization
Chinese Students & Scholars Association
Muslim Student Association
Jewish Student Union
VALERIA ARRARTE (PERU)
“One of the things that I love about USD is the vibrant and inclusive community, with countless opportunities for students to get involved in clubs, sports, and service projects. The campus is always full of activity, and there's a sense of belonging that makes everyone feel at home.”
USD Baseball wins the West Coast Conference Tournament and earns the program’s 10th bid to NCAA Tournament.
ATHLETICS
USD is home to 17 NCAA Division I athletic teams that compete in the West Coast Conference with the exception of football, which competes in the Pioneer Football League, and men’s rowing. Our Torero student-athletes win on the playing field, in the classroom and in the community, contributing thousands of volunteer hours throughout the region.
Basketball*, Cross Country*, Rowing*, Soccer*, Softball*, Swimming and Diving*, Tennis*, Track and Field*, Volleyball*
CLUB & INTRAMURAL SPORTS
For Toreros interested in competitive play without the Division 1 commitment, USD offers 25 different club sports. Additionally, there are more than 15 intramural sports teams for those seeking a more casual and fun atmosphere.
Build a More Inclusive, Sustainable and Hopeful World
At the University of San Diego, we are dedicated to fostering inspired and meaningful lives within a community that celebrates diversity and inclusion. Our vibrant Torero community is composed of students, families, staff and faculty members from various backgrounds and faith traditions that come together to create a culture of connections and shared passions.
In addition to an engaging and integrated academic experience on campus, USD empowers students to care for our common home by making a difference in our city, across our border and around the world. Our location at the edge of an international gateway uniquely prepares students to embrace the breadth and depth of ways they can become globally competent citizens. As a faith-based institution, we inspire and challenge our students to see the world, and themselves, with new eyes.
2024 FOWLER GLOBAL SOCIAL INNOVATION CHALLENGE
Each year, the University of San Diego serves as a nexus for global social innovation and entrepreneurship during the Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge.
ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY
As one of only 30 Changemaker campuses around the world, USD is committed to providing opportunities for all students to engage in social change and social innovation both inside and outside the classroom.
PRACTICE SUSTAINABILITY
USD is at the forefront of efforts to care for our common home. We have one of the largest onsite solar energy systems at a private college in the U.S., offer more than 120 sustainability-focused courses across our curriculum, and is home to the Climate Collaborative, a San Diego-based network that seeks to advance climate planning solutions. Our campus, as well as our city and region, provide countless opportunities for our students and faculty members to learn how to be good stewards of our planet’s resources.
EXPLORE THE WORLD
USD has consistently ranked among the top schools for the percentage of undergraduates participating in a studyabroad program. Even our own international students will have another study abroad experience when attending USD. You can choose from more than 70 academic programs in more than 35 countries.
PREPARE FOR YOUR CAREER
All undergraduates participate in one of three career readiness programs — Passport, Compass or Connect — depending on their intended majors. These programs complement the curriculum and assist students in exploring their passions, developing career-building skills and connecting them with networks that lead to meaningful post-graduation plans.
CARING FOR OUR COMMON HOME
USD’s Office of Sustainability has led initiatives to reduce the university’s energy consumption by more than 35 percent, water consumption by nearly 22 percent, and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 17 percent.
Invest in Your Future
Higher education is one of the most important — and long-lasting — investments a family will make, and at USD, international students qualify for merit and athletic scholarships.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
About 40% of our entering first-year class will receive a merit scholarship. These are based on a student’s grades and coursework in school, as well as a holistic review of a student’s cocurricular activities and involvement.
ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Our Division I athletics program offers scholarships based on a student’s talents in their sports. These are awarded through the Department of Athletics.
Need-based financial aid is available only to U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.
TUITION / COST OF ATTENDANCE
Tuition: $58,420 Fees: $1,066
Average Room and Board: $17,270
Health Insurance: $3,998
45 % 5,726
CAREER OUTCOMES
Investing in a USD education will provide dividends for a lifetime. Our graduates become part of the Torero family — a global resource for networking. Each year, USD’s Career Development Center surveys recent graduates to see where they are six months after graduation.
ANNUAL STARTING SALARIES
$71,250 $70,000 $20,000–$250,000 AVERAGE
89 % EMPLOYED, IN GRADUATE SCHOOL, MILITARY OR FULL-TIME SERVICE VOLUNTEER
SAMPLE CPT EMPLOYERS
95 % EMPLOYED IN A POSITION ALIGNED WITH CAREER GOALS
Over 70% of our international undergraduate students engage in authorized internships (CPT) during their time at USD.
CARLOS SANCHEZ-SICILIA (SPAIN)
Industrial & Systems Engineering Graduate, currently employed at Tesla
“I am profoundly grateful to the professors of the Industrial Engineering department, for imparting invaluable skills that I apply daily. Their guidance continues to empower me to innovate in production processes, contributing to our mission of accelerating the world’s transition to a sustainable future.”
The admissions process at USD is a holistic one, meaning that we consider many factors in identifying a student’s strengths, abilities and passions. In addition, we review your academic work within the context of your educational system and school curriculum.
Competitive international applicants typically achieve the following averages in these common educational systems:
• British system: Completed at least 5 IGCSE/GCSE/O-Level examinations and three A-Level examinations with an average of B/5 or higher
• India: Expected to complete Year X and XII state board exams with average marks above B/70 or higher
• International Baccalaureate (IB): High marks with an average IB subject score of 5 or higher
• Average weighted GPA of our admitted international students: 3.89
In addition to completing the Common Application, including USD’s Member Questions, all first-year applicants must submit:
Official high school transcript(s)
Head Master, Counselor or Academic letter of recommendation
TOEFL minimum: 80; IELTS minimum: 6.5; Duolingo minimum: 115 (Students with lower scores than preferred may be asked to join USD’s English Language Academy)
