
The University of San Diego (USD) is a private Catholic research university in San Diego, California. The university was founded in 1949 as the independent San Diego College for Women and San Diego University, which included the College for Men and School of Law. The two institutions merged in 1972. Although USD is a Catholic university, it is no longer governed directly by the Diocese of San Diego. Today, a lay board of trustees governs the university, while the Bishop of San Diego retains control of the school's designation as Catholic. The university's buildings are designed in a 16th-century Plateresque style, paying homage to San Diego's Catholic heritage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of University | Private Catholic research university |
| Governance | A lay board of trustees governs the university's operations. The Bishop of San Diego, Michael Pham, is a permanent member and retains control of the school's designation of "Catholic." |
| Campus Style | 16th-century Plateresque architecture, a style of the Spanish Renaissance, paying homage to both San Diego's Catholic heritage and the Universidad de Alcalá in Spain |
| Ranking | Ranked 88th in the "National Universities" in 2021 |
| Undergraduate Engineering Program Ranking | Tied for 13th in the U.S. for engineering schools where doctorates are not offered |
| Catholic Graduate Nursing School Ranking | Ranked #1 in the nation |
| Knauss School of Business Ranking | Ranked the second-highest undergraduate business school in California in 2022 |
| School of Business Ranking for Real Estate | Ranked #1 in the nation for two years in a row on College Factual’s ranking of Best Real Estate Colleges in the United States |
| School of Business Ranking for Communications | Ranked #13 of Best Communications Schools in the United States |
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What You'll Learn

The University of San Diego is a Catholic university
The University of San Diego (USD) is a private Catholic research university in San Diego, California. The university was founded in 1949 as the independent San Diego College for Women and San Diego University, which included the College for Men and a School of Law. These two institutions merged in 1972.
Although USD is a Catholic university, it is no longer governed directly by the Diocese of San Diego. Instead, a lay board of trustees oversees the university's operations. However, the Bishop of San Diego, Michael Pham, remains a permanent member of the board and retains control over the school's designation as a Catholic institution.
USD's founder believed that studying in beautiful surroundings could enhance the educational experience of students. As a result, the university's buildings are designed in 16th-century Plateresque architecture, a style reminiscent of the Spanish Renaissance, paying homage to San Diego's Catholic heritage and the Universidad de Alcalá in Spain. The campus boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay, and the Coronado Islands.
USD offers a wide range of academic programs, with over 80 degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The university comprises several schools and colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Law, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, and the Knauss School of Business, which has been consistently ranked highly for its undergraduate business program. USD also has a strong engineering program, ranked 13th in the US for undergraduate engineering schools that do not offer doctorates.
In summary, the University of San Diego is a Catholic university that offers a unique and highly-ranked educational experience, combining academic excellence with a beautiful campus that pays tribute to its Catholic heritage.
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It is no longer governed by the Diocese of San Diego
The University of San Diego (USD) is a private Catholic research university in San Diego, California. It was founded in 1949 as the independent San Diego College for Women and San Diego University, which included the College for Men and a School of Law. These two institutions merged in 1972. The university's buildings are designed in a 16th-century Plateresque style, reminiscent of Spanish Renaissance architecture, honouring both San Diego's Catholic heritage and the Universidad de Alcalá in Spain.
Although USD is a Catholic university, it is no longer governed directly by the Diocese of San Diego. Instead, a lay board of trustees now oversees the university's operations. However, the Bishop of San Diego, Michael Pham, remains a permanent member of this board and retains control over the school's designation as a Catholic institution.
The university offers a wide range of academic programmes, with over 80 degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Its academic divisions include the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Law, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, and several other schools specialising in areas such as nursing, business, and engineering. USD is highly ranked in various fields, including engineering, business, and nursing, and is recognised as one of the top universities in the United States.
The beautiful campus, located approximately two miles north of downtown San Diego, boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay, and the Coronado Islands. Its unique architectural style and natural surroundings contribute to a captivating educational environment, reflecting the founder's philosophy that beautiful surroundings enhance the educational experience.
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The university's architecture pays homage to its Catholic heritage
The University of San Diego (USD) is a private Catholic research university in San Diego, California. It was founded in 1949 as the independent San Diego College for Women and San Diego University, which included the College for Men and School of Law. These two institutions merged in 1972.
USD's buildings are designed in a 16th-century Plateresque architecture style, reminiscent of the Spanish Renaissance. This architectural choice pays homage to the university's Catholic heritage and the Universidad de Alcalá in Spain. The campus, located approximately two miles north of downtown San Diego, boasts beautiful surroundings, including ocean views and scenic communities visible from its perch on the north crest of Mission Valley.
The philosophy behind this architectural design is rooted in the belief that studying in aesthetically pleasing environments can enhance the educational experience for students. This vision was championed by co-founder Mother Rosalie Clifton Hill, RSCJ, who sought to make the campus a testament to the university's Catholic identity and historical roots.
The university's Catholic identity is reflected in the architectural choices, with signature spaces like Founders Hall, the French Parlor, and Founders Chapel standing out as iconic examples. The unifying design element of 16th-century Spanish Renaissance architecture throughout the campus creates a unique and cohesive aesthetic that has been recognized nationally.
USD's Office of University Design, led by executive director Mary Whelan, ensures the preservation and continuation of this architectural style. The office is responsible for the aesthetic integrity of the university, influencing the design of new buildings, the selection of furniture, and the approval of public displays. Their work upholds the historical and traditional aspects of the campus while also embracing innovation and flexibility for the present and future.
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USD offers more than 80 degrees at various levels
The University of San Diego (USD) is a private Catholic research university in San Diego, California. It was founded in 1949 as the independent San Diego College for Women and San Diego University, which included the College for Men and School of Law. The two institutions merged in 1972.
USD offers a wide range of academic programs, with more than 80 degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The university is comprised of several schools and colleges, each offering a diverse range of educational opportunities.
One of the notable schools within USD is the College of Arts and Sciences, which provides a broad foundation for students across various disciplines. The College of Arts and Sciences is known for its academic excellence and offers degrees in fields such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and more.
The University of San Diego also houses professional schools that cater to specific areas of study. The Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, for example, is the university's newest school, offering cutting-edge programs focused on conflict resolution and international relations. The School of Leadership and Education Services (SOLES) is another prominent institution within USD, preparing future educators and leaders in the field of education.
Additionally, USD is home to the Knauss School of Business, which has gained recognition for its outstanding undergraduate business programs. Ranked highly by Poets & Quants and College Factual, the Knauss School of Business equips students with the skills and knowledge to become ethical and compassionate business leaders.
The University of San Diego also prioritizes hands-on learning and practical experience. The Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science offers a blend of academic rigor and clinical training, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for their future careers in the healthcare industry. Similarly, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering provides a strong foundation in engineering principles, with USD's undergraduate engineering program ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report.
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USD is ranked highly among Catholic graduate nursing schools
The University of San Diego (USD) is a private Catholic research university in San Diego, California. It was founded in 1949 as the San Diego College for Women and San Diego University, which included the College for Men and School of Law. The two institutions merged in 1972. Today, USD offers over 80 degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, with approximately 9,073 students enrolled.
USD is highly ranked among Catholic graduate nursing schools. In 2021, USD was ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 Catholic Graduate Nursing School in the nation. This ranking places USD at the top of a competitive field of Catholic nursing schools across the country. The university's Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science is known for its academic excellence and high-quality education.
USD's ranking as the top Catholic graduate nursing school reflects its strong reputation in the field. The university's nursing program is recognized for its comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and innovative teaching methods. The school attracts students from diverse backgrounds and prepares them for successful careers in nursing and healthcare.
The high ranking of USD's graduate nursing program can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the school's strong focus on academic excellence and research ensures that students receive a rigorous and well-rounded education. The faculty members are renowned experts in their fields, offering students valuable knowledge and mentorship. Additionally, USD's state-of-the-art facilities and resources provide students with hands-on learning experiences and access to the latest advancements in nursing and healthcare.
Furthermore, USD's graduate nursing program offers a variety of specializations and opportunities for interdisciplinary study. Students can tailor their education to their specific areas of interest, such as adult-gerontology, pediatric care, psychiatric-mental health, or public health nursing. The program also encourages collaboration with other disciplines, such as medicine, social work, or global health, enabling students to develop a holistic approach to healthcare.
In addition to its academic prowess, USD's Catholic heritage and values play a significant role in its reputation as a leading Catholic graduate nursing school. The university's commitment to social justice, ethical principles, and service to the community aligns with the values espoused by the Catholic intellectual tradition. This integration of faith and reason fosters a holistic educational experience that develops both the intellectual and moral character of its students.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the University of San Diego is a private Catholic research university.
The University of San Diego is governed by a lay board of trustees. However, the Bishop of San Diego, Michael Pham, is a permanent member of the board and retains control of the school's designation of "Catholic".
The University of San Diego was chartered in 1949 as the independent San Diego College for Women and San Diego University, which included the College for Men and School of Law. The two institutions merged in 1972.
The campus is designed in 16th-century Plateresque architecture, a style of the Spanish Renaissance, paying homage to both San Diego's Catholic heritage and the Universidad de Alcalá in Spain.
The University of San Diego is the youngest independent institution on the U.S. News & World Report list of top 100 universities in the United States. In 2021, it was ranked 88th in the "National Universities" category. The undergraduate Engineering program was ranked 13th in the U.S. for engineering schools that do not offer doctorates.











































