What’s a Changemaker? The University of San Diego was founded on the principles of Catholic social teaching, a living tradition that calls us to work for socially just and peaceful societies. Recently, USD was selected as a “Changemaker� university, one of only 14 in the world so designated by the Ashoka Foundation. It is an honor that captures the Torero spirit. We seek students who believe in social innovation and change. Students at USD are bright, but more than that, they share a passion for learning and making a difference. The outstanding faculty we have assembled, the achievements of our alumni, our innovative sustainability efforts, study abroad programs and service-learning efforts have brought many accolades to our beautiful campus. But even more important, the Torero community fosters collaboration that prepares future leaders to meet challenges while creating genuine change to the benefit of all.
We believe the problems of humankind can be solved by humankind. We believe these solutions are found through innovation and compassion, and we work every day to create that environment for our community of scholars. Through our strong liberal arts curriculum, international experiences, collaborative undergraduate research opportunities and wide-ranging internship initiatives, we use our passion as a catalyst to make the world a better place.
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Academic Excellence Ethics and intellectual inquiry are at the foundation of the USD learning experience. Our students are enthusiastic about learning, and our award-winning faculty is passionate about providing them with the resources they need to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom. The University of San Diego undergraduate model encourages interdisciplinary study and emphasizes small classes, amazing facilities and personal advising, all of which adds up to a world-class education. Sometimes Michelle Camacho’s sociology lessons happen on the streets of San Diego’s Barrio Logan. Sometimes they come to light through the eyes of a local high school student who’s learning a trade like plumbing. To learn about contemporary social issues, Camacho sends students into the community to see how real-life situations relate to broader classroom discussions. Students use service-learning projects to hone research skills and to collect the data they need to better understand what they’re learning. In one case, students organized a conference for high schoolers with questions about college life. Another student turned his lesson into a rap song. “At USD, we try to understand students’ motivations and passions,” Camacho says. “I love to see students break the mold, learn in new ways and really shine. That’s what inspires me.”
The First-Year Experience is built on two core components: the Preceptorial Program and our residential Living Learning Communities (LLC). Both are designed to provide students with the skills and support they need to succeed by connecting them with faculty and fellow students who serve as mentors and liaisons with the broader university. These LLC’s encourage students to share their talents and pursue their interests with like-minded people, while building an enduring sense of community. Our integrated core curriculum provides engaging and challenging courses that help students develop the foundation needed to graduate with the skills employers and graduate schools value. It’s no wonder that the University of San Diego produces graduates who are not just sought after, but are making a true difference to the world in which they live.
Marc Gonzales lived and breathed student government in high school. He told himself that once he came to USD, he’d bypass student government, get involved in other ways and experience different elements of student life. What he didn’t realize, however, is that serving students is his passion. It’s in his blood, a part of his DNA. So of course, once he arrived at Alcalá Park, he jumped right in and got involved with the Torero Program Board — the event-planning branch of USD’s Associated Students. Gonzales planned concerts, scheduled movie nights and arranged activities off campus. That year, he also made history as the first freshman ever to be appointed as the director of intercultural events — planning events for Diversity Week, including the popular March of the Toreros.
“I help students feel welcome and get involved in things they’re passionate about,” Gonzales says. “I help them find their voice, find their place and make USD their home.”
Wait, There’s More We haven’t forgotten that a big part of the college experience is having fun! There are more than 150 student organizations that appeal to an array of interests. If you see something missing, we’ll help you start another one. At USD, we are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive community. The Center for Inclusion and Diversity works to ensure that USD continues to embrace unity and equality. • Students come from across the U.S. and more than 70 countries around the world • 46 percent come from outside of California • 6 percent are international students • 31 percent are students of color
The WCC Commissioner’s Cup is given to the league’s top performer. Last year, the Tor eros made history by winning it five years in a row!
Athletics Torero Athletics offers eight men’s and nine women’s Division I teams:
MEN Baseball Basketball Cross Country Football Golf Rowing Soccer Tennis
WOMEN Basketball Cross Country Rowing Soccer Softball Swimming and Diving Tennis Track and Field Volleyball
Thomas Mallon was a highly regarded high school lacrosse player, looking forward to pursuing the sport he loved in college. That all changed in a moment. In a violent collision, Mallon crumpled to the ground. Trained to get up on his own, Mallon found himself being told not to move. A certified athletic trainer had rushed to his aid — which was a good thing. Mallon had broken his neck. Had he attempted to get up on his own, he may not have survived. Most horrifying to Mallon was the subsequent realization that most high schools can’t afford to have trainers on the field. In response, he founded Athletes Saving Athletes, an organization to train students to become, in effect, first responders to emergencies like the one he had experienced. “Every minute counts in an emergency,” he says, “but knowing what to do counts even more.”
in Study Abroad USD is Ranked #1 International Education of e ut tit Ins by n tio participa
A University of Opportunity While USD is one of the nation’s leading academic institutions, we believe that not all lessons are learned in a classroom. The complex cultural, political, social and environmental issues we face today require critical thinking and direct experience. The University of San Diego ranks first in the nation in undergraduate study abroad participation; three of every four undergraduates study abroad at some point in their academic careers. We currently offer more than 80 programs in over 35 countries, and we are always looking to expand those opportunities.
Kelsey Schulte went abroad to gain a global perspective and came home with a new outlook on herself. Studying abroad is central to the USD experience — a 2012 ranking put USD at the top of the list in percentage of undergraduates who study abroad. And Schulte took it to a different level. “It was an eye-opening experience to see firsthand how various cultures are different than what I grew up with,” she says. “I will never be the same — and I think that’s awesome.”
Celebrating Diversity At the University of San Diego, diversity is a critically important part of who we are. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive community dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of the individual. USD values students, faculty and staff from different backgrounds and faith traditions, and strives to create an atmosphere of trust, safety and respect for all. We believe that focusing deliberate attention to world perspectives enhances our unwavering dedication to academic excellence.
Raised by a single mom, Rhea Webb ’12 lived with the constant pang of hunger, took city buses to school and juggled part-time jobs to help pay the rent. A college prep program changed her life. With the help of a high school teacher turned fairy godmother — who sent her off with a new wardrobe, a laptop and textbooks — Webb had a ball at USD. After settling in at school, Webb couldn’t wait to get her foot in the door at juvenile hall. She was a freshman looking for a place to volunteer. She understood what the kids there were going through and wondered, if not for family support, whether she could’ve ended up in their shoes. Webb dedicated the next four years to helping them see their potential. “USD was a dream come true,” she says. “These have been the best four years of my life.”
The university’s commitment to social change and diversity is demonstrated by the work of our Center for Inclusion and Diversity, which takes concrete steps to recognize and celebrate different beliefs, voices and life experiences. Our students are essential to all of these efforts; our goal is to attract those whose backgrounds broaden, enrich and ultimately strengthen our community.
by Business Week •USD is ranked #36 siness programs in Undergraduate Bu
A USD degree is your passport to everywhere We have established working relationships across the broad spectrum of San Diego’s vibrant community to provide internship opportunities for most disciplines. Among the exceptional dimensions of a USD education is the chance to participate in research projects and the opportunity to co-author research papers with faculty as an undergraduate student. Nearly 84 percent of USD graduates receive a job offer before graduation. The Torero Alumni Network extends throughout all 50 states and nearly 100 countries.
a few of the local companies where USD students intern • Qualcomm • San Diego Gas & Electric • Ernst and Young • San Diego Zoo • Motorola • Callaway Golf • Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute
When the Semester at Sea ship carrying Bob Schultz docked in Ghana, Schultz had no idea what he might do there. But by the time he left, he knew what he was going to do with the rest of his life. Among his options was the chance to visit an orphanage. Most of the residents were refugees from child trafficking in the fishing industry — child slaves. Schultz and several other students rolled up their sleeves. They started a nonprofit organization, FindingRefuge, to increase awareness and provide assistance to the kids. “It changed my perspective,” he says. “How can slavery still exist today? If you think you can’t make a difference, come to USD.”
How to Apply Freshman Deadline • Dec. 15 Transfer Deadline • For Spring Term: Oct.1 • For Fall Term: March 1
What You Need • Completed Common Application • $55 application fee • Official transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended • Official SAT and/or ACT scores • One letter of recommendation • Essay • For more information, visit sandiego.edu/BecomeATorero
Invest in your Future The University of San Diego is dedicated to bringing the best and brightest students to campus and won’t let cost stand between a dedicated, passionate student and a USD degree. In fact, seven of 10 students here receive some form of financial aid. We’re always working to increase opportunities for those students. • Tuition: $39,486 • Room and Board average: $11,000 • Merit Scholarships: $10,000-$25,000 • 70 percent of our students receive some form of financial assistance including merit scholarships, need-based financial aid and athletic scholarships • FAFSA: March 2 priority deadline www.sandiego.edu/AffordingUSD • Most of our students graduate in four years, receiving an excellent education, as well as highly personal advising and guidance to make sure they stay on track. • 81 percent of our graduating seniors are employed within six months; 14 percent enroll in graduate or professional schools; 3 percent volunteer or travel abroad.
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS 5998 Alcalá Park San Diego, CA 92110-2492 (619) 260-4506, (800) 248-4873 Email: admissions@sandiego.edu Connect with us: facebook.com/USDadmissions twitter.com/USDadmissions
USD at a Glance Majors Accountancy Anthropology Architecture Art History Behavioral Neuroscience Biochemistry Biology Biophysics Business Administration Business Economics Chemistry Communication Studies Computer Science Economics Electrical Engineering English Environmental Studies Ethnic Studies Finance French History Industrial and Systems Engineering
Interdisciplinary Humanities International Business International Relations Italian Studies Liberal Studies Marine Science Marketing Mathematics Mechanical Engineering Music Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Real Estate Sociology Spanish Theater Arts Theology and Religious Studies Visual Arts
About USD 5,493 Undergraduates Average class size: 22 students Classes taught by our award-winning faculty: 100% Student to faculty ratio: 16:1 Out-of-State students: 46% Students of color: 31% International students: 6% 55% Female / 45% Male Study abroad participation: 71%
Medieval and Renaissance Studies Minors Naval Science Asian Studies Peace and Justice Studies Catholic Studies Supply Chain Management Classical Studies Education Gender Studies German Information Science Information Technology Management Italian Latin American Studies Law and Ethics Leadership Management
Admissions Stats Fall 2012 Acceptance Rate: 42% Average Admitted GPA: 3.95 Average Admitted SAT: 1890 Average Admitted ACT: 28