COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Explore the Heart of USD
SHAPE YOUR FUTURE
Imagine a place where your curiosity is celebrated, your ideas are valued and your potential is limitless. The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of San Diego — the heart of USD offers a dynamic education, encouraging you to explore, create and lead.
Our diverse programs span the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences, providing a comprehensive foundation for any career path. We focus on holistic development, ensuring you grow intellectually, ethically and personally.
Here, you’ll find the inspiration and support to turn your passions into a meaningful career and make a difference in the world.
WHAT IS A COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES STUDENT?
Compassionate
Creative
Hardworking
Adaptable CURIOUS
USD COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
AT A GLANCE
20 departments
85 academic programs
13:1 student-to-faculty ratio
7 centers of students receive financial aid of students intern, research or volunteer of our alumni are full-time employees or graduate students, or involved in the military or full-time service projects within six months of graduation clubs and organizations
SAN DIEGO
Beautiful beaches and a vibrant city atmosphere make San Diego the perfect place to live and learn.
BEACH
15 minutes away
100+ arts, music and culture events
#9 city in the U.S. for tech jobs Cushman & Wakefield
San Diego is a hub for arts and culture, offering everything from world-class museums to live music and theater.
1 hour away MOUNTAINS
AVERAGE HIGH
30 minutes away from Tijuana, Mexico
#1 best year-round weather in the U.S.
The City of San Diego
ACADEMICS + THE USD STUDENT EXPERIENCE
In USD’s College of Arts and Sciences, you will explore diverse programs, build critical thinking skills and gain hands-on experience. Our Core Curriculum, Honors Program and research and internship opportunities prepare you to lead with confidence.
Check out the college’s various programs: sandiego.edu/cas/academics
USD’s Core Curriculum
USD’s Core Curriculum is a unique blend of liberal arts and the Catholic intellectual tradition, designed to help you shape your own academic experience. You are able to explore, pivot and dive deep into subjects that inspire you. USD’s Core is crafted to enrich your path and prepare you to transform the world.
WHY THE USD COLLEGE
Learning Communities
As a first-year or transfer student, you’ll join a vibrant learning community when you arrive — one that works to enrich your academic and social experience. USD’s Learning Communities offer a holistic approach to education. Structured with broad themes, these communities foster deep learning, meaningful relationships and a strong sense of belonging.
Honors Program
The Honors Program offers an enriching, hands-on academic experience that goes beyond the classroom. As an honors student, you’ll engage in interdisciplinary learning, collaborate with faculty on important research, serve the community, attend inspiring lectures and events, and explore San Diego — all while driving change at USD and beyond. Learn more about our Learning Communities sandiego.edu/learning-communities
Check out the USD Honors Program sandiego.edu/cas/honors
Research and Internships
The College of Arts and Sciences provides countless opportunities for students to get involved in research and internships. You’ll work alongside engaged faculty on meaningful projects. Students have the opportunity to present research and intern locally, nationally and even abroad. No matter your interest, you will start exploring from day one.
Check out the research opportunities at USD sandiego.edu/undergraduate-research
Experiential Learning and Study Abroad
With more than 130 options in 44 countries, including our flagship USD Madrid Center in Spain, you’ll gain unique experiences through coursework, research and community engagement. Join us to broaden your horizons for a week, a summer or an entire semester, while you embrace and learn about new cultures.
Learn more about study abroad opportunities sandiego.edu/study-abroad
FIND YOUR FIELD OF STUDY
At the University of San Diego’s College of Arts and Sciences, you’ll find more than 40 majors, minors and certificates across the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. Each program offers a rigorous and personalized education with opportunities for close faculty mentorship, creative work and research.
During your first year, you’ll focus on exploring your interests through USD’s Core Curriculum — a distinctive academic foundation that sharpens essential skills, explores traditions of thought and belief and opens new perspectives on the world’s complexity. You will officially declare your major during your second year, giving you time and support to find the path that excites you most.
Follow your passion.
Explore your purpose.
Discover your profession.
I’m fascinated by how people think and interact.
Psychology
Spanish
Anthropology
I’m passionate about big ideas.
Theology and Religious Studies
Visual Arts
I love to create and express myself.
Theatre
Philosophy
Neuroscience History
Communication
English
I want to understand and impact society.
International Relations
Sociology
Environmental and Ocean Sciences Biology
ARTS
at USD
Unleash Your Creativity
From architecture to art history, music to theatre, USD’s arts programs give you the chance to refine your craft and express your creativity across a variety of mediums. Whether you’re designing innovative structures, performing on stage, singing in a choir or creating visual masterpieces, you’ll find a supportive environment that helps you grow as an artist and a creator.
Academic Programs
• Architecture (BA and Minor)
• Art History (BA and Minor)
• Music (BA and Minor)
• Theatre (BA and Minor)
• Visual Arts (BA and Minor)
“The fact that I learn something new from my students and get to work with brilliant young minds is why I am passionate about teaching theatre.”
Jersten Seraile, MFA Assistant Professor of Theatre
“I like being a visual arts major because I can explore all of my interests, from film and photography to printmaking and graphic design.”
Learn more about the arts
Bella Stone Visual Arts
at USD HUMANITIES
Explore the Human Experience
Through the humanities, you’ll explore the human experience and gain a deeper understanding of the world and your role in it. By studying diverse cultural practices, histories, languages and philosophies, you’ll develop critical thinking and analytical skills to help you understand multifaceted historical and contemporary moments that illuminate today’s pressing issues.
Academic Programs
• Africana Studies (Minor)
• Arabic (Certificate)
• Asian Studies (Minor)
• Biomedical Ethics (Minor)
• Catholic Theology and Ministry (Certificate)
• Changemaking (Minor)
• Chinese (Minor)
• Classical Studies (Minor)
• Creative Writing (Minor)
• Elementary or Special Education (Certificate)
• Embedded Ethics (Certificate)
• English (BA and Minor)
• Film Studies (Minor)
• Food Studies (Minor)
• French and Francophone Studies (BA and Minor)
• German (Minor)
• History (BA and Minor)
• Individualized Major (BA)
• Interdisciplinary Humanities (BA)
• Italian (Minor)
• Italian Studies (BA)
• Latin American Studies (Minor)
• Law, Justice and Society (Minor)
• Liberal Studies (BA)
• Medieval and Renaissance Studies (Minor)
• Philosophy (BA and Minor)
• Philosophy, Politics and Economics (Minor)
• Secondary Education (Certificate)
• Spanish (BA and Minor)
• Technologies and Society (Minor)
• Theology and Religious Studies (BA and Minor)
• Women’s and Gender Studies (Minor)
“As a professor of philosophy, I emphasize the importance of contemplating life’s ‘big questions.’ Reflecting on these types of questions in the humanities is one way of developing skills that help students navigate the new world ahead of them.”
Learn more about the humanities
Brian Clack, PhD
A. Vassiliadis Distinguished Director of the Humanities Center Professor of Philosophy
“I was intrinsically interested in philosophy because it asks the big questions. It happens to be excellent prep for law school, which I ended up pursuing after USD.”
Jared Ruga ’11 (BA in Philosophy and Communication; BBA in International Business), MBA, MFA, JD
Founder and CEO at Vavani Productions
NATURAL SCIENCES
NATURAL SCIENCES
Discover the Forces That Shape Our World
In the natural sciences, you’ll explore our physical world, from biology and chemistry to mathematics, neuroscience and physics. Through analytical and hands-on learning, you’ll gain the skills to understand complex systems and apply your knowledge to real-life challenges.
Academic Programs
• Biochemistry (BS)
• Biology (BS and Minor)
• Biophysics (BS or BA)
• Chemistry (BS and Minor)
• Cognition and Behavior (BS)
• Cognitive Science (Minor)
• Environmental and Ocean Sciences (BS or BA and Minor)
• Environmental Studies and Policy (Minor)
• Geographic Information Systems (Certificate)
• Mathematics (BA and Minor)
• Neuroscience (BS)
• Physics (BS or BA and Minor)
“I get excited about exposing students to some of the world’s best telescopes on the ground or in space and to working with them on really cool research.”
Raquel Martinez, PhD Assistant Professor of Physics and Biophysics
at USD
Learn more about the natural sciences
“I love the practical and hands-on experience you get through labs, field trips and other activities. These experiences are not only engaging and interactive but also fun. The faculty here are so passionate about science and their students.”
Tommy Arabian Environmental and Ocean Sciences
SOCIAL SCIENCES
Understand the Interconnections That Drive Society
By studying how we interact and the social structures that make up our world, you’ll gain the perspective and the skills to make a difference. The social sciences will equip you to understand personal, social and political issues and contribute to creative solutions that improve communities locally and around the globe.
Academic Programs
• Anthropology (BA and Minor)
• Communication (BA and Minor)
• Community Engagement (Certificate)
• Ethnic Studies (BA and Minor)
• International Relations (BA and Minor)
• Political Science (BA and Minor)
• Psychology (BA and Minor)
“I like the political science major because it has made me more comfortable understanding how the world works. The small class sizes have allowed me to make great friends interested in the same things I am.”
Sam D’Antonio Political Science
at USD
Learn more about the social sciences
“Our communication students enter the workforce armed with the skills they need to succeed in a workplace as professionals navigating organizations and interpersonal dynamics. Critical thinking, writing and data skills help position them as creative thinkers.”
Nik Usher, PhD Associate Professor of Communication
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Master of Science in Environmental and Ocean Sciences
At USD, the MS in Environmental and Ocean Sciences immerses students in an ideal landscape to explore the natural world. This program blends challenging coursework with hands-on research and faculty mentorship, helping students build the skills needed for careers in the field or to pursue further studies.
Master of Fine Arts in Acting
The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program provides classical training for the 21st century. Recognized as one of the world’s top 10 graduate drama schools by The Hollywood Reporter, students receive full-tuition scholarships for this two-year program, a monthly stipend and training in small classes of seven.
IN THE COLLEGE
Learn more about college grad programs!
Master of Arts in International Relations
The MA in International Relations (MAIR) program at USD enables students to expand their understanding of global politics while gaining the skills needed to advance their careers. A customizable curriculum allows students to engage in coursework that deepens their knowledge of international affairs while preparing them for leadership roles in diplomacy, policy and beyond.
Find Your Way
A CITY AT THE EDGE
The University of San Diego’s stunning campus is uniquely positioned in Southern California, where an international border meets a highly biodiverse region. Students enjoy access to San Diego’s dynamic cultural scene, scenic landscapes and countless opportunities for learning and exploration. This detailed map highlights key landmarks and neighborhoods near USD, serving as your guide to everything from internships to off-campus adventures.
LEARN FROM USD’S EXCEPTIONAL FACULTY
In the College of Arts and Sciences at USD, you’ll work closely with distinguished scholars who are leaders in their fields. Our faculty members are dedicated to mentorship, teaching and building strong connections with students across all departments and programs, enriching your academic journey with their expertise and support.
Jesse Perez
Director and Craig Noel Distinguished Professor, The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program
Perez was selected as a Lunt-Fontanne Fellow, allowing him to participate in an eight-day immersion at Ten Chimneys, a prestigious theatre program. His experience and expertise benefits the MFA community at USD.
Rachel Blaser, PhD Professor, Neuroscience, Cognition and Behavior
Dr. Blaser received a $500,000 Excellence in Scientific Research Leadership grant from the Conrad Prebys Foundation. This award recognized her contributions to basic research, which have led to advances in biomedicine.
Sophia Baik, PhD Assistant Professor, Communication
Dr. Baik is recognized as one of the “100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics” by Women in AI Ethics. This honor reflects her commitment to diversity in AI and her efforts in making artificial intelligence accessible.
Malachi Black, PhD
Associate Professor, English
Dr. Black received a Fulbright Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year to study in Lithuania, where he worked on his third poetry collection, Theatrum Mundi, and taught courses in American literature at Vytautas Magnus University.
LIMITLESS FROM STUDENT
Adama Iwu ’05 (BA in Political Science)
Policy Director at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
Adama Iwu put her political science degree from USD to use by becoming the policy director at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, where she shapes policies and builds powerful alliances. Recognized as a 2017 TIME magazine Person of the Year, she exemplifies how a foundation in the liberal arts can lead to influential roles and meaningful change on a global stage.
Jake Zawlacki ’13
(BA in Interdisciplinary Humanities and Art History)
Writer and Editor
Jake Zawlacki turned his passion for comics into a scholarly career. He edited Conversations with Todd McFarlane, a collection of interviews with the acclaimed comic artist published by the University Press of Mississippi. Drawing on his art history and interdisciplinary humanities background from USD, Zawlacki brings a fresh academic perspective to the comic book world.
POSSIBILITIES TO PROFESSIONAL
in Psychology)
Paloma Aguirre found her political calling while surfing the polluted waters of Imperial Beach in San Diego County, leading her to a career in environmental activism and public service. As the first Latina mayor of Imperial Beach, she works tirelessly to combat transborder pollution affecting South San Diego communities. Drawing on her psychology degree at USD, Aguirre excels at organizing and collaborating to drive meaningful change.
Jonny Kim ’12 (BA in Mathematics)
NASA Astronaut
Jonny Kim’s journey took him from the U.S. Navy to the University of San Diego, where he majored in mathematics, and then to Harvard Medical School — all while continuing his military service as a Navy SEAL. As a NASA astronaut, Kim’s path reflects an extraordinary commitment to service, science and exploration, inspiring others to aim high and reach ever skyward.
Paloma Aguirre ’05 (BA
Mayor of Imperial Beach, CA
