University & Professional Studies
This program currently offers in-person classes with a hybrid model of instruction.
Who should take this program?
If you are a high-achieving university student or professional who would like to take a full-time schedule of credit-bearing classes at UC San Diego or UC San Diego Extension while studying alongside American university students, the University and Professional Studies (UPS) program might be right for you. With UPS, it is possible to study at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels, across nearly all the departments at UC San Diego.
In fall, winter, and spring quarters, you can take a full-time program (12 units) consisting of UC San Diego and/or UC San Diego Extension courses for university credit. The following are examples of some of the subjects that previous University and Professional Studies students have studied:
- Academic Writing
- Aerospace Engineering
- Anthropology
- Bioengineering
- Biology
- Business (upper-division undergraduate business courses through the Rady School of Management, graduate international business courses through the School of Global Policy and Strategy, and many other course options through Extension and Economics)
- Chemistry
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Geophysics
- History
- International Relations
- Literature
- Marine Biology
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Molecular Biology
- Music
- Oceanography
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Spanish
- Stem Cell Biology
- Theatre/Dance
- Visual Arts
- and many more
In Spring 2021, in-person course availability will be limited due to campus public health measures. Extension is offering a short list of Business classes, which are also relevant for many other fields of study.
For a complete list of all UC San Diego courses please search tritonlink.ucsd.edu. For UC San Diego Extension course offerings please see extension.ucsd.edu. Enrollment in all classes is on a space-available basis and requires instructor and/or departmental approval.
Note: UC San Diego Extension courses in Master of Advanced Studies programs, graduate business courses at the Rady School of Management or any courses in the School of Medicine or Pharmacy are not permitted for enrollment through UPS. Availability of graduate-level courses in other departments is strictly controlled for prerequisites.
2021 Dates
- December 29, 2020 - March 20, 2021
- March 22 - June 11
- June 17 - September 11
- September 20 - December 11
View a complete list of all program dates.
Admission Requirements
We carefully review the background and qualifications of each applicant to ensure that those admitted to the University and Professional Studies (UPS) program will have a successful experience. The minimum acceptance requirements are listed below.
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Track 1
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Track 2
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Track 3
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English Proficiency Level
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English Proficiency Level
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English Proficiency Level
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- TOEFL internet-based: 80
- IELTS: 6.5
- Cambridge Advanced Exam: Pass
- CEFR: B2
- PTE: 64
- DAAD Listening Comprehension—4 stars (4/5), Spoken Language—4 stars (4/5), Reading—4 stars (4/5), Writing—4 stars (4/5)
- Duolingo English Test: 95
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- TOEFL internet-based: 85
- IELTS: 7.0
- Cambridge Advanced Exam: Pass
- CEFR: C1
- PTE: 68
- DAAD: Listening Comprehension—5 stars (5/5), Spoken Language—5 stars (5/5), Reading—4 stars (4/5), Writing—4 star (4/5)
- Duolingo English Test: 110
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- TOEFL internet-based: 90
- IELTS: 7.5
- Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Exams: Pass
- CEFR: C1
- PTE: 73
- DAAD: Listening Comprehension—5 stars (5/5), Spoken Language—5 stars (5/5), Reading—4 stars (4/5), Writing—5 stars (5/5)
- Duolingo English Test: 125
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Course Description
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Course Description
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Course Description
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Maximum of 4 main campus credits (including all subjects available for all tracks)
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3 credits in either Oral Presentations or Academic Writing & Research
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5 credits in Extension courses (Business, Engineering, Computer Science, etc.)
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Maximum of 8 main campus credits (including all subjects available for all tracks)
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4 credits of Extension courses (Business, Engineering, Computer Science, etc.)
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- 12 units of main campus or Extension courses
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Additional Admission Requirements for all tracks
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A copy of transcripts in English for the two most recent years of academic studies. Transcripts must clearly indicate excellent academic achievement – top 10% in his/her school.
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UPS Course List Form of 12-15 courses per quarter, organized by quarter, that you would like to take at UC San Diego or UC San Diego Extension. Students must use the UPS Course List Form to submit their selections. UC San Diego courses are listed at tritonlink.ucsd.edu. For a list of all of UC San Diego Extension course offerings please see extension.ucsd.edu.
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A one-page statement explaining your reasons for choosing UC San Diego for your study abroad experience.
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Once admitted into the program, students must maintain above-average final grades in all coursework (“B” or better).
Program Schedule
- 12-13 weeks each quarter
- Monday – Friday (occasional Saturday workshops)
- Schedule varies depending on classes chosen
Note: Participating in this educational program does not provide preference in admission to the University of California (UC) degree programs. Students interested in applying to UC degree programs should refer to the UC Admissions website or the websites of other UC campuses they wish to attend for details about their admissions process.
Cost (in U.S. dollars)
- Application Fee: $200 (nonrefundable)
- Tuition: $7,800
- International Student Service Fee: $380 per quarter
- UC San Diego Extension medical insurance: $585 per quarter
- Books/Materials: Approximately $200-$800 per quarter (Payment CANNOT be made in advance. Books and materials must be purchased upon arrival at UC San Diego.)