Ucsd Undergraduate: Top Majors & Career Paths

The University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) is a public research university that offers a wide range of undergraduate programs. With a strong focus on academic excellence and innovative research, UC San Diego has become a top choice for students from all over the world. In this article, we will explore the top majors and career paths for undergraduate students at UC San Diego.
Top Majors at UC San Diego

UC San Diego offers over 130 undergraduate majors, with some of the most popular ones being in the fields of engineering, computer science, and biological sciences. According to the UC San Diego website, the top 10 most popular majors are:
- Computer Science
- Engineering (including aerospace, biomechanical, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering)
- Biological Sciences
- Psychology
- Economics
- Communication
- International Studies
- Sociology
- Neuroscience
- Chemistry
Computer Science Major
The Computer Science major at UC San Diego is one of the most competitive and sought-after programs. With a strong focus on software engineering, algorithms, and computer systems, students in this major are well-prepared for careers in tech and software development. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for software developers is over $114,000, making it a highly lucrative career path.
Category | Median Salary |
---|---|
Software Developers | $114,140 |
Data Scientists | $118,370 |
Computer Systems Analysts | $93,730 |

Engineering Majors
UC San Diego’s engineering programs are highly interdisciplinary, with a strong focus on hands-on learning and research. Students can choose from a range of engineering majors, including aerospace, biomechanical, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering. According to the National Science Foundation, engineering graduates have some of the highest starting salaries, with median salaries ranging from 60,000 to over 100,000.
Career Paths for UC San Diego Undergraduates

UC San Diego undergraduates have a wide range of career paths to choose from, depending on their major and interests. Some of the most popular career paths include:
- Software development and engineering
- Data science and analytics
- Consulting and management
- Research and academia
- Entrepreneurship and startup development
Software Development and Engineering
Many UC San Diego graduates pursue careers in software development and engineering, with top companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft recruiting directly from the university. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a software engineer in San Diego is over $124,000, making it a highly lucrative career path.
In addition to software development, UC San Diego graduates can also pursue careers in data science and analytics, consulting and management, research and academia, and entrepreneurship and startup development. With a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, UC San Diego provides students with the skills and resources needed to succeed in these fields.
What are the most popular majors at UC San Diego?
+The top 10 most popular majors at UC San Diego are Computer Science, Engineering, Biological Sciences, Psychology, Economics, Communication, International Studies, Sociology, Neuroscience, and Chemistry.
What are the career paths for UC San Diego undergraduates?
+UC San Diego undergraduates can pursue careers in software development and engineering, data science and analytics, consulting and management, research and academia, and entrepreneurship and startup development.
What is the average salary for a software engineer in San Diego?
+According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a software engineer in San Diego is over $124,000.