Campus Description — UC Santa Barbara

Away from urban pressures, yet deeply involved in the intellectual and cultural issues of our time, the University of California, Santa Barbara, provides a superb learning environment, with a relaxed relationship between faculty and students and all the resources of an internationally recognized research institution. UCSB fosters

a less tradition-bound approach to education, stressing close collaboration between students and instructors across academic lines in small classes.

Academic Highlights

UCSB's focus is on undergraduate education, so senior faculty regularly teach freshman and sophomore classes. Students also have many opportunities to work directly with their professors, assisting in research in the field or laboratory, conducting student research or completing a senior honors thesis.

Undergraduate education at UCSB is based in one of three colleges:

The College of Letters and Science offers nearly 90 majors, including both traditional academic programs and a variety of unique, interdisciplinary programs that reflect the long-standing faculty tradition of collaboration and partnership. Biological Sciences, Business Economics, Global and International Studies, Religious Studies and Film Studies are popular majors. The College Honors Program provides special scholarship and research opportunities to talented and highly motivated students.

The College of Creative Studies offers an alternative approach for students pursuing advanced, independent work in the arts and sciences. To be admitted to the college, students must demonstrate unusual talent as well as commitment to pursuing advanced, independent work in art, biology, chemistry/biochemistry, computer science, literature, mathematics, music composition or physics.

The College of Engineering offers degree programs in Chemical, Computer, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, and in Computer Science. Research by the UCSB engineering faculty is at the forefront in materials science, microelectronics and nanotechnology. The College Honors Program complements the rigorous engineering curriculum with seminars and research opportunities, coupled with campus and community service, to enrich both the student experience and the greater campus community.

UCSB is one of only 62 institutions elected to membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities. Its 1,084-member faculty includes five recent Nobel Prize winners as well as winners of the National Humanities Medal, National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology. A total of 86 UCSB faculty members have won Guggenheim Fellowships.

In 2008, scientists at UCSB's National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis produced the first ever global map of human effects on the oceans. UCSB also established the Institute for Energy Efficiency to leverage UCSB's expertise in multiple energy-related fields, slow the growth in the global demand for energy, and speed the development and commercialization of key energy-saving technologies.

Campus Life

Located on the pacific coast at the foot of the Santa Ynez Mountains, the campus is known for its breathtaking beauty.

Most students live in residence halls or in apartments within walking distance of — or a quick bike ride from — campus. In fact, bicycles are the principal mode of transportation in the UCSB community. Campus support staff includes many alumni who serve as a smart and caring resource for students.

Men's and women's varsity sports include basketball, cross country, tennis, soccer, swimming and diving, track and field, volleyball, and water polo. In 2006, UCSB's men's soccer team won the Division I NCAA championship.

Athletes of all abilities enjoy club team sports like rugby, cycling, sailing, surfing, crew and triathlon, as well as a variety of intramural sports. More than 4,000 students a day use the state-of-the-art campus Recreation Center.

Of the 300 student organizations at UCSB, many spend time in the community on tutoring, animal welfare, food banks, the homeless, the environment and more. Students say the work helps them clarify their life goals.

The UCSB Arts and Lectures Program and campus departments sponsor performances, entertainment and cultural activities throughout the year.