
1 in Veterinary Medicine (U.S. News & World Report) 4 in Agricultural and Biological Engineering (U.S. News & World Report) 5 in Environmental Science and Engineering (QS World University Rankings) 7 in Animal Science (ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects) 9 in Computer Science and Information Systems (U.S. News & World Report)
UC Davis Undergraduate Majors: Discover Your Path to Success
UC Davis, renowned for its academic excellence and research prowess, offers a diverse range of undergraduate majors that cater to the aspirations and interests of driven students. With over 100 undergraduate programs to choose from, UC Davis provides a transformative educational experience that prepares students for success in their future careers and endeavors.

Explore Diverse Fields and Career Opportunities
Biological Sciences: Embark on a journey into the captivating world of life sciences, from molecular biology to ecology and evolution. With a strong emphasis on laboratory research, this major equips students with a deep understanding of living organisms and their interactions with the environment.
Engineering: Unleash your creativity and problem-solving skills in the dynamic field of engineering. Choose from a wide array of subspecialties, including biomedical engineering, computer engineering, and mechanical engineering, to develop innovative solutions that shape the modern world.
Physical Sciences: Dive into the fundamental laws that govern the universe. Explore astrophysics, chemistry, geology, and physics to unravel the mysteries of matter, energy, and space.
Social Sciences: Analyze human behavior and society from diverse perspectives. Majors in psychology, economics, and sociology provide a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, and cultural factors that influence our lives.
Find Your Fit Among Top-Ranked Programs
UC Davis consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide in many academic disciplines. Here are some of the notable rankings for our undergraduate programs:
Pain Points of Choosing a Major
- Overwhelming Options: With so many majors to choose from, it can be daunting to narrow down your choices.
- Career Uncertainty: Students often struggle to identify the career paths associated with different majors.
- Lack of Major Exploration: Many students enter college without fully understanding the academic demands and job prospects of their chosen major.
Strategies for Success
- Attend Major Exploration Fairs: Engage with faculty and students from different departments to learn about their programs and research opportunities.
- Consult with Faculty and Academic Advisors: Seek guidance from experienced professionals who can provide insights into the coursework, career paths, and research opportunities within each major.
- Explore Internship and Research Opportunities: Gain practical experience and test the waters of different fields by participating in internships and research projects related to your interests.
Tips and Tricks
- Consider Your Interests and Values: Identify the subjects that genuinely fascinate you and align with your personal values.
- Research Job Prospects: Explore the potential career paths and job outlook for different majors to ensure that your academic choices align with your career aspirations.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Change Your Mind: It’s perfectly normal to change majors or explore different areas of study. Take your time to find the perfect fit for your interests and goals.
Generate Ideas for New Applications
- Multidisciplinary Majors: Combine different disciplines to create unique majors tailored to specific career paths, such as biomedical engineering and food science.
- Cross-Disciplinary Research: Foster collaboration between different departments to develop innovative solutions that address complex societal challenges.
- Entrepreneurial Incubators: Establish programs that support student entrepreneurs and provide them with resources to transform their ideas into successful businesses.
Tables
Table 1: Top-Ranked Undergraduate Programs at UC Davis
Program | Ranking |
---|---|
Veterinary Medicine | #1 (U.S. News & World Report) |
Agricultural and Biological Engineering | #4 (U.S. News & World Report) |
Environmental Science and Engineering | #5 (QS World University Rankings) |
Animal Science | #7 (ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects) |
Computer Science and Information Systems | #9 (U.S. News & World Report) |
Table 2: Number of Undergraduate Students by College
College | Number of Students |
---|---|
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences | 4,947 |
College of Biological Sciences | 3,702 |
College of Engineering | 3,379 |
College of Letters and Science | 22,612 |
College of Veterinary Medicine | 1,143 |
Table 3: Average Starting Salary for Graduates by Major
Major | Average Starting Salary |
---|---|
Biomedical Engineering | $85,000 |
Computer Engineering | $105,000 |
Electrical Engineering | $95,000 |
Mechanical Engineering | $90,000 |
Psychology | $55,000 |
Table 4: Percentage of Graduates Employed in Their Field
Major | Percentage Employed in Field |
---|---|
Biology | 52% |
Chemistry | 60% |
Computer Science | 85% |
Economics | 72% |
Psychology | 59% |