Chartered in 1949, the University of San Diego (USD) is an independent, private Catholic institution of higher education known for its commitment to teaching, research, the formation of values, and community involvement. As an independent Catholic school, USD is a nonprofit corporation governed by a Board of Trustees.
US News and World Report ranks USD in the top 100 universities in the United States; the university has active chapters of Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board, and has obtained Carnegie Research II status. USD is comprised of a community of scholars committed to teaching and research both in and out of the classroom. Of the full-time faculty, 97% hold the Ph.D. or other terminal degree. Professors, rather than teaching assistants, teach all classes and supervise laboratories.
During the last three decades, enrollment has tripled to 7,800 students who may choose from more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The University's academic units include the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Schools of Nursing and Health Science, Business Administration, Education and Leadership Science, Engineering, Law, and Peace Studies.