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aboutusAbout Thurgood Marshall College

Thurgood Marshall College (TMC) affords students the advantages of attending a small liberal arts college within a world-class research university. Distinguished faculty and an excellent student body contribute to UCSD's rise to national prominence within its short history.

TMC was founded in 1970 as Third College with a philosophical commitment to the development of the scholar and citizen. In July of 1993, the college adopted its new name in honor of the historic Supreme Court Jurist, Thurgood Marshall. Justice Thurgood Marshall was widely known for his profound contributions to American life, and dedication to breaking down barriers to universal education.

What distinguishes TMC?

  • Our motto: "The student as scholar and citizen", social responsibility and academic excellence go hand in hand.
  • The spirit of community, as captured in TMC's logo of three joined hands. 

Thurgood Marshall College offers a variety of general education requirements to choose from, including:

  • Natural Sciences
  • Quantitative/Formal Skills
  • Social Sciences
  • Humanities
  • Fine Arts
  • Public Service

Dimensions of Culture

Unique to Marshall College is the Dimensions of Culture (DOC) Program, a core interdisciplinary writing sequence with themes of Diversity, Justice, and Imagination. TMC Honors Seminar, taught by UCSD faculty and distinguished community leaders, consists of weekly seminars on topics related to the themes of DOC.

Public Service Minor

Marshall College sponsors a Public Service minor for all UCSD students, as well as Public Service option with which TMC students can satisfy general education requirements. This course of study prepares students to serve as tutors and mentors at selected public schools in the area, including the Preuss School on the UCSD campus and the Gompers Preparatory Academy in Southeast San Diego.

African American Studies Minor

In addition, TMC sponsors the African American Studies Minor (AASM) for all UCSD students.  The minor enriches many majors and adds dimensionality to graduate and professional school applications.  UCSD established AASM in the Fall of 2005. Building on the successful Contemporary Black Arts minor, the new AASM is an interdisciplinary field of study in the humanities, arts, and social sciences.

Marshall Institute Blog

The Marshall College Blog presents fascinating articles and interviews on all matters of culture, arts, and politics. 

Over the many decades, TMC has launched significant academic departments and programs on campus such as Ethnic Studies, Communications, Urban Studies and Planning, and Third World Studies.

TMC has a strong two-year leadership program designed to make students a vital part of college governance. All students at TMC are encouraged to become active members of the college, campus, and outside local communities.

Dedication of Thurgood Marshall College (video)

Dedication of Thurgood Marshall College, UC San Diego in 1993:

  • 1 of 6: Dr William J McGill, UCSD Chancellor 1968-70 and
    Dr Richard Atkinson, UCSD Chancellor
  • 2 of 6: Provost Cecil Lytle
  • 3 of 6: Alumni Alex Wong, James Hill, Student Council Chair
  • 4 of 6: Marian Wright Edelman, President Children's Defense Fund
  • 5 of 6: Marian Wright Edelman (continued), Professor Carlos Blanco
    – Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Provost Cecil Lytle
  • 6 of 6: Professor Carlos Blanco, UC President Jack Peltason

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A Message
from Provost Allan Havis

It is a special joy to welcome all the new and continuing students to Thurgood Marshall College. TMC has a great legacy, promoting cultural tolerance, social equality, and civic justice. More ...