Educational Opportunities

The Academic Internship Program offers students the opportunity to apply academic theory and research to address challenges and issues in the real world while earning academic credit.

Student internships are available in a variety of settings: a political office in Washington, D.C., a conservation group in San Francisco, a medical laboratory in San Diego, or any number of other possibilities. 

The coherent study of African-American culture informs students about one of the most important ethnic and political groups in the history of America. The concerns and interests of African-Americans have set the stage for the advancement of political, educational, social and cultural movements in the United States and the world. Completing an African-American Studies minor at UC San Diego indicates a student's firm understanding of a major portion of Western history, culture, and politics.

The African-American Studies Minor is introduced by a core lower-division course that frames the minor from a historical or literary perspective. Following the core courses, the upper-division requirements center on three conceptual themes: history and context, politics and society, representation and voice.

This Dartmouth Exchange Program offers students an opportunity to study at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire for one quarter.

For more information, you may contact the program coordinator at (858) 534-3580.

UC San Diego offers one-unit seminars to provide first year students with an opportunity to meet with faculty in a small class environment. They are taught by senior UC San Diego faculty and researchers and are limited to 20 students.

The seminars are taught by faculty in their fields of expertise and explore topics of intellectual importance while participating in critical discussion with a small group of peers and faculty. Topics differ every quarter. 

Read more about the Freshman Seminar Program. 

The Thurgood Marshall College Honors Program addresses one of the greatest responsibilities and challenges of higher education: educating students of exceptionally high academic achievement. The Honors Program provides the environment and organization within which to pursue individual excellence.

Honors activities and events are geared to introduce students to the excitement of pioneering research and innovative scholarship in all disciplines and to create opportunities for discussion on public issues with locally and nationally known figures. These activities are an excellent way for students to meet faculty, expand their horizons, and plan for future coursework.

Students may take advantage of educational opportunities on other campuses of the University of California as an Intercampus Visitor (ICV). This program allows qualified students to take courses not available at UC San Diego, participate in special programs, or study with distinguished faculty members on other campuses of the University.

If you are interesting in visiting another UC campus for a quarter, call (858) 534-0077 for information. 

Although minors are not required for graduation at Thurgood Marshall College, students can challenge themselves further by pursuing a minor.

Minors provide an excellent opportunity to broaden, enhance, and/or complement the major field of study. Requirements for minors offered by Academic Departments are listed in the General Catalog. The University also offers many unique interdisciplinary minors which examine an area of study from different academic perspectives.

The Morehouse/Spelman Exchange Program in Atlanta, Georgia provides interested students an opportunity to live and study at a historically Black college campus for one semester or one year. 

The Partners at Learning Program allows students to participate in public service for academic credit through EDS 130, 131, 134, 136, 137, or 138, each taken with the co-requisite EDS 139. Students regardless of major satisfy one disciplinary breadth requirement with writing by enrolling in any one of these courses to tutor and mentor students in local elementary, middle & high schools or UC San Diego’s charter school, The Preuss School. 

The Public Service Minor at UC San Diego encourages students to embrace the philosophy and practices of public service and to apply skills toward social and civic engagement. The cogent curriculum is vital in building the cornerstone of a active democratic society regardless of one's chosen profession, ethnicity, or political viewpoint.

Coursework emphasizes the historical emergence of the non-profit sector as a national institution. The practicum aspects of the minor coupled with academic work sparks the connection between community organizations and students’ roles in becoming reflective and engaged citizens. Students first compete TMC 15, Public Service in America, and must choose one area of specialization from Education, Government, Social Issues or Health.

Through the UC San Diego Undergraduate Research Portal, students have the opportunity to work side-by-side with cutting-edge researchers who are inventing the future. As an undergraduate researcher, students can pursue a lab assignment, create a music video, or perform library or Internet-based research. Research opportunities are also available in the arts and humanities and social sciences. 

Students may study abroad through the University of California's Education Abroad Program (EAP) and UC San Diego's Opportunity Abroad Program (OAP), earning academic credit toward their degree and gaining valuable international experience.

EAP participates in over 100 institutions in 35 countries, many for a full academic year, others for a shorter term. Language requirements vary by program.

Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP) provides worldwide options sponsored by institutions other than UC. Eligibility requirements are set by the sponsor and therefore vary widely. In addition to academic programs, OAP advisors can assist students in selecting a wide range of volunteer, internship and educational travel programs.

EAP and OAP students may use their financial aid while abroad. In addition, they may access special study abroad scholarships and grants.

Through the UCDC Program, students have the opportunity to spend a term in residence at the UC Center working and studying in the Washington DC metropolitan area.

As interns with Congress, the Federal Government, research and advocacy organizations, the news media and through a host of other opportunities, students gain firsthand exposure to the American political process while attaining valuable work experience.

UCDC offers a residential program with apartments at the centrally-located, UC Washington Center.