News Release

Six undergraduate engineering programs earn top-10 rank

September 14, 2022 -- Six undergraduate academic programs at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering ranked in the top 10 programs in the nation according to the U.S. News & World Report 2022-2023 Best Colleges ranking, released Sept. 12, 2022. 

The biocomputing, bioinformatics, biotechnology program, a multidisciplinary undergraduate offering supported by three UC San Diego divisions, including the Jacobs School of Engineering, was ranked first in the nation. 

The mobile and web applications undergraduate specialty within the Department of Computer Science and Engineering was ranked number 6. The bioengineering and biomedical undergraduate program in the Department of Bioengineering was ranked number 7 (the graduate program is ranked fourth in the nation, according to rankings released in spring 2022). 

The artificial intelligence, data science and computer systems specialties within the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, were all ranked number 10. The Halicioglu Data Science Institute collaborates with faculty in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering on a data science major and minor for undergraduates, as well.

Bioengineering at UC San Diego

This is the second year in a row the bioinformatics and biotechnology undergraduate program earned the first place spot. The program is designed to provide career opportunities for bachelor’s graduates. Students graduating from this program are in great demand at top graduate schools, medical schools, and industry. The major is offered in the departments of bioengineering, biology, chemistry and biochemistry, and computer science. The program offers a wide range of opportunities for undergraduate research in many laboratories on campus. 

Ranked 7th in the nation, the undergraduate bioengineering and biomedical program prepares students for a variety of careers in the biomedical device industry and for further education in graduate school. The program addresses the bioengineering topics of biomechanics, biotransport, bioinstrumentation, bioelectricity, biosystems, and biomaterials, and the complementary fields of systems and organ physiology. Education in these areas allows application of bioengineering and scientific principles to benefit human health by advancing methods for effective diagnosis and treatment of disease through development of medical devices and technologies. 

"The Department of Bioengineering is thrilled for this recognition of our innovation in education, training, and mentorship year after year. Maintaining this ranking is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the way our faculty push the envelope of new teaching methods, and the achievements of our graduates once in the biotechnology and bioinformatics workforce," said bioengineering department chair Adam J. Engler. "The strength of all of our programs - including bioengineering and biosystems - dates back to our founding by Dr. Y-C Fung, but continues today with our growing faculty and expanding student opportunities."

Computer science at UC San Diego

This is also the second year that mobile and web applications studies were ranked in the top-10, and is the first year that artificial intelligence, data science/analytics and computer systems earned a top-10 designation. 

“These rankings are a recognition of the effort that our faculty and staff put in delivering a high-quality inclusive program that educates the computing thought leaders of tomorrow," said Sorin Lerner, professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. 

UC San Diego ranks #8 overall

UC San Diego as a whole ranks as the 8th best public university for undergraduates in the United States. U.S. News also recognized UC San Diego as No. 20 in its list of most innovative schools in the nation. The university jumped 20 spots from last year in this category, which highlights institutions that are making promising innovations in facilities, technology, curriculum, campus life and other areas. UC San Diego is ranked No. 8 among U.S. public universities on this innovation list. Overall, UC San Diego was ranked 34th in the complete list of over 400 private and public undergraduate universities in the nation.

Now in its 38th year, the latest edition of the Best Colleges list assesses U.S. bachelor's degree-granting institutions based on 17 measures of academic quality. Ranking factors include graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, social mobility and undergraduate academic reputation, among other measures.

Find the complete U.S. News & World Report 2023 Best Colleges rankings here. For a complete listing of UC San Diego rankings and accolades, visit the Campus Profile.

Media Contacts

Katherine Connor
Jacobs School of Engineering
858-534-8374
khconnor@ucsd.edu