Charting Your Course: A Comprehensive Guide to Degrees Offered at the University of the Pacific
The University of the Pacific stands as a beacon of higher education, offering a diverse and dynamic array of degree programs designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving global job market. Pacific Global serves as a crucial first step for many, guiding individuals toward degree programs that align with their unique skills, interests, and aspirations. The university proudly offers STEM-designated programs alongside a rich tapestry of degrees in the arts, business, humanities, and beyond, fostering a personalized learning environment within a welcoming community. With campuses strategically located in Stockton, Sacramento, and San Francisco, Pacific provides unparalleled access to some of the world's most rapidly expanding economic and cultural centers, offering unique opportunities for internships, co-ops, accelerated academic programs, and customizable degrees. The university's commitment to student success is further underscored by its impressive 10:1 student-faculty ratio and a significant portion of classes with fewer than 20 students, ensuring individualized attention and fostering academic confidence.
A Spectrum of Undergraduate Exploration
University of the Pacific boasts over 80 undergraduate areas of study, meticulously organized across nine distinct schools and colleges. This extensive offering allows students to explore a variety of disciplines, crafting a pathway uniquely tailored to their passions. The university's commitment to experiential education is paramount, with invaluable opportunities for hands-on learning woven into the fabric of nearly every discipline.
For those drawn to the foundational principles of science and health, Pacific offers robust programs. The College of the Pacific provides liberal arts degree programs encompassing natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, fine arts, and performing arts. Within this framework, students can delve into the molecular foundations of life with a rigorous, research-rich Biochemistry program, preparing them for a wide range of science and health careers. The Biological Sciences program offers a strong foundation in life sciences, coupled with hands-on research opportunities crucial for careers in health, research, and biotechnology. Pioneering in its offerings, Pacific is one of the first universities in the country to present an undergraduate degree in Bioengineering, allowing students to explore biomechanical, bioelectrical, biotransport, and biomaterial topics. Complementing these, the Chemistry program equips students with a strong foundation in chemical principles, extensive research experience, and faculty mentorship, paving the way for careers in health sciences, pharmacy, industry, or graduate studies.
Engineering disciplines are robustly represented, preparing students for the challenges of modern infrastructure and technological advancement. The Civil Engineering degree program is lauded for its practical curriculum, high academic standards, and student-centered approach, preparing graduates to shape our world through the creation of safe, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure. The Computer Engineering program masterfully blends hardware and software, preparing students for rewarding careers in the technology sector. Similarly, the Computer Science degree program cultivates innovators adept at designing software that shapes our world, from creative applications to complex algorithms and immersive virtual reality experiences. The Electrical Engineering program invites students to explore cutting-edge topics such as communication systems, energy conversion, and digital signal processing, providing a strong foundation for future challenges. The Engineering Management program specifically equips students with AI coding skills and leadership abilities for global success, featuring a flexible curriculum with various concentrations and electives. Furthermore, the Engineering Physics degree program prepares students for success across all technical fields, including AI and machine learning, culminating in a senior design project that applies engineering fundamentals to real-world problems. For those seeking specialized knowledge, minors in Environmental Engineering and Structural Engineering are available, offering additional expertise in specific engineering domains.
The realm of business and economics is equally well-developed. The Thomas J. Eberhardt School of Business holds the prestigious accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the highest achievement for business schools. Students can pursue a Business Analytics degree, becoming skilled data professionals adept at managing and organizing large datasets, delving into theoretical foundations, and gaining hands-on experience with advanced analytics tools. The Finance degree offers a solid theoretical and practical understanding of the industry, with opportunities to connect with alumni, gain real-world experience through internships, and manage the Student Investment Fund. The Management and Human Resources degree prepares students for the dynamic modern workplace, blending business fundamentals with essential workforce management and development skills, enhanced by internships and hands-on learning. The Marketing Management degree equips students with the skills to excel across various industries. For those with a passion for the hospitality sector, the new BSBA in Hotel and Hospitality Management provides a strong business foundation and hands-on experience in hospitality, leadership, and service, preparing them to lead in this fast-paced field. Furthermore, the Sport Management and Analytics degree, a collaboration with the Eberhardt School of Business, is built on industry best practices and innovative faculty research, preparing students for thriving careers in the dynamic sports industry. The Economics degree equips students with theoretical understanding and analytical skills for diverse career paths, emphasizing real-world applications and leadership, with opportunities for internships and research.
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The humanities and social sciences foster critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the human experience. The English and Writing Professions major offers a flexible undergraduate program emphasizing critical thinking, literacy, and writing, preparing students for careers in teaching, business, and law, with options for accelerated degrees and double majors. The History degree offers a wide variety of classes, from the history of food to examinations of modern Asian societies. The Philosophy degree provides a rigorous, discussion-driven education that builds essential skills for diverse careers while encouraging deep, real-world engagement. The Political Science degree delves into the workings of government, policy creation, and human interaction, with hands-on learning opportunities like internships in Sacramento and Washington D.C., and unique pre-law advantages. The Sociology degree empowers students to address critical social issues and become leaders for change, with hands-on experience through internships and community involvement. The Ethnic Studies minor provides a crucial lens on the impact of race, culture, class, gender, and sexuality in shaping our experiences. The Anthropology minor offers a wider perspective on how people live, work, and think across different cultures, past and present, providing valuable insights for careers in teaching, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, business, law, or counseling. The International Relations degree launches futures with interdisciplinary academics and study abroad experiences.
Creative and performing arts are integral to a well-rounded education. The Conservatory of Music, with a legacy of over 135 years, provides a rigorous and supportive learning environment. Students can pursue Music Composition, an immersive major preparing them for an evolving landscape. The Music Education major (choral or instrumental) offers an academically challenging, performance-based curriculum, allowing students to obtain a degree and a California teaching credential within four years. The Music Performance major combines intensive musical training with academic work in music and other humanities, including foreign language, connecting music to the liberal arts and sciences. The Studio Art majors build community through interdepartmental collaboration and develop professional portfolios through hands-on courses. The Graphic Design degree equips students with a strong foundation in visual storytelling and hands-on experience, preparing them for careers across various industries. The Media Arts and Production program prepares students for the constantly changing world of media arts, developing storytelling and business skills. A Media Arts and Production minor can add innovation and creativity to any major. The Modern Languages and Literature program offers majors and minors in Spanish, French, Chinese, and Japanese, with additional courses in German, encouraging double majors. The Art History minor encourages critical and historical thinking through the broad spectrum of art.
The university also offers specialized programs that bridge disciplines. The Data Science degree program equips students with a solid foundation in data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling, preparing them for careers in this rapidly growing field. A Data Science minor provides the tools to understand data management and uncover insights from raw information. The Engineering Management program offers a flexible curriculum with various concentrations and electives, preparing students for diverse career paths, and a Minor in Engineering Management is available for those completing an engineering degree who desire an understanding of management skills. The Product Design and Entrepreneurship degree teaches students how to bring ideas to life through interdisciplinary coursework, combining technical skills and business education, culminating in a capstone project. The Sustainability degree program cultivates skilled problem-solvers prepared to address pressing climate challenges.
Advancing Careers: Graduate and Professional Degrees
University of the Pacific offers over 30 graduate and professional programs, providing pathways for advanced study and career specialization. These programs are designed to prepare students for licensure, advanced practice, and leadership roles in their respective fields.
The Eberhardt School of Business offers an Online Master of Business Administration (MBA), an AACSB-accredited program designed for today's dynamic professional landscape. This 36-unit program nurtures leaders with four unique specializations: Leadership, Healthcare, Business Analytics, and Finance. This new STEM-designated graduate program is open to students with any bachelor's degree and is a 9-month hybrid program blending online learning with on-campus evening classes. The Master of Science in Law is an innovative and versatile program for professionals seeking advanced training in legal reasoning and analysis without requiring a JD degree.
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The School of Health Sciences is built on Pacific's long-standing reputation for educating healthcare professionals, featuring innovative curricula, accelerated programs, and extensive experiential and clinical training. The Doctor of Audiology program is the only three-year accelerated program in California. The School of Health Sciences also offers an accelerated graduate nursing degree program on the Sacramento campus. Pacific offers a fully online (asynchronous) Master's degree in Nutrition Science, open to students with a bachelor's degree who are practicing dietitians or dietetic interns needing a master's degree for eligibility. The Master of Science in Pharmacy program trains pharmacists as problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders. The Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) and Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) programs are designed for working health science clinicians and educators who hold a master's or doctorate in a clinical field, offering curricula in research design and implementation with a choice of healthcare leadership or educational leadership tracks. The Master of Public Policy (MPP) program at Pacific McGeorge School of Law prepares students to effectively analyze and design public policy. The Master of Social Work program prepares students for diverse healthcare settings, including mental health and aging practices, designed to improve the quality of life for individuals in complex healthcare environments, with both hybrid and online options available. Speech-language pathology is a professional program of habilitative and rehabilitative services that leads to occupations involved with persons with communication disorders.
The Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry is at the forefront of dental education. The Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry is the only dental school in the United States with a decades-long track record of offering a year-round, accelerated three-year DDS program, combining outstanding clinical training with a humanistic model of education. The International Dental Studies (IDS) program offers qualified internationally educated dentists the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge of the dental profession as practiced in the United States. A one-year, accredited postgraduate residency in general dentistry with an optional second year provides advanced training and clinical experience while serving underserved communities. The Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery offers a one-year internship position for dentists seeking additional education and experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery, preparing them for OMS residency training programs. The Dental Sleep Medicine Fellowship program, based at the Department of Orthodontics, aims to prepare orthodontists in the field of sleep medicine, offering excellent patient care, teaching, research, and broad clinical exposure, with an interdisciplinary approach involving collaborations with Stanford.
The McGeorge School of Law offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a gateway to numerous legal career opportunities, emphasizing the application of legal theory to practice and the development of lawyering skills. McGeorge also offers one JSD degree in International Legal Studies, as well as the Master of Science in Law for professionals seeking advanced legal training.
The School of Education offers advanced degrees for aspiring leaders and innovators. The Doctorate in Education, Leadership and Innovation program is designed for innovators and creators, focusing on innovating learning design, environments, and experiences across K-12, higher education, and other organizational settings, utilizing a project-based curriculum centered on real-world client projects. The Doctor of Education, Transformative Action in Education program offers a unique experience for educational practitioners interested in the study and practice of transformative leadership. The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares students for careers in mental health by providing a foundation in family systems and human development, grounded in experiential learning. The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Counseling Psychology is a four-year course of study designed to prepare students for licensure as psychologists in California. The Doctor of Education in Counseling Psychology is designed for those wishing to pursue a career as a mental health practitioner or apply developmental theory to program design for mental health and academic success. The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Child and Adolescent Counseling is a graduate-level degree and credential program preparing students for careers as school psychologists.
The School of Engineering and Computer Science offers a five-year dual-degree program allowing students to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. The Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) program is designed to strengthen technical, analytical, and professional breadth and depth, with core courses covering broader subjects of research and analysis, and a blended program option for current undergraduate students.
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The School of International Studies serves as Pacific's window to the world. Pacific Global offers four tracks specifically designed to set international students up for success, with an admissions team to place students in the appropriate track.
The School of Pharmacy offers a BS degree program designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the dynamic pharmaceutical industry. The Pre-Pharmacy Advantage Program (BAAS) at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy prepares students for a thriving career as a highly skilled pharmacist.
Graduate programs in the arts and sciences are also comprehensive. The Department of Communication offers graduate-level instruction leading toward the Master of Arts degree, combining training in communication theory, methodology, and practice. The Master of Arts degree in Behavioral Psychology, emphasizing either applied behavior analysis or doctoral preparation, is available. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is a state-of-the-art graduate-level program preparing students for careers in this rapidly growing field, projected to grow by 35% by 2031. The Data Science program equips students for the exciting field of data science using a hybrid approach to learning. The Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) program strengthens technical, analytical, and professional breadth and depth. The Master of Arts in Leadership, concentration in Organizational Innovation and Change, helps students bring rapid, meaningful change to organizations. The Master of Science in Engineering program is designed to strengthen technical, analytical, and professional breadth and depth.
Further specialized graduate offerings include an entry-level master's degree in Clinical Nutrition at the Sacramento Campus, open to students with a bachelor's degree or higher. The Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) program aims to strengthen technical, analytical, and professional breadth and depth. The Master of Arts degree in behavioral psychology, emphasizing either applied behavior analysis or doctoral preparation, is also available. The Master of Public Policy (MPP) program at Pacific McGeorge School of Law prepares students to effectively analyze and design public policy. The Master of Social Work program prepares students for a variety of healthcare settings, including mental health and aging practices. The Accelerated Bachelor's Degree Completion in Organizational Leadership prepares students for leadership positions and equips them with the skills to successfully implement change in organizations.
Bridging Disciplines and Fostering Innovation
University of the Pacific is dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary learning and innovation across all its programs. For instance, the Master of Science in Engineering program includes a set of core courses covering broader subjects of research and analysis, with a blended program option for current undergraduate students. The Pharmaceutical Sciences program, a collaboration between the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Chemistry, prepares students for careers in the increasingly complex realms of pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnological research. The Doctorate in Education, Leadership and Innovation program is specifically designed for innovators and creators, focusing on learning design, environments, and experiences. The product design and entrepreneurship degree teaches students how to bring ideas to life through interdisciplinary coursework, combining technical skills and business education.
The university actively encourages students to explore diverse interests through minors and interdisciplinary approaches. Minors such as Anthropology, Art History, Data Science, Environmental Engineering, Engineering Management, Ethnic Studies, and Structural Engineering allow students to complement their major studies with specialized knowledge. The Media Arts and Production minor offers an opportunity to add innovation and creativity to any major. Double majors across disciplines are strongly encouraged, particularly within the Modern Languages and Literature program.
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