University of California San Francisco (UCSF)

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Institution type	Private

About University of California San Francisco (UCSF)

University California San Fransisco (UCSF) is the leading university exclusively focused on health. The University comprises top-ranked professional schools of dentistry, medicine, nursing, and pharmacy; as well as a physical therapy program and a graduate division with world-renowned programs in basic and social/populational sciences.

At UCSF, we are driven by the idea that when the best research, the best teaching and the best patient care converge, we can deliver breakthroughs that help heal the world.

UCSF is a collection of dedicated scientists, clinicians, students and staff who share a common drive to make the world a better place by advancing health and the human condition. Care and compassion are as critical as science and discovery in fulfilling our mission to drive change, and make a difference for individual patients and whole populations.

In a field where lives often hang in a delicate balance, UCSF recognizes that time is of the essence — for patients in the hospital and for populations facing a health peril. We harness the efficiency of multidisciplinary teams to accelerate learning and scientific progress and speed the development of new therapies and cures. We are constantly pushing forward the policies and partnerships that ensure that people in need are getting access to the most cutting-edge care and treatment.

UCSF is unique in that it only offers graduate degrees (meaning it does not have an undergraduate student population).

Campus information

UCSF’s four professional schools — Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy — and the Graduate Division consistently rank as top programs nationwide in their fields and attract the world’s most talented students. Our Global Health Sciences program involves more than 70 faculty from across each school, preparing students with hands-on training for global health expertise and leadership.

UCSF School of Dentistry
The school is recognized nationally for its innovative approach to dental education. It practices a philosophy of minimally invasive dentistry that focuses on prevention before surgical intervention. Unique curriculum includes a combined DDS-PhD and DDS-MBA program and a one-year training course designed to help disadvantaged students gain admission to U.S. dental schools.

UCSF School of Medicine
In the latest ranking of the best medical schools by U.S. News & World Report, UCSF ranked third in both research and primary care — the only school to rank high in both categories. The school encourages its students to incorporate inquiry, innovation and discovery throughout their careers, from the classroom to private practice, the government sector, academic medicine or other pursuits.

UCSF School of Nursing
UCSF ranks third in the latest U.S. News & World Report survey for national nursing programs, with many specialties in the Top 10. The school provides education and research training in the social, behavioral and biological sciences, with a focus on health care. The diversity and innovation found in UCSF nursing programs advance nursing knowledge, guides improvements in health services and patient care and contributes to the well-being of our community.

UCSF School of Pharmacy
UCSF is No. 3 in the nation for its Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program in the latest U.S. News & World Report survey. In addition to conducting groundbreaking pharmaceutical research, the school pioneered the role of clinical pharmacists, which positions pharmacists as a key part of a patient's care team. The school produces leaders and effective team members in health care and lifelong experts in the safe and effective use of medicines.

UCSF School of Graduate
The Graduate Division includes 17 PhD programs, 10 master’s programs, two certificate programs and one physical therapy program. Programs cover a broad range of areas including bioengineering, chemistry, epidemiology and the social sciences. The program fosters broad collaboration across all disciplines at UCSF to spur more focused and effective research throughout our top-ranked graduate programs.

Parnassus
The original UCSF campus located at Parnassus Heights is made up of a tight network of buildings where faculty, staff, students and others are engaged in patient care, research and education activities. Covering almost six blocks, the campus serves as headquarters for UCSF leaders.

Mission Bay
UCSF Mission Bay is a teaching, research and clinical care campus with a daily population of about 3,500 UCSF faculty, staff, students, patients and other visitors. With more than 1 million square feet of research space, the thriving campus also includes a 289-bed integrated hospital complex to serve women, children and cancer patients.

Mount Zion
The UCSF Mount Zion campus is a hub of specialized medical center clinics and surgery services located in the Western Addition. In addition to housing the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mount Zion boasts a growing network of outpatient services.

Accommodation

Living on campus is often the best deal for students, especially when you first come to the Bay Area. Besides the generally lower cost and obvious convenience of living on campus, you will also not be burdened with having to connect utilities or establish internet service; you won't have to sign a long lease or pay large deposits; and you won't have to worry about finding roommates on your own. Even if living in campus housing is not appealing to you for the long-term, you may still find it much easier to live in campus housing temporarily, at least until you get a feel for San Francisco and other Bay Area cities and neighborhoods.

Aldea San Miguel at Parnassus – a quiet community situated on a hill above the Parnassus campus. Aldea is comprised of 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments perfect for couples and families. Aldea also offers 42 Junior 1-bedroom apartments for single occupancy.

Avenue Housing – a great choice for those seeking a single or shared room in a group house or apartment with other UCSF students and post-docs.

Mission Bay – a new 431-apartment complex that is home to the majority of UCSF Housing tenants. Featuring studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom apartments with multiple floor plans, plus an option to rent a single room in a 4-bedroom group apartment.

Faculty Housing – a limited number of unfurnished houses, flats and apartments at the Mission Bay and Parnassus campuses are available to faculty members. The accommodations and amenities vary significantly.