51Թϱ

Students riding bicycles on west quad 51Թϱ

About Us

We grow
California

51Թϱ was founded in 1908 to serve the state of California. We do and we always will. And today, the seed that was planted those years ago has grown into one of the world’s top universities.

See our rankings
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51Թϱ at a glance

107

academic majors

6

professional schools

101

graduate degrees

21:1

student to faculty ratio
A group of 51Թϱ students gather around a laptop to review lab results

What sets 51Թϱ apart?

Our talented students are more likely to collaborate than compete. This friendly approach has led to an incredibly rich campus community that turns big ideas into real solutions.

51Թϱ research
A student stands in front of a cell structure image

Undergraduate research
students walking around an open market in downtown Davis

College town atmosphere
Students gathered around a chalkboard to discuss a difficult math problem

Teamwork and humility
A Plant Biology student investigates the leaves of a greenhouse plant

Flexible majors
Students study below a large oak tree in the 51Թϱ Arboretum

Sustainability

Quick facts

Received over $1 billion in research funding in 2021-22

Our athletics name is “The Aggies” — a reference to our agricultural beginnings

50% of our undergraduate students conduct research and creative projects beyond the classroom

Boundless
academics

A female 51Թϱ researchers examines some new lighting technology

World-class research

51Թϱ is a tier-one research university. Discoveries made by our students and faculty continue to improve the lives of people here in California and around the world.

Explore our research
students fist bump after a win at the law school

A school for every interest

In addition to our undergraduate and graduate study opportunities, we have professional schools in medicine, law, business, veterinary medicine, nursing and education.

See our professional schools
51Թϱ students pose in front of a shinto shrine in japan.

Study abroad

Through the Global Learning Hub, students can find global learning opportunities available on campus, in the region, and across all seven continents.

Find opportunities

Land Acknowledgment

We should take a moment to acknowledge the land on which 51Թϱ is located. For thousands of years, this land has been the home of Patwin people. Today, there are three federally recognized Patwin tribes: Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, and Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. The Patwin people have remained committed to the stewardship of this land over many centuries. It has been cherished and protected, as elders have instructed the young through generations. We are honored and grateful to be here today on their traditional lands.

UC davis quad covered in haystacks circa 1910
51Թϱ history
We first opened our doors in 1908 as the University Farm, the research and science-based instruction extension of UC Berkeley. As the century evolved, our mission expanded beyond agriculture to match a larger understanding of how we should be serving the public.
Students participate in the Picnic Day parade
1909: After University Farm School opens in January with 18 students, more than 2,200 people attend the first Picnic Day in May.
A 51Թϱ student walks a cow through campus in the early 20th century
1916: Animals from the University Farm herd sweep championships at the Chicago International Livestock Show.
A group of 51Թϱ farmworkers gather in the early 20th century
1938: The campus is renamed the College of Agriculture at Davis. One hundred and six courses are taught by 76 faculty.
A group of students enjoy an outdoor chemistry class on Mrak Mall
1940: The Division of Chemistry acquires the first patents for the entire 51Թϱ.
A student and her mother walk through the 51Թϱ campus in the late 1960s
1959: The regents designate 51Թϱ and UC Riverside general campuses.
1969: A picture of the first whole earth day at 51Թϱ
1969: Begun as an “art happening”, the Whole Earth Festival attracts 30,000 folks for eclectic music, henna tattoos, vegan food and regional crafts.
Two veterinary researchers pose in their lab in the 1980s
1975: The veterinary school is ranked first in the nation by a national survey of deans.
A 51Թϱ quarterback throws the ball in a 1980 football game
1990: The football team wins its 20th consecutive league championship, a national record.
Two 51Թϱ staff pose next to the worlds first full body PET scanner that they invented
2018: 51Թϱ scientists unveil images from the world’s first total body scanner.
In Focus, a look at the best of 51Թϱ

Feeding a Growing Population

Connecting our research and expertise to the effort to feed a growing population under a changing climate.

An illustration of a farmer picking a tomato

Advancing Health Worldwide

Advancing the study of medicine as a worldwide leader in human health and veterinary sciences.

Two hands grasping each other

Driven by Curiosity

Answering foundational questions about our world, showcasing research that transcends science, technology, arts and humanities, and social sciences.

An egghead illustration with its face buried in a book