Program Overview

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Introduction to the UC San Diego - Chula Vista Program

The University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego), in partnership with Southwestern College, is proud to offer a Bachelor of Science degree with major coursework taught in Chula Vista. Beginning in Fall 2026, the Bachelor of Science in Public Health will be offered.

Program Details

• The Public Health major will be taught by UC San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science faculty and offered on Southwestern College's campus.
• Additional requirements can be taken remotely or in La Jolla, depending upon the student's preference.
• Students participating in the program will have access to UC San Diego faculty and staff physically located at Southwestern College and have full access to UC San Diego resources on the La Jolla campus.

Why Public Health?

Prepare for a career that makes a difference—whether in epidemiology, health education, policy, or community wellness.

Major Requirements

Read more about the Bachelor of Science in Public Health.

Careers

Learn more about your future in public health.

Program Structure

• Public Health courses for major requirements will be offered in person at Southwestern College or remotely.
• Additional courses, including one upper-division general education course (assuming IGETC/Cal-GETC completion), unmet university requirements, and required elective units, can be taken remotely or on UC San Diego's La Jolla campus.

Eligibility

• Students that intend to apply for transfer admission to UC San Diego from Southwestern College, seeking to major in Public Health, are eligible to apply for this program.

Application Process

• Students must complete the UC application for undergraduate admissions and scholarships during the current filing period: October 1-December 1, 2025.
• When selecting a major on the application, choose the Bachelor of Science in Public Health (no concentration).

Admission Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 60 UC-transferable semester units (90 quarter units) by the end of spring term prior to fall admission.
• Have a competitive GPA in UC-transferable courses and be in good academic standing.
• Complete the following 7-course pattern:
  • 2 English composition
  • 1 mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning
  • 4 courses from at least 2 of the following:
    • Arts and humanities
    • Physical and biological sciences
    • Social and behavioral sciences
• Students must also complete admissions Transfer Major Preparation courses for Public Health.
  • 2 required Biology courses from the approved list must be completed for admission.
  • 1 required Statistics course from the approved list.

Transfer Plan

• Review the full Transfer Plan to see specifics for the Chula Vista program.
• The transfer plan for SWC classes and UCSD classes is available.

Support and Resources

• UC San Diego academic advising and student life staff will be located on site at Southwestern College in the University Center.
• Our goal is to create a community for students that are completing their UC San Diego degree at Southwestern College, and we will be focused on supporting your academic success and well-being.

Tuition and Fees

• Students will pay regular UC San Diego tuition and fees.
• Since the majority of the coursework will be completed at Southwestern College's Chula Vista campus, students will not need to pay Housing and Dining costs normally associated with living on the La Jolla campus, or the typical costs of commuting to La Jolla.
• Students can apply for financial aid through the regular UC San Diego process.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does the program cost? Can I use financial aid?
  • Students will pay regular UC San Diego tuition and fees.
  • Students can apply for financial aid through the regular UC San Diego process.
• Where will the classes be located?
  • Public Health courses for major requirements will be offered in person at Southwestern College or remotely.
• Who is eligible?
  • Students that intend to apply for transfer admission to UC San Diego from Southwestern College, seeking to major in Public Health, are eligible to apply for this program.
• How can I apply?
  • Students must complete the UC application for undergraduate admissions and scholarships during the current filing period.
• How do I prepare for admission to the program?
  • To be considered for admission to the UC San Diego - Chula Vista program for Public Health, students must complete all UC transfer admissions requirements, including major preparation courses.
• What is a competitive GPA for admission to Public Health?
  • For Fall 2025, the middle 50% of admitted transfer students had GPAs ranging from 3.55 to 3.94.
• Can UniversityLink students apply for this program?
  • Completion of the UniversityLink program does not guarantee admission to a selective major, and Public Health is a selective major.
• What support is available in Chula Vista from UC San Diego?
  • UC San Diego academic advising and student life staff will be located on site at Southwestern College in the University Center.