University of California, Los Angeles
History
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university located in the Westwood district of Los Angeles, California. It was established in 1919 as the Southern Branch of the University of California system, making it the second-oldest of the 10-campus system. UCLA offers over 330 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a wide range of disciplines and enrolls about 31,000 undergraduate and 13,000 graduate students annually.
Campus
The main campus is located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, bordered by Sunset Boulevard to the north, Le Conte Avenue to the south, the Golden State Freeway to the east, and Gayley Avenue to the west. The campus spans 419 acres and features a mix of architectural styles, from Romanesque Revival to Modernist. The campus is home to numerous major research centers, libraries, and museums, as well as a performing arts venue, athletic facilities, and student housing.
Academics
UCLA is divided into six undergraduate colleges, seven professional schools, and four professional health science schools. The undergraduate colleges are the College of Letters and Science, the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science (HSSEAS), the School of the Arts and Architecture, the Herb Alpert School of Music, the School of Theater, Film and Television, and the School of Nursing.
The university follows a quarter system, with fall, winter, and spring quarters, along with an optional summer session. UCLA's academic strengths are broad and diverse, with the university being recognized as a leading institution in fields such as arts and humanities, social sciences, biology, physical sciences, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and health-related fields.
Research
UCLA is classified as a Research I university, indicating the highest level of research activity. The university is home to numerous interdisciplinary research centers, including the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics, the UCLA Center for the Study of Women, and the UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center. UCLA researchers are leaders in many fields, including health sciences, engineering, social sciences, arts, and humanities.
Student Life
UCLA's student body is diverse, with students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 100 countries. The university offers a wide range of student activities, including over 800 student clubs and organizations. UCLA also has a strong tradition of athletic competition, with the Bruins winning numerous national championships in various sports. The university's Greek system includes over 60 fraternity and sorority chapters.
Notable Alumni
UCLA has over 500,000 alumni, including leaders in various fields such as business, arts, sciences, sports, and public service. Notable alumni include Internet pioneer Vinton Cerf, astronaut Anna Lee Fisher, Nobel laureate Randy Schekman, and numerous Academy Award, Emmy, and Grammy winners.