UCLA

UCLA, short for University of California, Los Angeles, is a public research university in the University of California system. Located in the Westwood district of Los Angeles, California, the campus covers roughly 419 acres and serves about 45,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs.

Founded in 1919 as the Southern Branch of the University of California, UCLA became a separate campus and adopted its current name in the 1920s. It is one of the system’s largest and most prominent campuses, recognized for its research activity and integration with the surrounding city.

Academically, UCLA offers a wide range of programs across numerous schools and colleges, including the College of Letters and Science, the School of Engineering, the David Geffen School of Medicine, the UCLA Anderson School of Management, the School of the Theater, Film and Television, and the School of Dental Medicine. It is known for programs in medicine, life sciences, engineering, film and television, the arts, and humanities. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary research and public service.

UCLA conducts extensive research in fields such as health sciences, biotechnology, space, and urban studies, supported by collaborations with industry, government, and cultural institutions. It is home to numerous research centers and hospitals, including major medical facilities affiliated with the university.

Athletics, known as the Bruins, compete in NCAA Division I. UCLA has historically been a member of the Pac-12, and in 2024 joined the Big Ten Conference. The university also houses a vibrant campus life with a broad range of student organizations and cultural events, reflecting the diversity of its student body.