What are the best majors at the University of San Diego for strong academics and career opportunities?

At the University of San Diego, some of the strongest majors for both academics and career outcomes are business, nursing, engineering, computer science, and finance-related fields. USD is especially well regarded for the Knauss School of Business and the Hahn School of Nursing, and its location in San Diego gives students access to internships in biotech, healthcare, defense, tech, and corporate settings.

Business is one of USD’s biggest strengths, especially finance, accounting, marketing, and business analytics. The Knauss School has strong employer connections, and San Diego offers a practical internship market with firms in finance, consulting, real estate, and consumer brands. Accounting is often one of the safest bets if you want a direct path to employment.

Nursing is another standout. USD has a strong regional reputation in healthcare, and nursing tends to offer very clear post-grad outcomes because of clinical training and steady employer demand. If you are interested in patient care or health systems, this is one of the most career-secure options at the university.

Engineering and computer science are also strong choices, particularly because of USD’s proximity to defense, robotics, software, and biotech employers in Southern California. These majors usually offer good internship potential, though the programs are not as large as those at some major public tech schools. That can also mean smaller classes and more faculty access.

If you are considering economics, international relations, political science, or communication, USD is solid in those areas too, especially for students aiming at law, policy, nonprofit, or business-adjacent careers. They can work well, but outcomes depend more on how intentionally you build internships and experience during college.