Why UC Davis?

Standout Academics and the Northern California Lifestyle

At UC Davis, we are more than just a campus. Our graduate students and faculty are a strong community awash in boundless curiositycollaborative spirit and rich diversity.

UC Davis is the home of the Aggies — go-getters, change makers and problem solvers who make their mark at one of the top public universities in the United States. 

Since we were founded in 1905, we’ve been known for standout academics, sustainability and Aggie Pride as well as valuing the Northern California lifestyle. These themes are woven into our 100-plus-year history and our reputation for solving problems related to food, health, the environment and society.

Our 5,300-acre campus is in the city of Davis, a vibrant college town of about 68,000 located in Yolo County. The state capital is 20 minutes away, and world-class destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Lake Tahoe and the Napa Valley are within a two-hour drive.

Diversity of Viewpoints, Backgrounds and Experiences

UC Davis values a diversity of viewpoints, backgrounds, and experiences among its students--as this diversity strengthens and enriches our research, scholarship, and teaching.

Our academic community believes that a diverse graduate student population also enhances the academic experiences for all students. We are committed to a multicultural academic environment that supports the success of all graduate students. Diversity among students, faculty and staff is an integral factor in graduate education at UC Davis, to achieve an equitable, hospitable and inclusive educational environment.

For information on diversity resources for prospective graduate students, visit our diversity resources page.

Supporting You Through Your Graduate Studies and Beyond

UC Davis offers our graduate students unparalleled opportunities and support related to their professional and career development. Our nationally-recognized GradPathways program has served as a model for other graduate student professional development programs across the nation. This comprehensive program is designed to help graduate students succeed both at UC Davis and in their chosen career paths. Our Professors for the Future program provides a unique opportunity for Ph.D. candidates to develop their leadership skills and prepare for an increasingly changing job market. Learn more about our professional development opportunities by visiting our Graduate Studies professional development page.