UCSD Thurgood Marshall College

Thurgood Marshall College, formerly known as Third College, was founded in 1970 in a period of fervent social debate in our nation. From its dramatic inception, the college has enriched the lives of undergraduates with philosophic commitment to the development of students as both scholars and citizens. In July of 1993, the college was renamed in honor of the legendary lawyer and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Justice Marshall was widely known and praised for his historic contributions to American life and dedication to breaking down barriers to education, civil rights, freedom of speech, women’s rights, and the profound right to privacy. The faculty, staff, and students of Marshall College are committed to furthering the ideals and dreams of Justice Marshall; accordingly, students are provided opportunities to develop as both enterprising scholars and responsible citizens.

Four thousand students pursue any major in a variety of disciplines. Among Marshall College students, about 40 percent choose majors in biology, the physical sciences, mathematics, and engineering; 35 percent select majors in the social sciences; and 25 percent pursue majors in the humanities and fine arts. One primary aim is to prepare students for the pursuit of a rigorous academic curriculum that will promote entry into graduate and professional schools or into the career of one’s choice.