University of California, Los Angeles Best Programs & Majors 2026

University of California, Los Angeles Best Programs & Majors for International Students 2026

University of California, Los Angeles's strongest programs and what each is genuinely known for — beyond marketing copy. With BrightKey's view on which serves international students best.

University of California, Los Angeles's strongest programs include Anderson School of Management (MBA), David Geffen School of Medicine, Samueli School of Engineering.

Notable programs

Anderson School of Management (MBA)

Ranked top 15 globally (US News, FT). Alumni include Bill Gross (PIMCO founder), Suzanne Nora Johnson (Goldman Sachs), and leaders across Disney, Netflix, and LA tech. Median starting salary USD 160,000+.

David Geffen School of Medicine

Ranked top 6 for primary care and top 18 for research (US News 2025). Integrated with UCLA Health system, one of the nation's top-ranked hospitals. Strong NIH funding pipeline.

Samueli School of Engineering

Ranked top 16 nationally (US News 2025). Strengths in computer science (top 12), electrical engineering, and bioengineering. Research partnerships with JPL, SpaceX, and major defense contractors.

School of Theater, Film & Television

Ranked top 5 nationally alongside USC and NYU. Alumni include Francis Ford Coppola, Tim Robbins, and James Franco. Direct pipeline to Hollywood studios and streaming platforms located within 15 miles of campus.

Luskin School of Public Affairs

Ranked top 15 nationally for public policy and urban planning (US News 2025). Strong focus on social justice, environmental policy, and LA community engagement. Alumni in California state government and federal agencies.

Herb Alpert School of Music

Ranked top 20 nationally with strengths in ethnomusicology (top 3 globally), jazz studies, and music industry. Named after legendary musician and A&M Records co-founder Herb Alpert who donated USD 30M+.

Compare in the same discipline

Business & Management in United States →Medicine & Health Sciences in United States →Computer Science & Engineering in United States →

Common questions

What are University of California, Los Angeles's best programs?

Anderson School of Management (MBA): Ranked top 15 globally (US News, FT). Alumni include Bill Gross (PIMCO founder), Suzanne Nora Johnson (Goldman Sachs), and leaders across Disney, Netflix, and LA tech. Median starting salary USD 160,000+. David Geffen School of Medicine: Ranked top 6 for primary care and top 18 for research (US News 2025). Integrated with UCLA Health system, one of the nation's top-ranked hospitals. Strong NIH funding pipeline. Samueli School of Engineering: Ranked top 16 nationally (US News 2025). Strengths in computer science (top 12), electrical engineering, and bioengineering. Research partnerships with JPL, SpaceX, and major defense contractors. School of Theater, Film & Television: Ranked top 5 nationally alongside USC and NYU. Alumni include Francis Ford Coppola, Tim Robbins, and James Franco. Direct pipeline to Hollywood studios and streaming platforms located within 15 miles of campus. Luskin School of Public Affairs: Ranked top 15 nationally for public policy and urban planning (US News 2025). Strong focus on social justice, environmental policy, and LA community engagement. Alumni in California state government and federal agencies.

What kind of student fits University of California, Los Angeles?

Students targeting entertainment, media, or film careers who need direct LA industry access Pre-med students seeking a top-10 medical school with integrated clinical training at UCLA Health MBA candidates focused on tech management or entertainment business in the West Coast ecosystem