UC Merced

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Opened: 2005

Highest Degree: PhD

Enrollment 2019-20: 8,847

Known For: Hands-on research opportunities for undergraduates; 100% LEED certified buildings

Fostering Innovation

Research & Development

Drones that survey the landscape to assess plant growth and stress, robotic sprayers adapted to agriculture, a solar coating inspired by the behavior of a glass of wine — these are examples of UC Merced's interdisciplinary approach to research and new technologies.

New & Improved

The newest in California's world-renowned system of research institutions, UC Merced is rapidly rising in national rankings. Undergraduates have greater opportunities for hands-on research with professor-mentors that value interactions and fresh ideas.

Growth & Investment

Like the Central Valley itself, UC Merced is experiencing a growth spurt, including an expanded graduate program, plans for two new schools, and new Downtown Merced facilities. The result? New opportunities for business partnerships and a highly qualified labor pool at your front step.

Source: UC Merced Institutional Research & Decision Support, "Degrees Awared by Major" (http://irds.ucmerced.edu/docs/Degrees%20Awarded/Degrees%20Awarded%20by%20Major.pdf) (July 2017).

Graduates by Selected Major

Research at UC Merced (a sampling)

(Couresty of UC Merced)

Science and Health

naturalsciences.ucmerced.edu

The School of Natural Sciences comprises 29% of UC Merced's undergraduate enrollment. Research at the university focuses on practical applications in biology, chemistry, physics, environmental sciences, and applied mathematics. Undergraduate students participate in hands-on research and the doctoral program is growing. Health science is already a part of the research mix at UC Merced, and a School of Medicine was approved for some point in the future.

CORE FACILITIES

Environmental Analytical Lab
Imaging and Microscopy
Natural Research
Stem Cell Instrumentation Foundry
Animal Research

Engineering

engineering.ucmerced.edu

Research at the School of Engineering encompasses climate change, agtech, artificial intelligence, oil spills, big data, ocean deoxygenation, data drones, nanomaterials, bioengineering, and solar power. Engineering accounts for 27% of UC Merced's undergraduates, with majors in bioengineering, computer science, environmental engineering, materials science, and mechanical engineering.

Business Alliances

bd.ucmerced.edu/industry

UC Merced Office of Business Development takes the guesswork out of partnering with the university. They can facilitate access to research and new technologies. UC Merced Venture Lab, under the umbrella of Business Development, offers incubator sites, mentoring, and startup funding opportunities. If your primary need is talent, the Center for Career and Professional Advancement provides several ways for your business to connect with students and alumni.

Conference rooms, Downtown Center.
(Couresty of UC Merced)

Downtown Campus Center

spaceplanning.ucmerced.edu/dcc

UC Merced’s new Downtown Campus Center is a physical testament to the university’s commitment to strong partnerships with the Merced business community. As Chancellor Dorothy Leland described it “…one of our goals is to help encourage collaboration with and among community partners, businesses and local entrepreneurs.” UC Merced’s Venture Lab is among the many non-academic departments housed at the new center.

UC Merced Downtown Campus Center Specs

Size: 3-stories, 67,400 sq ft
Cost: $45 million
Phased Move-in: 2017-2021

Merced 2020

UC Merced will nearly double its capacity in 2020, thanks to a growth plan approved by the UC Board of Regents in 2016. Construction is well underway and one highlight for the city is the new 67,400 sq. ft. Downtown Campus Center in the heart of Merced. Overall, the 2020 Project adds 1.2 million gross sq. ft. to UC Merced.