Soka University of America is a private, nonprofit, four-year liberal arts college and graduate school located on 103 acres in Aliso Viejo, Orange County, California. Our commitment to global citizenship is reflected in our interdisciplinary curriculum and required foreign language and study abroad programs. Roughly half of our 480 students are international, hailing from over 40 countries across six continents.
The mission of Soka University of America is to foster a steady stream of global citizens committed to living a contributive life.
SUA was founded on the belief in education as a path to world peace. When students expand their ability to think critically and engage in meaningful dialogue across cultures and worldviews, they build the foundation for a compassionate global society based in equality, justice, and sustainability.
“Soka” means “value creation” in Japanese. Like our sister university in Japan, SUA was founded on the Buddhist principles of peace, human rights, and the dignity of life, and offers a non-sectarian curriculum open to students of all nationalities and beliefs.
No one tells the Soka story better than those who have lived it. Hear directly from alumni about how their time here shaped their perspectives, their work, and their roles in the world.
“In contemporary society, our differences are often labeled as threats, but at SUA we were able to acknowledge them and transform them into points of deeper connection.”
“The seminar-style classes, open discussions, and thought-provoking assignments at SUA consistently challenged me to think critically and engage with global issues in a nuanced way.”
“Being a Soka student gives you the skills to have dialogue with people, understand their perspective, and then translate that for others and bridge gaps in understanding.”
“Soka’s Life Sciences concentration gave me the tools to grow as a chemist, a mentor, and a person. It showed me that science isn’t just about formulas — it’s about people's wellbeing. It helped me care deeply about using chemistry not only for discovery, but also for health, innovation, and social impact.”
“In contemporary society, our differences are often labeled as threats, but at SUA we were able to acknowledge them and transform them into points of deeper connection.”
“The seminar-style classes, open discussions, and thought-provoking assignments at SUA consistently challenged me to think critically and engage with global issues in a nuanced way.”
“Being a Soka student gives you the skills to have dialogue with people, understand their perspective, and then translate that for others and bridge gaps in understanding.”
“Soka’s Life Sciences concentration gave me the tools to grow as a chemist, a mentor, and a person. It showed me that science isn’t just about formulas — it’s about people's wellbeing. It helped me care deeply about using chemistry not only for discovery, but also for health, innovation, and social impact.”
What our world most requires now is the kind of education that fosters love for humankind, that develops character — that provides an intellectual basis for the realization of peace and empowers learners to contribute to and improve society.
— Daisaku Ikeda, founder of SUA
At Soka, students from all over the world come together in a supportive environment shaped by curiosity, respect, and shared purpose. Whether it’s in the classroom, the residence halls, or walking the scenic trails around campus, community connection is central to the Soka experience.
With clubs, events, wellness programs, and student-led initiatives across campus, there’s always something to explore and someone to share it with. Our intentionally small community creates space for students to lead, organize, and shape the culture themselves, building authentic friendships on the way.
With a student body representing more than 40 countries and an educational philosophy rooted in global citizenship, diversity is part of Soka’s identity. From campus programming to volunteer opportunities, students here engage in real conversations about equity, identity, and inclusion every day.
Soka’s campus is located minutes from the Pacific Ocean, sitting alongside a nature reserve with rolling hills and hiking trails. It’s the ideal backdrop for reflection, exploration, and connection.
At Soka, students from all over the world come together in a supportive environment shaped by curiosity, respect, and shared purpose. Whether it’s in the classroom, the residence halls, or walking the scenic trails around campus, community connection is central to the Soka experience.
With clubs, events, wellness programs, and student-led initiatives across campus, there’s always something to explore and someone to share it with. Our intentionally small community creates space for students to lead, organize, and shape the culture themselves, building authentic friendships on the way.
With a student body representing more than 40 countries and an educational philosophy rooted in global citizenship, diversity is part of Soka’s identity. From campus programming to volunteer opportunities, students here engage in real conversations about equity, identity, and inclusion every day.
Soka’s campus is located minutes from the Pacific Ocean, sitting alongside a nature reserve with rolling hills and hiking trails. It’s the ideal backdrop for reflection, exploration, and connection.
SUA offers one undergraduate degree and one graduate program, both built on critical inquiry, faculty mentorship, and cross-cultural experiences that produce graduates ready to change the world.
Daisaku Ikeda College, SUA's undergraduate program, awards one degree: a B.A. in Liberal Arts with concentrations in Environmental Studies, Humanities, International Studies, Life Sciences, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Interdisciplinary coursework, a required semester abroad, and a senior capstone project prepare graduates for careers in any field, from business and education to diplomacy, medicine, and beyond.
The M.A. in Educational Leadership and Societal Change equips students with advanced research skills and ethical grounding to analyze complex systems, challenge inequity, and lead reform in education and global institutions.
Soka seeks students with big questions, bold dreams, and the courage to lead with heart. Every admitted student is offered a merit scholarship, because we believe that economic circumstances should never stand in the way of an education.
Explore how Soka can help you turn ambition into action.