California State University-Los Angeles

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Master's Colleges and Universities (larger programs)

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Doctoral degree
Calendar System	Quarter
Years of college work required	N/A
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification

California State University-Los Angeles History

In 1770, a group of Franciscan monks settled in what would become the greater Los Angeles area, on a hillside that would become the site of Cal State L.A. Los Angeles State College was not founded until 1947 through an act of legislature, and the first graduating class was in 1948. In 1964, the institution was renamed California State College at Los Angeles and became part of the new California State College system. The current name was adopted in 1972.

California State University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Its mission statement emphasizes its roll in education students from a divers, urban environment. It is classed as a Master’s College and University I by the Carnegie Institute.

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California State University-Los Angeles Academics

Cal State L.A. houses six different colleges: Arts & Letters; Business & Economics; Education; Engineering, Computer Science, & Technology; Health & Human Services; and Natural & Social Sciences. These colleges house the more than 50 schools and departments offering majors and minors to more than 20,000 students. Cal State L.A. implements a quarter system, comprised of four 11-week quarters, including a full academic quarter during the summer. To maintain satisfactory progress, students must attend full-time for three of the four quarters each year. Nearly all of the University’s faculty hold the terminal degree in their field and many have been recognized by such honors as the United States Presidential Award and other distinctions. Cal State L.A. considers itself a teaching institution, and so faculty make an effort to directly engage their students and help them develop strong ties to their program.

California State University, Los Angeles has academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are 6 colleges: the College of Arts and Letters, the College of Business and Economics, the College of Education, the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology, the College of Health and Human Services, and the College of Natural and Social Sciences.

p. Bachelor’s degrees are offered in a variety of fields within the various academic colleges. Degrees at the bachelor’s level can be received in such areas as accounting, African American studies, art, child development, Chinese, health science, history, industrial technology, mathematics, music, nursing, philosophy, special education, and telecommunication and film. A wide range of majors in the humanities, sciences, and technical or professional field are available. There are also minors and certificate programs in many major fields or sub-specialties of those fields.

p. Graduate programs are offered in all six colleges in over 50 disciplines. These include master’s level programs in art, communication studied, English, philosophy, theatre arts and dance, business administration, information science, education, engineering, child development, communicative disorders, kinesiology, nursing, biological sciences, political science, and Chicano Studies. A joint doctoral degree in Educational Administration and Leadership is offered with the University of California, Irvine. Certificate and credential programs are also available.

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California State University-Los Angeles Unique Programs

The Department of Communication Disorders is home to the Robert L. Douglass Speech-Language Clinic and the Cal State L.A. Hearing Clinic. In addition to offering clinical, diagnostic, and rehabilitative services, these clinics provide training and research in the areas of communication disorders for students and faculty. Students are instructed under the supervision of accredited faculty.

The Asian Pacific Business Institute recognizes the increased importance of the Asian economy and local business. As the United States increases its dependence on Asian countries and their products, the business community is dealing with new problems in international commerce. The Institute aims to address those problems by providing services to the business community and educating America’s future business leaders.

The Center for Spatial Analysis and Remote Sensing, funded in part by NASA, is a testing center for Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The Center provides research to the scientific community, and also gives students the opportunity to participate in geographic research.

The Division of Extended Education offers a number of professional development courses and certificate programs, some in fields not widely seen, such as the course in “Legal Translation: Intensive Course in Contrastive Analysis of Armenian/English Grammar” or the certificate program in “Textile: Production and Management.” Open University courses also are available, as are life long learning programs. An American Culture and Language Program is designed to help non-native English speakers with English language skills.

This site is not sponsored by, affiliated with, nor endorsed by California State University-Los Angeles

California State University-Los Angeles Financial Aid

Cal State L.A. uses students’ FAFSA to assess qualifications for aid packages such as grants, loans, work study, and summer grants, as well as a needs analysis. Students are encouraged to submit their FAFSA as early as possible. There are also over 300 scholarships available to Cal State L.A. students based on majors, need, community involvement, and achievements. Students must file a General Scholarship Application and at least one letter of recommendation to be considered for any of these scholarships. The most prestigious scholarship opportunity is the President’s Scholarship, which provides $5,000 annually for as many as four years, and recipients receive free parking, admission to events, and priority registration.

The State Registration Fee at California State University, Los Angeles was $2,729 for the 2004-2005 academic year for in-state, undergraduate students attending full-time. Students applying from out of state and graduate students have higher costs.

p. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. Work-study programs are also available for some students. Students who seek financial aid will need to fill out the Federal Student Financial Aid Form, available on-line.

p. Graduate students may also receive financial aid in the form of teaching or research assistantships, including a stipend and a waiver of some or all of the tuition and other fees. Graduate students should consult with their individual department about what sort of assistantships or fellowships are available and about the details of the application process. Generally awards are given to more advanced students.

This site is not sponsored by, affiliated with, nor endorsed by California State University-Los Angeles

California State University-Los Angeles Students

The Cal State L.A. campus’ location provides students with every conceivable recreational opportunity a student could desire. To the north are the mountains, to the south the Palos Verdes Peninsula, to the east is the San Gabriel Valley, and to the west is the urban abundance of Los Angeles itself. Los Angeles is obviously home to many professional sports teams, sightseeing opportunities, and shopping galore. Trains and buses can get students to any point they wish. On-campus, the Fine Arts Complex is home to a 1100-seat theatre. In the University’s hospitality complex, the Golden Eagle, are a Barnes & Noble bookstore, restaurants, and a conference center. The Student Union, currently under construction, will include an expanded computer lab, fitness center, and a 200-seat theatre.

Student life at California State University, Los Angeles includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. Students can join fraternities or sororities, write for the student newspaper, take part in on and off-campus events, or participate in student government. Organizations include academic and professional groups, religious organizations, political clubs, cultural groups, and special interest groups such as the Hip Hop Congress, the Pagan Circle, and the Society of Women Engineers.

p. The Luckmann Fine Arts Center offers performances, exhibitions, workshops, and gallery tours.

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California State University-Los Angeles Traditions

Cal State L.A. has a storied and tradition-filled athletics program. The University has won more men’s conference championships in the California Collegiate Athletic Association than any other current school. Seven of its ten sports have captured CCAA titles. And Cal State L.A. has captured 33 overall CCAA team championships, the third-highest total in the conference. Cal State L.A. has had representatives in the last 11 Summer Olympic games.

This site is not sponsored by, affiliated with, nor endorsed by California State University-Los Angeles

California State University-Los Angeles Local Community

California State University, Los Angeles is located in Los Angeles, California, a major metropolitan area. Students have access to all the recreational, cultural, entertainment, and educational opportunities to be found in such a large city.

Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States. It is home to nearly 4 million residents and the greater metropolitan area includes more than 17 million. The city itself covers 465 square miles, making it one of the largest geographically and physically larger than New York City or Chicago. For a visitor’s entertainment dollar, there is no better city on Earth. The “entertainment capital of the world,” L.A. is home to Hollywood, popular media, and numerous arts and culture outlets. Los Angeles is also home to the Dodgers, one of the most historical teams in all of major league baseball, as well as the Lakers, Clippers, Sparks, and Kings professional sports teams. Native plant and tree species abound at Los Angeles’ many public parks.

This site is not sponsored by, affiliated with, nor endorsed by California State University-Los Angeles