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California State University-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Vox Veritas Vita (Latin)("Voice Truth Life" – Speak the truth as a way of life)

Wikipedia
1947
Founded
Public university
Type
22,740
Total Students
19,350
Undergrad
3,390
Graduate
$63M
Endowment
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About California State University-Los Angeles

Cal State LA: Empowering diverse futures in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles.

California State University-Los Angeles stands as a dynamic urban public research institution, an integral part of the esteemed California State University system. Nestled on a 175-acre hilltop campus just five miles northeast of Downtown LA, Cal State LA is a beacon of opportunity, known for fostering a diverse and inclusive community. With a rich heritage rooted in the historic Rancho Rosa Castilla, the university has evolved into a powerhouse of education and innovation, committed to academic excellence and societal impact.

Prospective students will discover a vast array of academic pathways, including 142 bachelor's, 122 master's, and four doctoral programs. Cal State LA is particularly noted for its pioneering spirit, establishing the nation's first Chicano Studies department in 1968 and the first Charter College of Education. Its unique Early Entrance Program for gifted students, some as young as 12, highlights its commitment to nurturing talent across all ages. The university also boasts renowned programs like forensic science and significant research facilities such as the Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility.

Beyond academics, Cal State LA offers a vibrant student experience. The university is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and eligible for AANAPISI designation, reflecting its rich multicultural fabric. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities like the Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center and the Luckman Fine Arts Complex, all within a bustling urban setting that provides endless opportunities for internships, cultural enrichment, and community engagement. Cal State LA shapes leaders and innovators, preparing them to make a tangible difference in Los Angeles and beyond.

Key Highlights

  • Offers an impressive 142 bachelor's, 122 master's, and 4 doctoral degree programs.
  • Home to the nation's first Chicano Studies department, established in 1968.
  • Features the only Early Entrance Program in the U.S. that transitions gifted students as young as 12 directly to college.
  • Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and eligible for AANAPISI status, reflecting its diverse student body of 22,740 (Fall 2024).
  • Pioneered the nation's first Charter College of Education in 1993.
  • Houses unique facilities including the Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center and a Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility.
  • Located on a 175-acre hilltop campus, just 5 miles from Downtown Los Angeles, offering an ideal urban learning environment.

Timeline

1776
Original adobe built on the future campus site by Franciscan missionaries.
1947
Founded as Los Angeles State College of Applied Arts and Sciences.
1958
Moved to its current 175-acre hilltop campus.
1963
The university library is named the John F. Kennedy Memorial Library.
1968
Established the nation's first Chicano Studies department.
1972
Achieved university status and was renamed California State University, Los Angeles.
1993
Developed the nation's first Charter College of Education.
2016
Cal State LA Downtown satellite campus opened.
2016
Rongxiang Xu College of Health and Human Services named, recognizing the largest gift in university history.
🏛️
79 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

5 notable schools within California State University-Los Angeles

🏫

School of Criminal Justice and Criminalistics

Offering specialized programs in criminal justice and forensic science, including one of the oldest forensic science programs in the nation.

🔬

School of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Food Science

Focuses on health, movement, and wellness sciences.

💉

Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing

A dedicated school for nursing education, named in honor of a former director and professor emerita.

🏫

School of Social Work

Providing comprehensive education for future social work professionals.

🏫

The Television, Film and Media Studies Center

A hub for education and research in the dynamic fields of television, film, and media.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
José A. Gómez
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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