California State University Long Beach

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Master's Colleges and Universities (larger programs)

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Doctoral degree
Calendar System	Semester
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 Long Beach History

California State University, Long Beach was founded in 1949 as a state college and became a university in 1972. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It is the largest campus in the California State University system. It is classed as a Master’s College and University I by the Carnegie Institute.

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California State University Long Beach Academics

The University’s undergraduate offerings are provided through seven academic colleges and schools, with the largest being the College of the Arts (or COTA). Other colleges include Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Liberal Arts, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, and Health & Human Services. The core curriculum is founded in the humanities, with emphasis placed on liberal arts and sciences. Due to continued growth, the University has numerous “impacted majors,” meaning that admission into those programs is competitive and selective. This include all majors in the College of Business Administration and majors in criminal justice, kinesiology, nursing, psychology, and other areas. Students are encouraged to contact the college of interest to learn about requirements for entrance.

California State University, Long Beach has academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are 8 colleges: The College of the Arts, the College of Business Administration, the College of Education, the College of Engineering, the College of Health & Human Services, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and the University College & Extension Service.

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 biochemistry, Chicano & Latino Studies, English, health care administration, journalism, liberal studies, occupational studies, nursing, social work, and women’s studies. The arts, sciences, and humanities are well represented; technical and professional fields are more limited. Minors are also available in many of the above fields. Certificates are offered in different areas of all academic colleges.

p. Graduate programs include master’s level programs in art, dance, business administration, counseling, education, engineering, kinesiology, English, biology, social work, and sports management, among others. A doctoral degree in Engineering and Applied Mathematics is offered jointly with Claremont University. Numerous graduate level certificates are also available.

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California State University Long Beach Unique Programs

The Black Studies program provides students a contemporary and historical perspective of African peoples in the context of culture, art, and history. Focus is not only on the African continent and the United States, but also the Caribbean, South America, and the Pacific Ocean regions. The program offers a Bachelor of Arts track, a minor, and a certification. The Black Studies department is currently planning to introduce a masters degree in the near future.

The Medieval and Renaissance Studies program offers a minor and a certificate in the subject. The program covers the Roman World to the Modern Period and includes studies in comparative literature, English, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and various languages.

The Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department offers degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Engineering Technology, to prepare graduates for careers and leadership in the engineering field. Several options are offered for bachelor degrees, including options in Quality Assurance and Industrial Management.

California State University, Long Beach has an undergraduate Honors Program. Students who seek admission to the Honors Program need to submit an additional application, a personal essay, and a letter of recommendation. Applicants should generally have a high school GPA of 3.3 or higher and a minimum SAT score of 1100. Once admitted to the Honors Program, students will enroll in Honors Courses with limited class sizes.

p. Distance learning programs are offered in some undergraduate and graduate programs, including a master’s of business administration. There are also continuing education courses, and lifelong learning courses for people over the age of 50.

p. The Partners for Success Program provides faculty mentoring for students who are first-generation college students. Students who are interested in this program submit a brief application and statement.

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California State University Long Beach Financial Aid

California residents have a great number of opportunities for financial aid and scholarships at Long Beach. Disadvantaged Californians can automatically qualify for the CSU Scholarship for Future Scholars, a renewable scholarship of $1,000. The All-University academic scholarship is a Presidential offering that provides select California students with up to $35,000 for four years including full tuition and fees, an allowance for books, paid housing, and a paid meal plan. Scholarships are also offered to Californians through the Student Aid Commission. Cal State Long Beach also offers financial aid for students not from California, and such students should consult with the Financial Aid department before making their application, or consult with the particular department they plan to study with.

The registration fee at California State University, Long Beach is $1,260 per semester for the academic year of 2005-2006 for in-state, undergraduate students attending full-time. Students applying from out of state and graduate students have higher costs. Additional fees apply for all students.

p. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. Work-study programs are also available for students with high levels of financial need. Students who seek financial aid will need to fill out the Federal Student Financial Aid Form, available on-line, and may need to fill out other forms for additional scholarship, grant, or loan applications.

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.

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California State University Long Beach Students

Student life is amplified by the operations of Associated Students, Incorporated (ASI), which is a student-run body that governs student activities and also serves as a nonprofit corporations sponsoring numerous activities on- and off-campus. In addition to ASI events and clubs, the College of Arts hosts nearly 350 events each year attracting approximately 150,000 attendees. Residence life is provided by five different living communities, all within walking distance of one another. The Student Union offers bowling, and arcade, a movie theater, and numerous dining options. The Long Beach campus is home to more than 30 fraternities and sororities.

Student life at California State University, Long Beach includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. Students can join sororities, political clubs, cultural clubs, religious clubs, sports and recreational clubs, and special interest groups such as the saxophone club, the gospel choir, the Movimiento Estudiantil de Teatro y Artes, or the Red Cross Association. There are five art galleries and an art museum and a Japanese garden for relaxation and enjoyment.

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California State University Long Beach Traditions

The grandest tradition of Cal State Long Beach is that of the Pyramid that shadows the campus. The bright blue structure is the most recognizable and famous building on campus, and attracts numerous visitors throughout the year, for events and out of simple curiosity.

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California State University Long Beach Local Community

California State University, Long Beach is located in Long Beach, California, south of Los Angeles. The surrounding environment is metropolitan. Near-by attractions include Disneyland. The City of Long Beach has two museums, a symphony orchestra, a professional ice hockey team in the West Coast Hockey League, and numerous opportunities for beach and water-life activities.

Long Beach, California holds the distinction of being the most ethnically diverse metropolitan area in the United States. The area’s population is over 460,000, and includes significant representation from such groups as Hispanics, Filipinos, Cambodians, Vietnamese, Salvadorians, Samoans, and the gay and lesbian community. The Long Beach port is the nation’s second busiest, serving the entire Pacific Ocean. Cultural attractions include the Long Beach Museum of Art, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Festival, Blues Festival, MoLA.com, Fire Dept Museum, and the Bob Marley Reggae Festival. Each year, the largest event is the Long Beach Grand Prix, a Champ Car event. There are also opportunities to see minor-league hockey, summer leagues for the NBA, and a number of professional sailing events.

This site is not sponsored by, affiliated with, nor endorsed by California State University Long Beach