California State University Bakersfield (CSUB) is part of the California State University System. It was opened in 1965 in what was then the largest U.S. metropolitan area without a four year university. It has over 8,000 students and enrolled its largest freshman class ever in 2012. Almost 75% of their faculty hold terminal degrees. Its terrific faculty and small class sizes make it academically competitive with private universities, while it maintains the lower costs of a state university.
Mission/Vision
The mission of CSUB is to offer “excellent undergraduate and graduate programs that advance the intellectual and personal development of its students.” The mission statement goes on to emphasize “student learning…enhanced by a commitment to scholarship, diversity, service, global awareness and life-long learning.” Their vision for excellence ensures that by 2014-2015 they will be the lead campus in academic excellence in the California State University System.
Campus Setting
CSUB has a main campus in Bakersfield and a satellite campus in Antelope Valley. The main campus includes 375 acres in the beautiful San Joaquin Valley. The University has made a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint by becoming a signatory of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. This commitment ensures greener building projects and appliance purchases in the future.
Academics
CSUB is divided into four schools: Arts and Humanities (AH), Business and Public Administration (BPA), Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering (NSME) and Social Sciences and Education (SSE). Interdisciplinary programs and special majors are also options. The school offers degrees to undergraduates, graduates and post-graduates and also has credential programs. The school currently offers over 50 bachelor’s and master’s level degrees.
Athletics
Until 2006, CSUB’s athletic teams, who call themselves the Roadrunners, competed at the Division II level of the NCAA. At that level, they won a number of national championships, including national titles in men’s basketball and soccer, women’s volleyball and softball, and men’s wrestling. In 2006, the school began transitioning to Division I status and they have been a full-fledged Division I competitor since the 2010-2011 athletic season.
Tuition and Financial Aid
In-state undergraduate tuition and fees run just under $7,000 per year, with an additional non-California resident fee of $248 per unit for undergraduates. Potential students work with the financial aid department to calculate a COA (cost of attendance). The COA is a full estimated cost of school attendance, including tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation and other expenses. The COA can help the school determine the level of a student’s financial need and what types of financial aid might be best to apply for.
Accreditation
CSUB is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Their academic programs have various professional accreditations.
Admissions
Both entering freshmen and transfer students must apply between October 1 and November 30 of the year previous to the fall they hope to enter. If students are applying for spring quarter, the admissions deadline is August 1-31 and if they are applying to begin in winter quarter, the deadline is June 1-20 of the previous year. Deadlines are different for graduate admissions. All students must apply through CSUMentor, the website of the California State University website.
For more information, contact:
California State University, Bakersfield
Office of Admissions and Records
Division of Enrollment Management
Student Services Building, 47SA
9001 Stockdale Highway
Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022
Phone: (661) 654-3036
Fax: (661) 654-3389
Email: admissions@csub.edu
http://www.csub.edu/admissions/index.html
