California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Quick Facts
“Vox Veritas Vita (Latin)”("Voice Truth Life" – Speak the truth as a way of life)
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About California State University-Los Angeles
Experience innovation and urban opportunity at Cal State LA, a hub of diversity and discovery.
California State University-Los Angeles, affectionately known as Cal State LA, stands as a vibrant public research institution within the expansive California State University system. Nestled just five miles northeast of Downtown Los Angeles, its 175-acre hilltop campus offers a dynamic urban learning environment. The university is celebrated for its commitment to diversity, proudly recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution and eligible for AANAPISI designation, fostering an inclusive community for its over 22,000 students.
Founded on July 2, 1947, as Los Angeles State College, Cal State LA has a rich history rooted in the former Rancho Rosa Castilla, a site dating back to 1776. Its growth from a college on borrowed campuses to its own dedicated grounds in 1958 reflects the burgeoning educational needs of the post-WWII era, significantly supported by the GI Bill. This commitment to public service and community engagement continues to define the institution's enduring legacy.
Academically, Cal State LA boasts an impressive array of programs, offering 142 bachelor's, 122 master's, and 4 doctoral degrees, alongside 22 teaching credentials. The university is home to the nation's first Charter College of Education, one of the oldest forensic science programs, and established the nation's first Chicano Studies department in 1968. Its unique Early Entrance Program for gifted students as young as 12 is unparalleled in the U.S., showcasing its innovative approach to education. The university's strong academic affiliations and WSCUC accreditation underscore its commitment to excellence.
Students at Cal State LA benefit from a bustling campus environment that mirrors the diverse fabric of Los Angeles itself. From the state-of-the-art Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center to the cultural vibrancy of the Luckman Fine Arts Complex, the university provides rich opportunities for intellectual and personal growth. With a motto of "Vox Veritas Vita" (Voice Truth Life), Cal State LA encourages its Golden Eagles to pursue truth and make a meaningful impact, preparing them for success in a global society.
Key Highlights
- ✦Serves over 22,740 students, with 19,350 undergraduates, making it a significant educational hub in Los Angeles.
- ✦Offers an extensive academic portfolio including 142 bachelor's, 122 master's, and 4 doctoral degree programs.
- ✦Home to the nation's first Charter College of Education and established the first Chicano Studies department in the U.S. in 1968.
- ✦Features one of the nation's oldest forensic science programs and a unique Early Entrance Program for gifted students, the only one of its kind.
- ✦Located on a 175-acre hilltop campus just 5 miles from Downtown Los Angeles, featuring facilities like the Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility and Luckman Fine Arts Complex.
- ✦Designated as a Hispanic-serving institution and eligible for Asian American Native American Pacific Islander serving institution (AANAPISI) status, reflecting its commitment to diversity.
- ✦Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC) since 1954.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
8 notable schools within California State University-Los Angeles
Department of Child and Family Studies
Focuses on the development and well-being of children and families.
Department of Communication Disorders
Dedicated to the study and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders.
Department of Public Health
Advances community health through education, research, and service.
School of Criminal Justice and Criminalistics
Houses one of the oldest forensic science programs in the nation.
School of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Food Science
Explores human movement, diet, and food systems.
Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing
Dedicated in 2018, named for a distinguished former director and professor emerita.
School of Social Work
Prepares students for professional practice in social welfare and human services.
The Television, Film and Media Studies Center
Focuses on the creation and analysis of media content.
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