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
Pioneering urban research university fostering diversity and academic excellence.
California State University-Los Angeles (Cal State LA) stands as a vibrant public research institution in the heart of Los Angeles, renowned for its commitment to innovation, diversity, and profound community impact. As a proud member of the California State University system, Cal State LA distinguishes itself with unique academic offerings, including one of the nation's oldest forensic science programs and a singular Early Entrance Program that allows gifted students as young as 12 to directly transition into college studies.
The university's history is deeply intertwined with the development of Los Angeles itself, rooted in the historic Rancho Rosa Castilla lands. Since its founding in 1947, Cal State LA has evolved significantly, pioneering educational initiatives such as establishing the nation's first Chicano Studies department in 1968 and developing California's first Charter College of Education. This legacy of innovation and adaptation has shaped an institution that consistently responds to the needs of its diverse urban environment.
Academically, Cal State LA offers a robust portfolio featuring 142 bachelor's, 122 master's, and 4 doctoral degree programs, complemented by 22 teaching credentials. Serving a diverse student body of 22,740, it is designated as a Hispanic-serving institution and is eligible for AANAPISI status, reflecting its inclusive environment. Students benefit from a dynamic campus life on 175 acres, just five miles from Downtown Los Angeles, where the university's motto, "Vox Veritas Vita" (Voice Truth Life – Speak the truth as a way of life), inspires a pursuit of knowledge and meaningful engagement.
Key Highlights
- ✦Home to one of the nation's oldest and most respected forensic science programs.
- ✦Features the unique Early Entrance Program, the only one in the U.S. allowing direct college transition for gifted students as young as 12.
- ✦Pioneered diversity in higher education by establishing the nation's first Chicano Studies department in 1968.
- ✦Offers a comprehensive academic catalog including 142 bachelor's, 122 master's, and 4 doctoral degrees.
- ✦A vibrant public research university serving 22,740 students on a 175-acre campus in Los Angeles.
- ✦Developed California's first Charter College of Education, setting a precedent for educational innovation.
- ✦Supported by an endowment of $0.1 billion, enhancing resources and student opportunities.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
5 notable schools within California State University-Los Angeles
School of Criminal Justice and Criminalistics
Focusing on the study and practice of criminal justice and forensic science.
School of Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Food Science
Dedicated to the science of human movement, diet, and food systems.
Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing
Offering comprehensive programs in nursing education and practice.
School of Social Work
Preparing students for careers in social service and community advocacy.
The Television, Film and Media Studies Center
A center for education and research in media production and theory.
Find Scholarships at California State University-Los Angeles
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search