About ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥
Centrally located on a 375-acre site in the southern San Joaquin Valley, California State University, Bakersfield is home to the Roadrunners - moving forward at lightning speed and championing intellectual progress. ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ continuously rises in national rankings for its economic value and commitment to student success. Its students are brilliant and increasingly diverse — with the majority of graduates remaining in the Valley to solve our region's complex challenges.
The university serves more than 9,000 students at either the main campus in Bakersfield or at ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ Antelope Valley, and counts approximately 64,000 alumni from its four schools:
- Arts and Humanities
- Business and Public Administration
- Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering
- Social Sciences and Education
The university offers 57 undergraduate and graduate programs. In addition, ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ Extended Education offers a number of professional development opportunities, certificates and degree programs to the community.
As part of NCAA Division I, the university is home to 16 athletics teams competing in the Big West Conference.
ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ is the only public university within nearly 100 miles. It is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). As a designated Hispanic Serving Institution, the university is committed to diversity, social justice and equity. Many of its students are the first generation in their families to attend college, and they are known as trailblazers achieving new heights of success.
A University on the Rise
ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ places student success and academic excellence at the center of everything we do. The university strives to be a model for supporting and educating students to become knowledgeable, engaged, innovative and ethical leaders in the regional and global community. Through this focus, ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ has been ranked consistently in regional and national publications, such as Washington Monthly, U.S. News and World Report and Business Insider.
Great Value
In today's economy, ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ is an incredible value. You get all the benefits of a private university - like small class sizes, cutting-edge research and outstanding faculty - at a public school cost. Local students receive an excellent education within their own community and graduate ready to succeed anywhere in the world. The university has been ranked as a leading affordable university with a great return on investment by Great Value Colleges and as a "Best Bang for the Buck" school in the Western region by Washington Monthly.
Extraordinary Level of Student-faculty Interaction
At ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥, you won't be just another face in the crowd. You will work closely with highly-qualified and experienced professors in modern classroom and laboratory settings. ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥'s faculty members are respected academic experts, published researchers and engaged community leaders - as well as dedicated educators who genuinely care about their students' success.
Career Opportunities
ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ prepares students to succeed in challenging and rewarding careers in a wide range of fields. Many departments offer internships that give students practical, real-world experience. In addition, the Center for Career Education and Community Engagement offers career counseling, job search help and information about getting involved in the community. Through the Alumni Association, students can partner with alumni mentors to help them reach their career goals. ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ graduates have a high rate of employment, with many going straight into prestigious professions where they utilize their ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ education every day.
Community Engagement
The university collaborates with partners throughout Kern County and Antelope Valley to increase the region's overall educational attainment, enhance residents' quality of life and support economic development. Many faculty and students focus on research that directly transforms our region. In addition, a number of centers and institutes provide resources, training and other engagement opportunities to the community. About 60,000 alumni have graduated from ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥, and the majority of them remain in the region to work and contribute back. Alumni have succeeded in every sector — from education to healthcare to agriculture — fueling Kern County's regional economy and supporting the local community.
Time for Fun, Too!
Student life at ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ is vibrant and `Runner pride is rampant. ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ features a state-of-the-art Student Recreation Center, offers over 100 student organizations and clubs, and hosts NCAA Division I sporting matches, on-campus events and performances. In addition to plenty of dining and entertainment options in the city of Bakersfield, the university is within driving distance to the beach, national parks and amusement parks. At ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥, students make friendships that last a lifetime. It's a world-class experience in the heart of California.
Larger schools in Los Angeles and Fresno seemed too big and intimidating. ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ has the classes I need without the long wait lists that the other schools have. Also, ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ is close to home, and it would have been expensive to move out.Beatriz Pelayo, Liberal Studies major