- Is CSUB a public or private university?
CSUB is a public university. This means that anyone who qualifies can attend, and we do receive direct funding from the government.
- How many majors are there?
There are over 30 majors in four different undergraduate schools and colleges. bachelor's degrees in liberal arts or science or both. A school gives instruction in a specialized field and usually grants a degree particular to its field. A university encompasses the entire institution, includes several schools and colleges, and grants bachelor's degrees, as well as master's degrees and sometimes, doctoral degrees. Our four schools include: Humanities and Social Science; Business and Public Administration; Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering; and Education.
- What type of university is CSUB?
CSUB is a comprehensive public university.
- What is CSUB known for?
We are known for our excellence in the strength of our undergraduate and graduate academic programs and the interaction between our faculty and students. Our average 18:1 student-faculty ratio affords our students almost unparalleled access to their instructors. The variety of academic and co-curricular choices, our long-standing reputation for innovation, and our campus diversity are also characteristics of which we are proud.
- Is CSUB a religious or church-related university?
No.
- How big is the campus?
California State University, Bakersfield is located on a 375-acre site in metropolitan Bakersfield, which is at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley. The university is comprised of 30 buildings, providing classroom, laboratory, administrative and technical support facilities. A new 54,000 square foot Math and Science building currently is under construction. A 75,000 square foot student recreation center will break ground in the spring of 2007, and new student housing is not far behind.
- How old is CSUB?
We are a young campus. California State University, Bakersfield was founded in 1965 and has been offering classes since 1970. Comparatively, Harvard University is more than 350 years old, and UC Berkeley is almost 150 years old.
- Is CSUB accredited?
CSUB is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Many of our academic programs also have additional accreditation by appropriate professional organizations as well.
- Who is the President of CSUB?
Dr. Horace Mitchell became the fourth President of California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) in July 2004 after thirty-six years of experience in higher education. For more information, please visit the President's website.
- How many students go to CSUB and where are they from?
The CSUB campus has about 7,755 undergraduate and graduate students on two campuses - the main campus in Bakersfield and our satellite campus at the Antelope Valley Center. The majority of students attending CSUB are from California, the rest are from other states and other countries.
- What is the ethnic breakdown of the student body?
49.5% of our undergraduates and graduates are from ethnic and racially under-represented American minorities. 40.5% are white/caucasian, and 2% are from other countries. (Ten percent did not state ethnicity.)
African-American 7%
Asian/Pacific Islander 6.2%
Hispanic 27.3%
Other Latino 5.3%
Native American 1.8%
White/Caucasian 40.5%
International 2%
Unknown 10%
- What's there to do on campus for fun?
Intramural sports are extremely popular on campus and offer a large variety of sports which include flag football, basketball, softball and more. On-going student events are hosted by the student government (Associated Students, Inc.), student clubs, Greek organizations, and other campus entities. The Student Union building provides a place for students to hang out and congregate. In fall 2008, the doors will open to the new Student Recreation Center where students will be able to engage in fitness and wellness. Also, support the now Division I, Roadrunner athletics by attending the home games. Looking for restaurants, a movie, or shops? CSUB is surrounded restaurants and shopping centers.
- Are students able to get housing?
Yes. Housing is available, but the dorms fill up fast. As more first-time freshmen make CSUB their campus of choice, we are transitioning from a commuter campus to a residential campus. Currently, we can house 336 students on campus.
- What kind of housing is available? Is there a freshman dorm?
In addition to the dorms on campus, there are numerous apartment complexes near the campus. There is no freshman dorm.
- What are the residence halls like? Which one is the best?
One of the great things about the residence halls is the variety of sizes and themes. There is no best residence hall - it depends on where your interests lie. If a student wants to live in a big or small hall, one with a theme or one without, we have them all.
- Do residence halls have Internet access?
All of the residence halls have direct broadband access to the Internet.
- Do I need a computer?
You probably will want a computer; however, if you do not have one, CSUB does have many computer laboratories on campus where you can go to use a computer, printer, or access the internet. A number of computers are available in the Walter Stiern Library on the main floor and also in the lower level computer labs.
- Will I have a roommate? How are roommates matched?
Almost all freshmen will be assigned roommates. This matching is done using the information the incoming student provides during the summer. It's very important to fill out this housing information card accurately and honestly. Entering students can indicate a preference of roommate.
- Do you have sororities and fraternities? How big is the Greek System? What role do social fraternities and sororities play at CSUB?
Currently, CSUB has five recognized sororities and five recognized fraternities. These Greek organizations provide students with great companionships and ways to give back to the community through philanthropy and community service.
- Should I bring a car to campus?
Most students agree that a car makes it easy to get around. Bakersfield, like most cities in California, is quite spread out. City buses regularly leave campus, so it is up to the student to decide if the responsibility of having a car on campus is worth the convenience.
- How's the parking on campus? How many students have cars?
Any student can have a car on campus. Cars must be registered and have a parking permit which costs per quarter. Parking is available around campus.
- How safe is campus?
Campus is very safe, but you still need to pay attention to what's going on around you. The CSUB has an excellent safety record and is very proactive in making campus as safe as possible. Our Police Department is a trained police force that patrols campus 24 hours a day. There are also approximately 40 emergency phones around campus connecting you immediately to Public Safety.
- Is there an escort service?
University Police will provide an escort for anyone who requests it.
- What is the alcohol policy? Do students drink on campus? Is there an alcohol problem on campus? Is CSUB a "dry" campus?
Here's the basic policy. State law stipulates that only persons 21 and older may possess and consume alcohol. It is the student's responsibility to comply with the law. Possession and consumption of alcohol on campus is permitted in several areas designated for events and gatherings. The University has several programs to educate students and provide alternatives to alcohol.
- What is Bakersfield like?
Bakersfield is the 13th largest city in California. The population is close to 247,000. Bakersfield has many of the advantages of a large city: lots of restaurants, several shopping malls, movie theaters, a symphony, museums and recreational activities. But it is small enough so you won't get overwhelmed. It is a great place to learn about community.
- What about outside of Bakersfield?
Bakersfield has the good fortune to be located in a position to take advantage of all that Central California has to offer. We are 90 minutes from the beach heading south to Los Angeles, and 2 hours from the beach heading west to Pismo.
- What types of sports does CSUB have?
Fall sports include: cross-country, men's and women's soccer, and women's volleyball. Winter sports include: men's and women's basketball, men's and women's swimming, and wrestling. Spring sports include: men's and women's tennis, track and field, women's water polo, softball, and men's golf. Women's golf will be added in the next year.
- Are athletics scholarships offered?
Yes. Please contact our athletics department for specific information.
- How many majors are there?
There are over 30 majors in four different undergraduate schools and colleges. Students may enroll in classes offered at any of the University's undergraduate schools or colleges - a Psychology student can take Business classes, or a Chemistry student can take Religious Studies classes.
- What are the largest/most popular majors?
The most popular majors for undergraduates are business administration, criminal justice, sociology, and nursing.
- What's the student/faculty ratio?
The student/faculty ratio is 18:1.
- How many faculty members are there and what are their qualifications?
CSUB has 104 full professors, 54 associate professors, 76 assistant professors, 233 lecturers, 11 librarians, 27 coaching staff, and 4 counselors. More than 90% of our tenured professors have terminal degrees in their fields of study.
- Are classes taught by professors or graduate students?
Classes are taught by professors. Graduate assistants are available and provide tutoring or other supplemental course related instruction.
- What kind of advising program is available?
All faculty members serve as advisers. Students are assigned an advisor within their chosen major, or consult with counselors in the Advising center. Programs such as the Educational Opportunity Program also have advisors to help students.
- When can students take classes in their major?
Students may start taking classes in their major as early as freshman year. Some majors prefer that students complete general education requirements prior to beginning coursework in their majors.
