California State University-Fullerton

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Master's Colleges and Universities (larger programs)

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Doctoral degree
Calendar System	Semester
Years of college work required	N/A
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification

California State University-Fullerton History

California State University, Fullerton was founded in 1959 as a state college and became a University in 1972. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Its mission statement says in part, “Through experiences in and out of the classroom, students develop the habit of intellectual inquiry, prepare for challenging professions, strengthen relationships to their communities and contribute productively to society.” It is classed as a Master’s College and University I by the Carnegie Institute.

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California State University-Fullerton Academics

Fullerton offers 105 degree programs, the majority of them being in the arts disciplines. In addition, the University offers a number of credential and certificate programs. Cal State Fullerton has received numerous recognitions and high rankings, including a Top 10 regional ranking in U.S. News & World Report, a ranking of 6th nationwide for degrees awarded to minority students, a ranking of 5th among the nation’s top 100 colleges for Hispanic undergraduates, and notoriety as one of the “Most Highly Recommended Undergraduate Programs” by The Performing Arts Major’s College Guide. The University includes eight colleges and schools. Fullerton employs 1,900 full-time and part-time faculty, making the student-to-faculty ratio approximately 18-to-1.

California State University, Fullerton has academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are 8 colleges: the College of Art, the College of Business and Economics, the College of Communications, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the College of Humanities & Social Sciences, and the College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics.

p. Bachelor’s degrees are offered in a variety of fields within the various academic colleges. Degrees at the bachelor’s level can be received in such areas as American Studies, business administration, comparative literature, dance, engineering, health science, international business, nursing, philosophy, theatre arts, and women’s studies. Traditional fields in the sciences, humanities, and liberal arts are available majors. Minors are available in many of the offered majors, and also in sub-specialties such as advertising, Asian studies, gerontology, international politics, and Portuguese.

p. Graduate programs are offered in many areas. These include master’s level programs in accountancy, civil engineering, counseling, education, history, linguistics, public health, theatre arts, and various sciences and languages. Programs in instructional design and technology, in software engineering, and in information technology are offered entirely on-line. A joint doctoral degree is offered in education with the University of California, Irvine.

p. There are also credential and certificate programs offered.

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California State University-Fullerton Unique Programs

Cal State Fullerton is home to the Fullerton Arboretum, a project in collaboration with the local community. It sits at the campus’ northeast corner and provides acres of beautifully foliage. Also on the site is Heritage House, a 110 year-old estate relocated to the Arboretum’s campus in 1972 and classified as a historical museum.

The Comparative Religion program offers a B.A. in Religious Studies and minors in Religious Studies, Christian Studies, and Jewish Studies. The intent of the program is to examine the history of mankind in the context of our different and universal religious beliefs for a better understanding of man’s spirituality. Religion is approached with academic objectivity, and studies include interdisciplinary coursework from the arts, sciences, and other fields. Students who desire a strong background in humanities or plan to continue on to graduate studies in religion should pursue the Comparative Religion program.

Cal State Fullerton offers numerous courses for working adults; most of the master’s degree programs have courses scheduled for the late afternoon and evening. The Extended Education programs have courses for children, teens, and seniors, as well as more traditional continuing education programs for career development.

p. There is also an undergraduate Honors program, which offers small seminar-style courses, priority registration, and close relationship with faculty, among other benefits. Applicants must complete a special application, provide two letters of reference, and have a 3.5 GPA in high school.

p. Another of the other unique opportunities available at California State University, Fullerton is the Desert Studies Center, located in the Mojave Desert. Here individuals can do research on the desert environment, or take special extended education courses. The university also owns and operates the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary near the Cleveland National Forest.

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California State University-Fullerton Financial Aid

Cal State Fullerton, like many California institutions recently, is dealing with budget cuts and shortfalls as a result of the improving California economy. The Fullerton website observes that these struggles may result in higher-than-normal tuition costs for students, making financial aid so much more important. The University offers a number of unique scholarship opportunities for students in general, including scholarships for student governors, community service in the health sciences, promoting peace and international understanding, and students who are entering their final year of study and have demonstrated outstanding academic aptitude.

Fees at California State University, Fullerton were $2,516 for the 2003-2004 academic year for in-state, undergraduate students attending full-time. Students applying from out of state and graduate students have higher costs.

p. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. Work-study programs are also available for some students. Students who seek financial aid will need to fill out the Federal Student Financial Aid Form, available on-line.

p. Graduate students may also receive financial aid in the form of teaching or research assistantships, including a stipend and a waiver of some or all of the tuition and other fees. Graduate students should consult with their individual department about what sort of assistantships or fellowships are available and about the details of the application process.

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California State University-Fullerton Students

Cal State Fullerton formally opened its first residence halls in 1988, offering 396 spaces for on-campus students to reside. In 2002, the University consecutively opened five new residence spaces offering 400 single occupancy bedroom suites to increase the number of resident students on its campus. Most of the suites have three or four bedrooms, giving students the opportunity to interact with their peers regularly while also maintaining their privacy. Entertainment options abound, with the College of the Arts delivering numerous performances each semester, and the student-run Associated Student Productions and The Pub providing additional venues for entertainment. The New Student Programs office coordinates on-campus activities to excite and engage freshman and transfer students on the Fullerton campus.

Student life at California State University, Fullerton includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. There are Greek organizations, a newspaper, recreational sports, and numerous clubs and associations of political, special interest, academic, cultural, religious, and other types.

p. A new performing arts center will open in 2006. Theatre and dance performances are available throughout the year at other theaters on-campus. There is also an arboretum.

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California State University-Fullerton Traditions

The Cal State Fullerton mascot is the elephant, even though the Fullerton team name is the Titans. “Tuffy Titan,” the original name for the elephant, was first introduced in the 1960s during the “First Intercollegiate Elephant Race in Human History.” The event attracted 10,000 visitors and 15 elephants, as well as a great deal of press coverage.

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California State University-Fullerton Local Community

Fullerton is conveniently located just 20 miles outside of metropolitan Los Angeles and in the popular Orange County area. The city’s population is nearly 135,000, with a nearly even mix of white and Hispanic citizens. With an average temperature of 62 degrees, Fullerton is perfect for outdoor recreation. The city offers 45 city parks, making it easy to find an outlet for the active visitor.

California State University, Fullerton is located in Fullerton, California, in Orange County. The surrounding environment is urban, as part of the greater metropolitan Los Angeles area.

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