Established in 1958, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is a public university located in a northern suburb of Los Angeles. It is one of the largest universities in the 23-member California State University system with over 38,000 enrolled students and plays a vital role in the academic and economic prosperity of the state. The university contributes to California’s economy, which is the 5th largest in the world, by supplying the region and state with highly skilled graduates and innovators.
There are over 130 degree programs offered at CSUN, spanning more than 70 subject areas and with over 1000 courses offered each semester.
Overview
About this university
Many programs are ranked among the top of their kind in the country. CSUN performs well in metrics including social mobility, value for money, and graduating women and minorities in STEM fields. CSUN also offers an internationally renowned Intensive English-language Program (IEP) which prepares students for successful university study and effective English communication.
The campus is located just outside of downtown Los Angeles in the heart of the iconic San Fernando Valley. With beautiful sunny weather year-round, it is a warm and pleasant place to live and study. The university is an ideal location from which to explore all the wonders of California and nearby states with just a short drive to some of the most beautiful coastline, mountains and national parks in the US.
The university campus continues to expand and rebuild by modernizing and updating its buildings with the latest equipment and learning technologies. CSUN’s location close to Hollywood and Burbank studios lends itself to be one of the top film, TV and music schools in the country, and the campus is frequently used for movie scenes and television shoots.
CSUN students also benefit from studying in one of the largest employment markets in the world. Students graduate with the skills and knowledge to be successful in today’s dynamic and competitive workplace.
What’s new
CSUN has a swift and effective response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and throughout the past academic year has operated with the safety of its students, faculty and staff as a top priority.
The university has adapted to a remote learning model and has successfully delivered its portfolio of courses to its students without compromising learning outcomes. For Fall 2021, CSUN opened its doors to students and transitioned many classes back to in-person with implemented vaccination access and requirements, weekly testing for those with approved exemptions and continued campus cleaning and safety measures.
More than 50 percent of classes in the Fall 2021 semester have an on-campus component with a blended learning format. Additional general campus services are being offered as students return to campus and will be supported by new and regularly updated safety measures and guidelines.
Finances
How much will it cost?
| Average tuition fees per year | Living costs |
| US$18,970 | US$14,130 | US$17,176 | US$12,648 |
| Undergraduate | Postgraduate | Living costs | To live on campus |
| US$3,450 |
| Vocational |
Eligibility
Entry requirements
The admissions team at CSUN welcomes applications from anyone with the desire to study hard and achieve their academic goals.
Prospective students are encouraged to visit the International Admissions webpage and course-specific pages to familiarize themselves with the admission details as well as any important deadlines or extra submission material needed for the degree program to which they are applying. All applications are completed online.
The minimum English-language proficiency requirement for all international students applying for undergraduate admission is a score of 61 or higher on the TOEFL (6.0 IELTS) assessment system. Graduate English-language proficiency for most programs begins at 79 or higher on the TOEFL (6.5 IELTS) assessment system. For those students who do not meet the required English proficiency level, they can enrol in CSUN’s highly successful Intensive English-language Programs (IEP), which is designed to improve a student’s level of English to meet university study requirements for admission into their desired degree program of choice.
Department and Faculty
Teaching quality
CSUN is one of the most diverse universities in the USA, and its 38,000 students are taught by an equally diverse academic faculty of around 2,000 highly qualified and experienced professors and instructors.
The university’s nine colleges offer 143 baccalaureate degrees and options, more than 100 master’s degrees, 28 credentials in the field of education, and various opportunities in online certificate and degree programs.
The teaching faculty represent countries and cultures from all around the world – many of which have worked and taught overseas. They communicate effectively with students from all backgrounds and share their scholarly and professional insights with enthusiasm.
The teaching faculty hold postgraduate or doctoral qualifications, and around 40 percent are tenured, or on the pathway to attaining a tenure. Many are involved in active research in key areas such as cancer treatments, artificial intelligence, public health, social policy, sustainability and more. Many also have worked in the country’s most influential agencies and organizations and offer valuable insights into the professional world.
Intensive English-language Program (IEP)
CSUN’s Intensive English-language program (IEP) is a preparatory course that prepares international and non-native English-speaking students for successful university study and effective English communication.
The IEP course offers immersive language lessons with small class sizes of around 15-18 students. Classes are taught by experienced and highly qualified faculty staff. The IEP course encourages smooth integration to the American college lifestyle, with a dedicated program of cultural activities and full access to the university campus community.
CSUN offers two options for those wishing to enhance their English-language proficiency:
Intensive English Program
Improves students’ English-language skills for academic study or for personal career goals.
Intensive English Program with Conditional Admission
Through this program, students can be pre-approved for admission to CSUN or a partnering college or university before meeting the English-language proficiency requirements for admission.
International students meeting CSUN’s English-language requirements can also enroll in its study abroad Semester at CSUN program, which offers one and/or two-semester undergraduate credit classes, as well as a six-week accelerated format summer course.
Benefits of the Semester at CSUN course include:
- Study subjects not offered in home countries
- Experience life at an American campus university
- Foster new international perspectives in their field of study
- Complete coursework in the USA and transfer credits to home universities, and towards a degree at CSUN or another American college.
Campus and facilities
Facilities
The CSUN campus is located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley and contains a comprehensive range of facilities for its students to use and enjoy. The university campus continues to expand and rebuild by updating its buildings with the latest equipment, modernizing several key facilities and expanding spaces for both study and recreation.
The main library building stands out as a beacon of inspiration and knowledge in the center of the campus. Home to innovative physical and virtual spaces and course-relevant collections, the CSUN University Library is one of the familiar hubs for learning and academic growth on campus. It provides user-focused services, academic tutoring, computer access, technology support and even a coffee shop for the CSUN community to enjoy.
For the complete CSUN experience, living on-campus is a great way for new students to meet people, while staying within a conveniently short distance from lecture halls and classrooms. The university has accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences, and prospective students are encouraged to apply early to avoid missing out.
The Student Recreation Center is the most popular of CSUN’s facilities. The 138,000-square-foot exercise and fitness facility offers a wide selection of competitive and leisure activities to ensure the health and wellness of its students, staff and faculty. There are swimming pools to do laps and sunbathe, various fitness classes for different levels and a fully-equipped gymnasium. It is a great place to meet like-minded people and feel the school spirit.
The Oasis is a welcoming destination where CSUN students can find serenity and relaxation amid the rush and activity of campus life. It offers nutrition counseling, meditation, massages, acupuncture, nap pods and workshops focused on wellness and managing stress – all intended to promote student academic success.
Student support
The university recognizes the importance of providing top-quality student support services and has a number of dedicated departments to ensure the academic and personal development of its population, both on and off-campus. Services are designed to enhance the university experience and help new and returning students feel at home and supported throughout the duration of their studies.
For extra help in achieving study goals, CSUN provides academic support services, free and confidential counselling, accessibility services for students with disabilities and a career center to assist students in the search for employment during and after their studies.
The University Student Union (USU) is a student-run non-profit organization that acts as the voice of representation for the wider student body with plenty of opportunities to get involved. The USU hosts a lively timetable of services and social events. It is the heart of the CSUN campus, and creates a shared identity and team spirit, inspiring its students (known as ‘Matadors’) to achieve their highest potential and meet their personal and academic aspirations.
