California Lutheran University crest

California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, United States Founded 1959

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

English Name: California Lutheran University
Acronyms: CLU, CLU/Cal Lutheran
Founded: 1959
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Lutheran
Motto: Love of Christ, Truth and Freedom
Colours: Violet and gold
California Lutheran University institutional building
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Established in 1959, the California Lutheran University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Thousand Oaks (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), California.

Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, California Lutheran University (CLU/Cal Lutheran) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Lutheran religion. California Lutheran University (CLU/Cal Lutheran) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 65-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

CLU/Cal Lutheran also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

California Lutheran University's street address and primary contact methods. Social channels often differentiate by purpose — admissions on one, alumni on another, events on a third.

Address: 60 West Olsen Road
Postal Code: 91360-2787
Map:
Phone: +1 (805) 492 2411
Fax: +1 (805) 493 3114
Social Media:

Academic Details

California Lutheran University's key academic numbers — student body size, faculty composition, and accreditation context. Numbers reflect the most recent figures published by the institution and recognised bodies.

Recognition: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Total Students: 2,296
Student Enrollment: 3
Academic Staff Range: 100-199
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Below is the academic-unit breakdown for California Lutheran University. Inter-faculty credit transfer rules vary; check whether modules outside your home faculty count toward your degree before enrolling.

Unit 3 items
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • School of Business
  • School of Education

Programs Offered

California Lutheran University's programme finder filters by name across all degree levels. Departmental admissions criteria sometimes differ from institutional minimums — verify against the programme page before relying on either.

76 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 42 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Engineering
General Engineering
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
Communication Studies

Showing 10 of 42.

Master's Degree 22 programmes

Master's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Master's Degree in Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer Sciences
Master's Degree in Computer Science
Computer Sciences
Master's Degree in Economics
Economics
Master's Degree in Education, General
Education & Teaching
Master's Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Master's Degree in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
Entrepreneurship
Master's Degree in Finance and Financial Management Services
Finance, Banking & Insurance
Master's Degree in Human Resources Management and Services
Human Resource Management

Showing 10 of 22.

Doctorate 2 programmes

Doctorate in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership

Professional Doctorate 2 programmes

Professional Doctorate in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Professional Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership

Postgraduate Certificate 8 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Finance and Financial Management Services
Finance, Banking & Insurance
Postgraduate Certificate in Human Resources Management and Services
Human Resource Management
Postgraduate Certificate in International Business
International Business
Postgraduate Certificate in Management Information Systems and Services
IT Management
Postgraduate Certificate in Marketing
Advertising & Digital Marketing
Postgraduate Certificate in Theological and Ministerial Studies
Religious Studies

How to apply to California Lutheran University

Step-by-step guidance for applying to California Lutheran University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at California Lutheran University

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. California Lutheran University runs 76 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Before applying to California Lutheran University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with California Lutheran University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.callutheran.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (805) 492 2411. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about California Lutheran University

Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting California Lutheran University as a study destination.

When did California Lutheran University open?

California Lutheran University traces its founding to 1959 (approximately 67 years ago).

What city is California Lutheran University in?

California Lutheran University operates from Thousand Oaks, United States.

Is California Lutheran University a public or private institution?

California Lutheran University operates as a private institution.

How big is California Lutheran University's student body?

California Lutheran University serves approximately 3,000-3,999 students.

What is California Lutheran University's religious tradition?

California Lutheran University is associated with Christian-Lutheran.

What is California Lutheran University's academic structure?

The institution comprises 3 academic units.

Is California Lutheran University officially recognised?

Yes, California Lutheran University is recognised by WASC Senior College and University Commission.

How do I find California Lutheran University online?

California Lutheran University's official website is www.callutheran.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

When shortlisting in the United States, students often start with the top-ranked institutions. Below are the national leaders worth comparing against California Lutheran University, helpful for calibrating where California Lutheran University sits in the broader landscape.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Joint conference hosting among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) members brings academic communities together. Students at California Lutheran University and the institutions below often share access to these network-level events.

Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Lutheran

The institutions below share California Lutheran University's Christian-Lutheran tradition and operate with comparable spiritual frameworks. Spiritual frameworks shape institutional decisions on student life, curriculum, and community engagement.

Faculties at nearby universities

Alumni networks within a region often outlast individual institutional choice. Universities near California Lutheran University share post-grad employer connections that benefit students from any of them.

Where Else to Study Clinical Psychology

Industry advisory boards on Clinical Psychology programmes signal employer engagement and curriculum currency. Check whether each the United States alternative to California Lutheran University publishes its industry partners.

Universities Compared with California Lutheran University

Yield rates (proportion of admitted students who enroll) cluster among peer institutions. High-yield universities signal strong applicant preference compared to peers at the same selectivity level.

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