California State University, Bakersfield brand mark

California State University, Bakersfield

Bakersfield, United States • Founded 1965 • World Rank #1926

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Acronyms: CSU Bakersfield
Founded: 1965
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #1926
Rank in United States: #255
Motto: Inspiring Excellence, Transforming Lives
Colours: Royal blue and gold
Mascot: Rowdy the Roadrunner
California State University, Bakersfield brand mark

Established in 1965, the California State University, Bakersfield is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Bakersfield (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), California.

Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, California State University, Bakersfield (CSU Bakersfield) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. California State University, Bakersfield (CSU Bakersfield) 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 59-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.

CSU Bakersfield 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 State University, Bakersfield's physical location and the contact details prospective students typically need before applying or visiting. Channels listed below come from the institution's published profile.

Address: 9001 Stockdale Highway
Postal Code: 93311-1099
Phone: +1 (661) 654 2782
Fax: +1 (661) 654 6950
Social Media:

Academic Details

The numbers behind California State University, Bakersfield: student body, academic staff, and the recognising bodies validating its work. A baseline read for assessing institutional capacity and rigour.

Recognition: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Total Students: 8,577
Student Enrollment: 10
Academic Staff Range: 600-699
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
California State University System (CSU) American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

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

Unit 4 items
  • School of Arts and Humanities
  • School of Business and Public Administration
  • School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering
  • School of Social Sciences and Education

Programs Offered

California State University, Bakersfield's programmes, with filter and level-based grouping. The combination of search and tier view makes shortlisting faster across large catalogues.

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

Bachelor's Degree 43 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Business and Management
Agriculture
Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering

Showing 10 of 43.

Master's Degree 20 programmes

Master's Degree in Anthropology
Social & Cultural Studies
Master's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
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 Education, General
Education & Teaching
Master's Degree in English Language and Literature, General
English Language Studies
Master's Degree in Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
Earth Sciences & Geology
Master's Degree in Health and Medical Administrative Services
Healthcare Administration
Master's Degree in History
History
Master's Degree in Mathematics
Mathematics

Showing 10 of 20.

Doctorate 1 programme

Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership

Postgraduate Certificate 2 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Computer Science
Computer Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing

How to apply to California State University, Bakersfield

How to apply to California State University, Bakersfield — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Use the programme finder to browse California State University, Bakersfield's 66 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Programme-level requirements at California State University, Bakersfield typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    California State University, Bakersfield processes applications through www.csub.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (661) 654 2782. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about California State University, Bakersfield

Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about California State University, Bakersfield, drawn directly from institutional records.

When did California State University, Bakersfield open?

California State University, Bakersfield traces its founding to 1965 (approximately 61 years ago).

What city is California State University, Bakersfield in?

California State University, Bakersfield operates from Bakersfield, United States.

Is California State University, Bakersfield a public or private institution?

It is a public higher-education institution.

How big is California State University, Bakersfield's student body?

California State University, Bakersfield serves approximately 10,000-14,999 students.

How is California State University, Bakersfield ranked?

It ranks #1926 globally and #255 in United States.

How is California State University, Bakersfield organised academically?

California State University, Bakersfield is organised into 4 academic units across its disciplines.

Is California State University, Bakersfield accredited?

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

How do I find California State University, Bakersfield online?

The institution's website is www.csub.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

A quick benchmark: here are the top-ranked universities in the United States. Useful for understanding how California State University, Bakersfield compares against the national reference points in higher education, and what alternatives exist if reach institutions are part of your strategy.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Membership in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) signals a shared commitment to academic quality and cross-institutional exchange. These other members of the same network sit alongside California State University, Bakersfield in that ecosystem, and may offer mobility benefits or programme partnerships.

Faculties at nearby universities

Climate and seasonal factors apply consistently across universities near California State University, Bakersfield, but campus altitude or coastline exposure can shift the experience meaningfully even within a cluster.

Where Else to Study Social & Cultural Studies

Cohort diversity (gender, nationality, prior experience) shapes the Social & Cultural Studies classroom experience. Some the United States programmes publish demographic data; others do not, but the question is worth asking.

Universities Compared with California State University, Bakersfield

Below: institutions that students typically weigh against California State University, Bakersfield when finalising their shortlist. The comparison set reflects scale and prestige; specific programme fit still needs separate verification.

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