Welcome to California State University, Northridge

Take a look at our campus and learn about CSUN's history, student life, academics and student resources. Rise with us!

Once a Matador, Always a Matador!

Campus Highlights

Welcome to CSUN! This is the best place in Los Angeles to see the stars rise. Get to know more about what CSUN has to offer by scrolling through a virtual journey of our campus. Click the video below to take a virtual campus tour and get a look at what you can expect to find here at CSUN.

CSUN Virtual Campus Tour

What is CSUN Known for?

CSUN has a number of unique opportunities across a number of different disciplines. Whether you're passionate about some of our most popular majors like  Cinema and Television Arts  and  Business , or interested in our unique offerings like  Deaf Studies  and  Chicano Studies , CSUN is focused on providing strong hands on learning opportunities for each of our program options.

With over 60 undergraduate, 70 graduate and 3 doctoral programs and options, CSUN currently services nearly 39,000 enrolled students. As one of the largest CSU's with regard to student population, CSUN is dedicated to providing strong academic opportunities and an abundance of support for the diverse needs for our students. Visit our  CSUN at a Glance  page to find an extensive list of additional information about CSUN's Admissions criteria, how much CSUN costs and much more. In the meantime, here are a few things our fans tend to rave about.

Why choose CSUN?

CSUN is home to an incredibly diverse population of nearly 39,000 students that together build a strong and proud Matador community. Take a brief look below at why some of our students decided to make CSUN their school of choice.

Find out why Anayaset Sandino, a first time freshman and South Los Angeles native, decided that CSUN was her school of choice for pursuing a career in  Speech and Language Pathology. 

Alessa Huerta, a transfer student from the San Fernando Valley, found that CSUN was the perfect place for her to pursue her interests in  Psychology . Find out what inspired her to make the transition to CSUN.

Campus History

Before diving into what our campus currently offers, let's take a look at our historical roots in the San Fernando Valley.

Aerial View of campus begginings 1958

Foundations: 1952-1956

In many ways, Cal State Northridge began like many other Valley institutions: trees were cleared and foundations poured at sites that were once orange, lemon or avocado groves. In 1952, state officials had originally identified Baldwin Hills as the site of a satellite campus for Los Angeles State College (now Cal State Los Angeles). In reaction to the decision, Valley leaders organized to successfully overturn the legislation and to later ensure that a four-year college would be sited in the San Fernando Valley. In 1955, state Assemblyman Judge Julian Beck sent the legislation for approval to purchase land in the north San Fernando Valley for a new satellite campus to Los Angeles State College.

First Graduation at San Fernando Valley State College, June 12, 1959

Becoming CSUN: 1958-1970s

By July of 1958, the Valley campus officially separated from Los Angeles State College and was renamed San Fernando Valley State College. As part of the process of establishing their own campus identity, the Matador was voted on and selected exclusively by students as the campus mascot. The 1958 Sundial editor-in-chief Bob Hilburn wrote in its defense, “The matador is the principal figure of the Spanish bullfight. He is regarded as the champion of his class…and is held in esteem as much as we consider our sport stars…there is an aura of classicism around the matador similar to our great artists of the theater and music.” This interpretation of the Matador is emblematic of the tenacity of our diverse student population to succeed as champions of higher education.

By June 1, 1972, San Fernando Valley State College was officially renamed California State University, Northridge, by action of the Legislature and the Board of Trustees of the California State University.

Reconstruction: 1990's

Since its integration into the CSU system in 1972, CSUN continued to implement new and innovative academic programs. Despite this growth, however, the campus was struck by tragedy on January 17th, 1994 when a devastating 6.7 - magnitude earthquake struck Northridge leaving the campus in ruin. Due to the immense infrastructural damage caused by the quake, students were temporarily required to work out of portable classrooms while staff and faculty utilized tents that served as temporary offices and information centers.

University Library 1994 / University Library 2020

University Library reconstruction following Northridge earthquake

Although the central core of the library was substantially damaged in the earthquake, the campus President at the time, President Wilson prioritized its reconstruction, recognizing the library’s significance as an integral campus structure. The library was restored to service by the fall of 1994, though the east and west wings had to be completely rebuilt and did not regain full service until the fall of 2000. Post-earthquake recovery concluded with the construction of the new Administration Building, University Hall, in 2003.

New Beginnings and Beyond: 2000's-Present

CSUN's commitment to student success, community development and encouragement for innovation are emblematic of the power of higher education. CSUN is an institution driven by supporting educational projects, scholarly research, creative activities and other programmatic initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion, anti-racism and social justice for the benefit of the community.

California State University, Northridge is one of the largest CSU campuses with nearly 39,000 enrolled students. Our nine colleges offer 60 baccalaureate degrees, 41 master's degrees, 28 credentials in the field of education, and various opportunities in extended learning and other special programs. With a student to faculty ratio of roughly 25 students to 1 professor, our focus is on providing hands-on learning experiences to best prepare our students with the practical skills needed for the workforce. Find out more below about what you can expect to find as a future Matador.

Student Life

Now that you've gotten to a bit about our campus roots, find out more about what life as a Matador is like. Learn more about what to expect as a student at CSUN and hear a bit about the resources available for your support. Click the video below to get a glimpse of what a day in the life of a CSUN student is all about.

Life of a CSUN Matador

University Student Union

The  University Student Union (USU)  at California State University, Northridge is a student centered non-profit organization that works to expand the college experience through various programs, services, employment, and involvement opportunities.

The mission of the USU is to foster the achievement of students’ educational goals by facilitating a strong connection between students and their campus community.

We are an engaging and energetic campus program that develops students through inclusive activities, meaningful employment opportunities, leadership experiences and innovative technologies, facilities, and services. Click the video below to get a glimpse at some of the amazing resources available to our students as provided by the USU.

Get to Know the University Student Union at CSUN

University Student Union West Entrance

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Associated Students

 Associated Students (AS)  is the primary advocate for students at California State University, Northridge and provides excellent, meaningful programs and services designed to enhance and create a spirited learning-focused campus environment.

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Matador Involvement Center

With over 300 clubs and organizations to choose from, the  MIC  is the place to learn more about getting involved on campus and meeting people with similar interests. Whether you are a new or returning student, make your mark at CSUN by discovering  clubs and organizations ,  volunteer projects ,  fraternities and sororities , and resources for  leadership development . The MIC is here to support all of our students every step of the way: Get involved, make connections, and start the year off strong.

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Pride Center

The  Pride Center  supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) students, faculty and staff through programming and educational outreach to improve the campus climate for LGBTQIA+ individuals as well as advocate for the respect and safety of all members of the campus community. 

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Dream Center

The  DREAM Center  of the University Student Union at CSUN is a welcoming resource center that provides resources and services to undocumented students, mixed status families, staff, faculty, allies and future undocumented students while fostering a more inclusive campus community. DREAM stands for Dreamers, Resources, Empowerment, Advocacy and Mentorship. You can meet with us by appointment or just walk in to our space at the USU.

We provide resources and services to help empower students so that they can become advocates during their educational trajectory.

We increase knowledge of the ever-changing political climate which affect students in their personal and professional lives.

We believe students thrive and undergo a transformation when they feel supported and empowered in their autonomies to confidently pursue their aspirations and goals.

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Oasis Wellness Center

Your Place to Relax, Revive and Succeed.

 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. 

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Veterans Resource Center

Welcome to the Veterans Resource Center!

Our mission is to assist CSUN students as they transition from military service to academic success. The  VRC  promotes the academic, personal and professional development of student veterans, reservists, members of the National Guard and their dependents through supportive services, resources and community building events.

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International and Exchange Student Center

The  International and Exchange Student Center  (IESC) provides services to  newly admitted  and continuing international  F-1  and  J-1  visa students,  Fulbright  students and participants of the  study abroad program  and  National Student Exchange (NSE) .

The IESC also coordinates cultural and social events that allow our students to share their national heritage and  get involved  with the campus educational community. Additionally, the center provides information for  on- and off-campus resources  and  contacts and tips in times of an emergency .

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Student Recreation Center

Where Matadors Play

The  Student Recreation Center  is a 138,000 square foot facility for exercise and leisure activity that promotes lifelong health and wellness. The eco-friendly facility has got it all — the most up-to-date equipment, a friendly and welcoming staff, and tons of school spirit! Are you ready to play Matadors?

Academics

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Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication

The mission of the  Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication  is to prepare and inspire our diverse and creative students to make a meaningful impact on Los Angeles and the world as artists, scholars, and communicators. We pursue this mission through an engaged staff and faculty who model a creative, scholarly, and collaborative inquiry that is essential to a 21st century education. 

The College of Arts, Media, and Communication is composed of the departments of  Art ,  Communication Studies ,  Cinema and Television Arts ,  Journalism ,  Music , and  Theatre . The College has approximately 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students served by more than 100 full-time and 200 part-time faculty. College facilities include a recital hall, two proscenium theaters, a black box theatre, 130-seat screening room, and the CSUN Art Galleries.

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David Nazarian College of Business and Economics

The  David Nazarian College of Business and Economics  at California State University, Northridge is dedicated to educating the leaders of tomorrow. By offering a challenging curriculum, smaller class sizes, state-of-the-art facilities, and nationally recognized programs, the College offers a truly unique educational experience. Access to prominent alumni and influential business leaders provides students the opportunity to network with and learn from successful individuals.

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Michael D. Eisner College of Education

The  Michael D. Eisner College of Education  is committed to the study of education and the preparation and growth of individuals who pursue careers in teaching and the professional services which enhance human learning and development.

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College of Engineering and Computer Science

The  College of Engineering and Computer Science  seeks to be a recognized center for excellence for baccalaureate and masters education in computer science and in engineering and provides quality education for its diverse student population. The College is also a partner in the professional communities of computer science and engineering and provides an essential link between students' education and professional practice.

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College of Health and Human Development

The  College of Health and Human Development  is here to Enhance, Empower, and Enrich the Human Experience. 

Together, HHD students, faculty, staff, and community improve the quality of life through research, education, and action. Our alumni are in professions that enrich health and well-being, fitness and activity, and living environments for individuals, families, and communities. We are the College of Life.

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College of Humanities

As education becomes ever more focused on professional degrees and vocational training, employers increasingly report that what they seek is not necessarily more specialized degrees but rather people who can think, who can synthesize, who can analyze, and who can apply a broad base of thought to a wide variety of areas.

The  College of Humanities  teaches students to read, write and think. Our graduates are prepared for a 21st-century workforce that advances those who have the power not just to achieve and innovate but to communicate their ideas to an audience beyond their applied field.

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College of Science and Math

The  College of Science and Mathematics  is among the top in the nation in preparing students who go on to earn doctoral degrees in the sciences. Besides playing a critical role in ensuring the region and the nation has a pool of talented scientists capable of assuming leadership roles in industry and education, the College also prepares a number of students to attend medical, dental and pharmacy schools.

The College aspires to the highest standards of excellence in teaching, research, and service to the community. To this end, education is viewed as a fusion of classroom teaching and hands on research that actively engages students.

Departments in the College of Science and Math include:  Biology ,  Chemistry & Biochemistry ,  Geological Sciences ,  Mathematics  and  Physics & Astronomy .

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College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

With the highest number of student enrollments across CSU Northridge, the  College of Social and Behavioral Sciences  is were many turn for answers. We challenge assumptions here. We question here. We strive for better here. We do not only study and create, we contribute and act.

The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences is comprised of ten distinct departments including: Africana Studies ,  Anthropology ,  Criminology and Justice Studies ,  Geography and Environmental Studies ,  History ,  Political Science ,  Psychology ,  Social Work ,  Sociology , and  Urban Studies and Planning . In addition, the College is also home to a number of well-recognized  special programs, centers and institutes .

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Tseng College

The  Tseng College  creates and delivers innovative programs that provide access to CSUN's distinguished scholarship and teaching for midcareer professionals, regional employers, international students and the community.

The college specializes in developing graduate-degree and certificate programs that prepare midcareer adults for advancement in rapidly growing fields, and its international English-language and college-preparation program for foreign students is among the nation's largest.

Campus Resources

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Career Center

The  Career Center  at CSUN offers career exploration and advisement along with job-search strategies to students and eligible alumni. By providing guidance on choosing a major and advice on how to make decisions, set goals and plan, the Career Center helps students advance on their career paths.

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Disability Resources and Educational Services

 Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES)  is guided by the belief that each individual has strengths, abilities and talents. Through student service, training and education programs, DRES furthers the vision of an inclusive society that supports the attainment of academic, professional and personal goals for persons of all abilities.

If you’re a student, please take a look at  Student Services  to learn more about DRES. If you’re a faculty or staff member, review the  Accommodating Students  section, and explore our  Student Access and Accommodation System (SAAS) . To learn more about our department mission and vision, visit  About Us .

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University Counseling Services

At  University Counseling Services , we are here to support you and your mental health and wellness as you pursue your educational goals and academic success. We provide a range of high-quality mental health services including initial evaluations, short-term therapy,  Wellness Workshops , group treatment, psychiatric services, crisis/urgent care services, and case management services. 

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Klotz Student Health Center

 Klotz Student Health Center  physicians are experts in college health and are board certified in family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, gynecology, travel medicine, and sports medicine. Klotz Student Health Center providers also include specialists in physical therapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, optometry, dentistry, and women's health.

Support staff includes an x-ray technician, three laboratory technicians and two pharmacists. Health promotion and education programs are a critical part of the services offered to students that promote wellness and disease prevention in a learning-centered environment and university community.

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NCOD: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

The  National Center on Deafness (NCOD)  provides communication access, leadership opportunities, scholarships and direct communication classes for approximately 150 students who are deaf and hard of hearing each year. Registering with NCOD allows students to receive access services such as interpreting, speech-to-text transcription, note-taking, tutoring, and academic advisement as well as priority registration.

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Learning Resource Center

Housed on the third floor of the University Library, the  Learning Resource Center's  mission is to enable students to improve their academic performance through a variety of learning programs including workshops, one on one and group tutoring, and supplemental instruction classes.

CSUN students who use LRC learning programs will develop and strengthen their: critical thinking skills, study strategies, writing skills and performance in subject matter courses.

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CSUN Campus Store

The  CSUN Campus Store  is bullish on books! We're here to provide the course materials and supplies CSUN students, faculty and staff need. For convenience, you can order course materials online and have them delivered to your home, or pick them up at the Campus Store.

But there's more to the CSUN Campus Store than course materials. We have best sellers, classics, study aids, reference books, test preparation manuals, Apple, PC's, and more. If you don't see it in the store, we'll special order it for you. You can stock up on school supplies, shop for gifts and find the perfect card, all without leaving campus. And we'll outfit the fashionable Matadors with the finest in CSUN apparel and gifts.

Contact Us

Thank you for taking the time to get a glimpse of what you can find at California State University Northridge. While this by no means covers the full extent of what our campus has to offer, we hope that you were able to learn more about what you can expect as a future Matador.

In order to learn more about CSU Northridge, take a look at some of the additional resources available to you:

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For more information please feel free to reach out:

Aerial View of campus begginings 1958

First Graduation at San Fernando Valley State College, June 12, 1959

University Library 1994 / University Library 2020

University Library reconstruction following Northridge earthquake

University Student Union West Entrance