California State University-Sacramento (CSUS, Sacramento State) History and Academics

History

Also known as “Sacramento State,” CSUS was founded in 1947 when the nation had a great need for excellent higher education, given the severity of the second World War. The permanent location was adopted along the American River in 1953. And in 1972 the University was renamed California State University, Sacramento.

California State University, Sacramento was founded 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 that the university, “is dedicated to the life-altering potential of learning that balances a liberal arts education with depth of knowledge in a discipline.” It is classed as a Master’s College and University I by the Carnegie Institute.

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Information Summary

Ranks 62nd in California and 891st overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	81.8
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$26,454
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	22 / 1130
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	32 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	81% / 60%
Enrollment Total (all students)	31,902

Academics

Cal State Sacramento offers 60 undergraduate degree programs through eight different Colleges. In the 2003-2004 school year, the University conferred over 4,500 bachelor’s degrees. The largest academic focus is on teach education, with business, criminal justice, communications, psychology, and computer science following respectively. The majority of classes boast a size of fewer than 30 students, and the University overall has a student-to-teach ratio of 21 to 1. CSUS emphasizes career preparation and offers students and graduates career placement services.

California State University, Sacramento has academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are 8 colleges: the College of Arts & Letters, the College of Business Administration, the College of Continuing Education, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the College of Health & Human Services, the College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, and the College of Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Studies.

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 anthropology, Asian studies, dance, engineering, French, graphic design, music, nursing, philosophy, photography, recreation administration, social work, speech pathology and audiology, and vocational education. Miners are available in many of the same subjects, and also in more specialized areas such as astronomy, California studies, education, film studies, various foreign languages, marketing, peace and conflict resolution, and real estate land-use affairs.

Graduate programs are offered in approximately 40 fields, some with multiple options or specializations. These include master’s level programs in anthropology, biological sciences, business administration, counseling, English, government, marine sciences, mechanical engineering, public policy and administration, software engineering, and theatre. A Ph.D. program is offered jointly with the University of California Santa Barbara in public history.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Unique Programs

The Center for Collaborative Policy serves individuals and organizations with state, regional, or local disputes. It is located just a few miles from the State Capital building, making it easily accessible. Particular disputes with which the Center deals may be between two individuals, multiple parties, or more complicated policy issues. The Center focuses on mediation and consensus-building to aid resolution.

The Julia Morgan House and Gardens is recognized by the National Register of Historic places and has been recently renovated and honored by the California Heritage Council.

One of the unique programs at Sacramento State University is the College Assistance Migrant Program, which assist students from migrant and seasonal farm worker backgrounds. The program offers help with applying to college, finding housing and roommates, registering for classes, obtaining tutors, receiving financial assistance, and other important needs.

p. Students who participate in the Educational Opportunity Program can become part of a learning community, which is a small group of freshman students and faculty. Learning communities are also available for other students.

Some programs offer evening and weekend degree courses, and online courses at are also offered.

Admissions

As a member of the California State University system, CSU Sacramento utilizes an eligibility index to determine an applicant’s eligibility for admission. The index combines high school grade point average with performance on either the ACT or the SAT exam. The grade point average is based on an applicant’s last three years of high school, and applicants receive bonus points toward their eligibility index for each C or better in approved honors courses (for as many as eight semesters of honors courses in the last two years of high school). California State University campuses also require completion of particular subjects in the high school curriculum, including two years each of history/social science, laboratory science, and language; three years of mathematics; four years of English; and one year each of visual performing arts and college preparatory electives. The overwhelming majority of students at CSUS are from the top third of their high school graduating class. There are also hundreds of international students from 80 different countries.

California State University, Sacramento has an open undergraduate admission deadline. Applications may be accepted through the summer prior to the fall semester; student should check with the university to see if applications are still being accepted for the period in which they wish to enroll. The application fee is $55. Applications can be submitted on-line. Students who are enrolled in high school at the time of application will need to have their official final high school transcripts sent after graduation to the Admissions Office.

As part of their application, students should submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT test scores. To be admitted, students will need to satisfy the California Sate requirements: 4 units of English, 3 units of mathematics, 2 units of history and social studies, 2 units of science, 2 units of a foreign language, 1 year of visual or performing arts, and 1 year of electives. Students must have a GPA of 2.0 or better in these courses. Eligibility for admission is determined by a combination of test scores and GPA.

Transfer students and international students will have varying requirements depending upon their prior educational background.

Students applying to the graduate programs at California State University, Sacramento should consult the individual department and/or school to which they are applying. Applications can be submitted on-line, and the application fee is $55. General requirements include the GRE or other appropriate test scores (such as the GMAT) and a bachelor’s degree. The graduate application deadline varies with the program; most deadlines are in April for the fall semester, but some programs are earlier.

Financial Aid

Financial aid at the California State University, Sacramento falls into the four standard categories of aid: grants, scholarships, loans, and federal work study opportunities. Often, an aid package will consist of multiple categories and is based on the particular applicant’s specific needs. The kinds of aid an applicant will receive depends on fund availability, the applicant’s eligibility, how quickly and efficiently an applicant completes the materials, and the applicant’s high school year. CSUS financial aid officials encourage students to apply via the FAFSA as soon as possible.

Registration and fees at California State University, Sacramento are $1,536 for the fall 2005 semester for in-state, undergraduate students attending full-time. Students applying from out of state and graduate students have higher costs.

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. Additional forms may be needed for grants, loans, and scholarships.

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.

Student Financial Aid Details

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Students

Student life at California State University, Sacramento includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. Student organizations include cultural organizations, departmental and professional organizations, religious organizations, fraternities and sororities, sports organizations, and special interest organizations such as Campus Peace Action and the Intelligent Design and Evolution Awareness group. Students can take part in intramural sports, including use of the weight room, a gym, and a pool. Students can also write for the student newspaper.

The Cal State campus at Sacramento lies on 300 wooded acres within walking distance of the capitol building. There are over 200 student organizations and clubs, including 35 fraternities and sororities, an extensive intramural program, and water sports. The University regularly hosts musically and theatrical performances on campus. There are four art galleries on campus, and the University is also host to the annual Festival of New American Music. There are several University- and student-funded programs including UNIQUE and the Multi-Cultural Center that host lectures, performances, and other special programs. While campus housing is available, most students live off-campus in nearby apartments or other housing. There is also a student health center offering reduced cost prescriptions and child care.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The CSUS Hornets compete in Division I of the NCAA, in the Big Sky Conference, including teams from other western states. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis, and track and field. Women’s sports include basketball, cross country, golf, gymnastics, rowing, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. The football team competes in Division 1-AA. The baseball and softball teams compete in the Big West Conference. The men’s soccer team belongs to the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. Sacramento State claims four national championships: softball in 1981, women’s golf in 1981, and women’s volleyball in 1980 and 1981. Within their current conference affiliations, CSUS claims 19 conference championships in the Big Sky Conference, four championships in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation, and two championships in the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association. In the 2004-2005 year, CSUS women placed first in their conference in tennis and gymnastics and second in volleyball and softball. The highest ranking men’s clubs (within their conference) were the tennis and soccer teams.

California State University, Sacramento is an NCAA Division I School. Most teams compete in the Big Sky Conference, while some compete in other conferences or are independent. The football team competes at the Division I-AA level. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, track & field, football, golf, soccer, and tennis. Women’s sports include basketball, cross country, track & field, golf, gymnastics, open, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. The sports teams are supported by a spirit squad, which includes a dance team, a cheer squad, and a marching band. The team nick-name is the Hornets.

Athletic facilities at California State University, Sacramento include a baseball field, a soccer field, a track, a softball field, a golf range, a field house, and a stadium.

Among the championships and awards that California State University, Sacramento has received are 4 national championships, 8 national runner-up finishes, 19 Big Sky Conference championships, 4 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championships, and 2 Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association championships.

Local Community

California State University, Sacramento is located in Sacramento, California, the state capital. The campus itself is located on the banks of the American River. Sacramento is home to various museums, including the California Railroad Museum. The Sierra Nevada is just a short drive away, and the Pacific Ocean can be reached in about two hours.

Sacramento is one of the most historic areas of the State of California. The rivers and outdoor recreation facilities compliment the mild climate and enjoyable weather year-round. It is also known for its affordable living. Sacramento is part of California’s Northern region, home to 2 million people. It is within a short drive of the California wine country, San Francisco, and Tahoe. Sacramento is also home to many attractions, including art museums, sports teams, and music festivals.

California State University-Sacramento