California State University Chico
Chico State: Transformative Education, Unforgettable Experience.
📍 Chico, United States 🇺🇸
🏆 #101 in United States
Quick Facts about California State University Chico
- Founded: 1887
- Type: Public
About California State University Chico
Academics
CSU Chico offers over 300 undergraduate majors and minors, 35 master's degree programs, and various professional certifications across seven colleges. The university is particularly recognized for its programs in business, engineering, nursing, and environmental science. Faculty are dedicated to active learning, encouraging discussion, collaboration, and project-based learning to connect classroom lessons with real-world applications. CSU Chico has consistently been ranked as a top public university in the West by U.S. News & World Report.
International Students
The International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) at CSU Chico provides comprehensive support to international students, assisting with visa regulations, academic policies, and cultural adjustment. The university hosts over 300 international students from 52 nations, fostering a culturally diverse environment. ESL Support Services are available at no cost to help non-native English speakers with writing, reading, and oral presentations. International students can also engage in numerous student organizations, including various ethnic and cultural groups, to facilitate cultural integration.
Campus & Location
CSU Chico's picturesque 119-acre main campus is conveniently located adjacent to downtown Chico, a city of approximately 100,000 people. The campus is known for its natural beauty, featuring majestic shade trees, landscaped lawns, and Big Chico Creek running through it. Chico has been rated as one of the "Best College Towns in the US," offering a welcoming atmosphere and a lower cost of living compared to larger California cities. On-campus transportation is available, and the city's B-Line provides regional public transit.
Career Outcomes
CSU Chico's Career Center provides extensive services to students and alumni, including resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, and access to a job database called JOBCAT. The university has strong industry connections, with over 750 companies, including Apple, Google, and Intel, recruiting on campus annually. Several programs boast high job placement rates, such as Accounting, Agricultural Science and Education, and Business Information Systems. Graduates from CSU Chico generally experience solid career outcomes, with a median earning of $50,493.
Information for International Students at California State University Chico
California State University Chico in Chico, United States welcomes international students.
- No visa support offered
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available
Admissions Requirements for California State University Chico
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to California State University Chico:
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
Programs at California State University Chico (28 programs)
California State University Chico offers 28 programs across Bachelor, Master levels.
Bachelor Programs (14)
- Agricultural Business (BSc) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for careers in the business aspects of agriculture, including finance, marketing, and management within the food and fiber industry.
Field: Agriculture
Career outcomes: Agricultural Manager, Commodity Trader, Farm Credit Officer - Computer Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students learn the theoretical foundations of information and computation, and their practical application in computer systems, software development, and algorithms.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Web Developer - Business Administration (BA) — 48 months · English
This program provides a broad understanding of business principles, including management, marketing, finance, and accounting, preparing students for various roles in the business world.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Analyst, Marketing Manager, Financial Advisor - Criminal Justice (BA) — 48 months · English
This program examines the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections, preparing students for careers in public safety and legal fields.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Police Officer, Paralegal, Probation Officer - Animal Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students in this program study the biology, care, and management of domestic animals, preparing them for careers in livestock production, animal health, and related industries.
Field: Agriculture
Career outcomes: Ranch Manager, Animal Nutritionist, Veterinary Technician - Mechanical Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students learn the principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science to design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems and devices.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Mechanical Engineer, Product Designer, Automotive Engineer - Civil Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Project Manager - Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English
Students explore human behavior and mental processes through scientific inquiry, covering topics such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, and developmental psychology.
Field: Psychology
Career outcomes: Counselor, Research Assistant, Human Resources Specialist - Agricultural Business (BSc) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for careers in the business aspects of agriculture, including finance, marketing, and management within the food and fiber industry.
Field: Agriculture
Career outcomes: Agricultural Manager, Commodity Trader, Farm Credit Officer - Computer Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students learn the theoretical foundations of information and computation, and their practical application in computer systems, software development, and algorithms.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Web Developer - Business Administration (BA) — 48 months · English
This program provides a broad understanding of business principles, including management, marketing, finance, and accounting, preparing students for various roles in the business world.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Analyst, Marketing Manager, Financial Advisor - Criminal Justice (BA) — 48 months · English
This program examines the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections, preparing students for careers in public safety and legal fields.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Police Officer, Paralegal, Probation Officer - Animal Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students in this program study the biology, care, and management of domestic animals, preparing them for careers in livestock production, animal health, and related industries.
Field: Agriculture
Career outcomes: Ranch Manager, Animal Nutritionist, Veterinary Technician - Mechanical Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students learn the principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science to design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems and devices.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Mechanical Engineer, Product Designer, Automotive Engineer
Master Programs (14)
- Master of Arts in Education (MA) — 24 months · English
This program is designed for educators seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in curriculum development, educational leadership, or specific teaching methodologies.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: School Administrator, Curriculum Specialist, Lead Teacher - Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program provides interdisciplinary training in environmental issues, focusing on scientific research, policy, and management for sustainable solutions.
Field: Environmental Science
Career outcomes: Environmental Scientist, Conservationist, Environmental Policy Analyst - Master of Business Administration (MBA) (MBA) — 24 months · English
This graduate program provides advanced business education, focusing on leadership, strategic management, and analytical skills for career advancement.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Senior Manager, Consultant, Entrepreneur - Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Science (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program explores advanced topics in human nutrition, food science, and dietetics, preparing students for roles in health, food industry, or research.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Registered Dietitian, Food Scientist, Public Health Nutritionist - Master of Arts in Psychology (MA) — 24 months · English
This graduate program deepens understanding of psychological theories and research methods, preparing students for further doctoral studies or professional practice.
Field: Psychology
Career outcomes: Psychologist (with further licensure), Researcher, Mental Health Professional - Master of Arts in Social Science (MA) — 24 months · English
This interdisciplinary program allows students to delve into various social science fields, fostering advanced research and analytical skills for understanding complex societal issues.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Policy Analyst, Social Researcher, Community Organizer - Master of Science in Computer Science (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program offers advanced study in computer science, including areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software engineering, for research or industry roles.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Architect, Data Scientist, Research Scientist - Master of Arts in English (MA) — 24 months · English
This program offers advanced study in literature, rhetoric, and writing, enhancing critical thinking and communication skills for various professional and academic paths.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Editor, Technical Writer, Educator - Master of Arts in Education (MA) — 24 months · English
This program is designed for educators seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in curriculum development, educational leadership, or specific teaching methodologies.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: School Administrator, Curriculum Specialist, Lead Teacher - Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program provides interdisciplinary training in environmental issues, focusing on scientific research, policy, and management for sustainable solutions.
Field: Environmental Science
Career outcomes: Environmental Scientist, Conservationist, Environmental Policy Analyst - Master of Business Administration (MBA) (MBA) — 24 months · English
This graduate program provides advanced business education, focusing on leadership, strategic management, and analytical skills for career advancement.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Senior Manager, Consultant, Entrepreneur - Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Science (MSc) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program explores advanced topics in human nutrition, food science, and dietetics, preparing students for roles in health, food industry, or research.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Registered Dietitian, Food Scientist, Public Health Nutritionist - Master of Arts in Psychology (MA) — 24 months · English
This graduate program deepens understanding of psychological theories and research methods, preparing students for further doctoral studies or professional practice.
Field: Psychology
Career outcomes: Psychologist (with further licensure), Researcher, Mental Health Professional - Master of Arts in Social Science (MA) — 24 months · English
This interdisciplinary program allows students to delve into various social science fields, fostering advanced research and analytical skills for understanding complex societal issues.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Policy Analyst, Social Researcher, Community Organizer
Scholarships & Tuition at California State University Chico
Visit the university's financial aid page for the latest scholarship information.
Rankings of California State University Chico
- National Ranking: #101 in United States
- Ranking tier: Research University
- Research output: High
Campus & Facilities at California State University Chico
- Student housing available
- No sports facilities
- No disability support info
Key Highlights
- Second oldest CSU campus
- Over 300 majors and minors
- Recognized for business, engineering, nursing
- Strong international student support
- Picturesque campus, downtown adjacent
- Rated "Best College Towns"
Notable Alumni
- Carolyn Shoemaker
- Glynnis Talken
- Dale Thayer
- Doug LaMalfa
- Brian Setzer
Frequently Asked Questions about California State University Chico
What is California State University Chico?
California State University Chico is a public university located in Chico, United States, founded in 1887. .
What are the admission requirements for California State University Chico?
Selectivity: Open (60%+).
How many programs does California State University Chico offer?
California State University Chico offers 28 programs: 14 Bachelor's, 14 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is California State University Chico ranked?
#101 in United States.
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