California State University Northridge

Quick Facts about California State University Northridge

• Type: Public
• Students: 37,760
• International: 3%
• Campus: Suburban
• Tuition: $7,088 – $36,460/year
• Language: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, Armenian, Persian, Latin, Greek, American Sign Language, Korean, Mandarin
• Intakes: August, January

About California State University Northridge

Academics

CSUN offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including 134 bachelor's and master's degree programs across 70 fields, as well as four doctoral degrees. Notable programs include those in film and music, both consistently recognized among the best in the U.S. and globally. The university emphasizes combining academic knowledge with practical experience through internships, research opportunities, and industry partnerships, particularly in STEM fields.

International Students

CSUN provides extensive support services for its international student population, which has historically been one of the largest among Master's institutions in the United States. The International and Exchange Student Center (IESC) assists with everything from visa applications and orientation to personal counseling, ensuring a smooth transition and cultural integration. CSUN also offers an Intensive English Program (IEP) for students needing to improve their English language skills for academic success.

Campus & Location

Located in the heart of Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley, CSUN boasts a beautiful and expansive 356-acre campus. The campus features modern facilities, including a 138,000 square foot Student Recreation Center, an Oasis Wellness Center, and the award-winning Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts. Northridge offers a diverse city life, and the university's location provides convenient access to Southern California attractions like Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Disneyland.

Career Outcomes

CSUN is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers, with programs designed to be career-ready and strong industry ties. The university offers various opportunities for practical experience, such as internships and research, which help students network with professionals and enhance their resumes. CSUN's focus on diversity and innovation, particularly in STEM fields, aims to equip graduates to lead and contribute to a global workforce.

Information for International Students at California State University Northridge

California State University Northridge in Northridge, United States welcomes international students, with 3% of the student body coming from abroad.

• 3% of students are international
• Visa support available
• On-campus work allowed
• Student housing available
• Teaching languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, Armenian, Persian, Latin, Greek, American Sign Language, Korean, Mandarin

Admissions Requirements for California State University Northridge

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to California State University Northridge:

• IELTS minimum: 6
• TOEFL minimum: 61
• Duolingo minimum: 95
• GPA minimum: 2.5
• Application fee: $70
• Selectivity: Open (60%+)
• Application deadline: Fall: May 31, Spring: October 31

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Programs at California State University Northridge (28 programs)

California State University Northridge offers 28 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (19)

• Family and Consumer Sciences (BS) — 48 months · English · $7,030/yr
  This program offers specializations in areas like dietetics, fashion merchandising, and family studies, focusing on improving the quality of life for individuals and families.
  Field: Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Dietitian, Fashion Buyer, Family Life Educator
• Criminology and Justice Studies (BA) — 48 months · English
  Students examine the causes of crime, the criminal justice system, and social justice issues, preparing for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and social services.
  Field: Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Police Officer, Probation Officer, Social Worker
• Biology (BS) — 48 months · English · $7,030/yr · STEM
  Students explore fundamental biological principles, including genetics, ecology, and physiology, preparing them for careers in research, healthcare, or further graduate studies.
  Field: Science
  Career outcomes: Biologist, Research Assistant, Healthcare Professional
• Music (BM) — 48 months · English · $7,030/yr
  This program offers comprehensive training in music performance, composition, education, and music industry studies, fostering artistic and professional development.
  Field: Arts
  Career outcomes: Musician, Music Educator, Sound Engineer
• Kinesiology (BS) — 48 months · English · $7,030/yr · STEM
  Students study human movement, exercise science, and physical activity, preparing for careers in fitness, sports, and allied health professions.
  Field: Health Sciences
  Career outcomes: Personal Trainer, Athletic Trainer, Physical Therapy Assistant
• Civil Engineering (BS) — 48 months · English · $7,030/yr · STEM
  This program focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and water systems, emphasizing sustainability and safety.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Project Manager
• Electrical Engineering (BS) — 48 months · English · $7,030/yr · STEM
  Students gain expertise in electrical circuits, electronics, power systems, and control systems, preparing them for roles in various industries including aerospace and telecommunications.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: Electrical Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Control Systems Engineer
• Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English · $7,030/yr
  This program examines human behavior and mental processes, covering areas such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, and developmental psychology.
  Field: Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Psychology Assistant, Social Worker, Human Resources Specialist
• English (BA) — 48 months · English · $7,030/yr
  This program develops critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills through the study of literature, rhetoric, and creative writing.
  Field: Humanities
  Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Teacher
• Mathematics (BS) — 48 months · English · $7,030/yr · STEM
  Students develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills through the study of pure and applied mathematics, statistics, and computational methods.
  Field: Mathematics
  Career outcomes: Mathematician, Statistician, Actuary
• Accountancy (BS) — 48 months · English · $7,030/yr · STEM
  This program prepares students for careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, and governmental accounting, focusing on financial reporting, auditing, and taxation.
  Field: Business
  Career outcomes: Auditor, Tax Accountant, Financial Analyst
• Art (Visual Arts) (BA) — 48 months · English
  Students explore various artistic disciplines including painting, sculpture, photography, and graphic design, developing creative expression and critical thinking skills.
  Field: Arts
  Career outcomes: Artist, Graphic Designer, Art Educator
• Mechanical Engineering (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students learn to design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems, covering topics from thermodynamics to robotics.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer
• Environmental and Occupational Health (BS) — 48 months · English · $7,030/yr · STEM
  Students learn to identify, evaluate, and control environmental and occupational hazards, promoting public health and safety in various work and community settings.
  Field: Public Health
  Career outcomes: Environmental Health Specialist, Safety Officer, Industrial Hygienist
• History (BA) — 48 months · English
  This program explores past events, cultures, and societies, developing critical thinking, research, and analytical skills applicable to various professions.
  Field: Humanities
  Career outcomes: Archivist, Historian, Museum Curator
• Theatre (BA) — 48 months · English · $7,030/yr
  Students explore various aspects of theatre arts, including acting, directing, design, and technical theatre, fostering creativity and performance skills.
  Field: Arts
  Career outcomes: Actor, Director, Stage Manager
• Nursing (BSN) — 48 months · English · $7,030/yr · STEM
  The BSN program prepares students for professional nursing practice, focusing on patient care, health promotion, and disease prevention in diverse healthcare settings.
  Field: Health Sciences
  Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse, Public Health Nurse
• Finance (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students learn about financial markets, investments, corporate finance, and financial planning, preparing for careers in the financial industry.
  Field: Business
  Career outcomes: Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager
• Physics (BS) — 48 months · English · $7,030/yr · STEM
  Students explore fundamental laws of nature, from classical mechanics to quantum physics, developing strong analytical and experimental skills for research and industry.
  Field: Science
  Career outcomes: Physicist, Research Scientist, Engineer

Master Programs (8)

• Business Administration (MBA) — 24 months · English · $8,434/yr
  The MBA program provides advanced business knowledge and leadership skills, with concentrations available in various areas such as finance, marketing, and management.
  Field: Business
  Career outcomes: Business Consultant, Marketing Manager, Operations Manager
• Special Education (MA) — 24 months · English
  This program prepares educators to work with students with diverse learning needs, developing specialized instructional strategies and inclusive classroom practices.
  Field: Education
  Career outcomes: Special Education Teacher, Educational Diagnostician, Inclusion Specialist
• Computer Science (MS) — 24 months · English · $8,434/yr · STEM
  This advanced program delves into specialized areas of computer science, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced software engineering.
  Field: Computer Science
  Career outcomes: AI Engineer, Machine Learning Scientist, Senior Software Developer
• Public Administration (MPA) — 24 months · English · $8,434/yr
  The MPA program prepares students for leadership and management roles in public and non-profit organizations, focusing on policy analysis, public finance, and organizational behavior.
  Field: Public Policy
  Career outcomes: City Manager, Policy Analyst, Non-profit Director
• Counseling (MS) — 36 months · English · $8,434/yr
  The program prepares students for careers as professional counselors in various settings, focusing on mental health, school counseling, and marriage and family therapy.
  Field: Psychology
  Career outcomes: School Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, Mental Health Counselor
• Social Work (MSW) — 24 months · English · $8,434/yr
  This program trains students to become competent and ethical social work professionals, addressing social justice issues and providing direct services to individuals, families, and communities.
  Field: Social Work
  Career outcomes: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Child Protective Services Worker, Community Organizer
• Early Childhood Education (MA) — 24 months · English
  This program focuses on advanced knowledge and skills for educators working with young children, emphasizing curriculum development, assessment, and family engagement.
  Field: Education
  Career outcomes: Early Childhood Educator, Curriculum Specialist, Program Director
• Manufacturing Systems Engineering (MS) — 24 months · English · $8,434/yr · STEM
  This program focuses on the design, analysis, and optimization of manufacturing processes and systems, integrating engineering principles with business practices.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: Manufacturing Engineer, Process Improvement Specialist, Operations Manager

PhD Programs (1)

• Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) — 36 months · English
  This doctoral program prepares educational leaders for administrative roles in K-12 and higher education, focusing on policy, research, and organizational change.
  Field: Education
  Career outcomes: School Superintendent, University Administrator, Educational Policy Analyst

Scholarships & Tuition at California State University Northridge

Annual tuition for international students: $7,088 – $36,460/year

✅ California State University Northridge offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of California State University Northridge

• National Ranking: #12 in United States
• Ranking tier: Research University

Campus & Facilities at California State University Northridge

• Student housing available
• Sports facilities available
• Disability support available
• Campus type: Suburban

Key Highlights

• Large, diverse public university
• Strong film and music programs
• Extensive international student support
• Modern campus, Los Angeles location
• Emphasis on practical experience

Accreditation

• WASC Senior College and University Commission

Notable Alumni

• Paula Abdul
• Eva Mendes
• Phil Hartman
• Alyson Hannigan
• Morris Chestnut

Frequently Asked Questions about California State University Northridge

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