California Lutheran University

California Lutheran University (Cal Lutheran) is a private institution in Thousand Oaks, California, offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Founded in 1959, it is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America but is nonsectarian, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds. Cal Lutheran emphasizes a personalized educational experience within a supportive community.

Academics

Cal Lutheran offers 36 majors and 34 minors, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, fostering individualized attention. Popular undergraduate concentrations include General Business Administration & Management, General Psychology, and Criminology. The university is committed to experiential learning, guaranteeing students opportunities for internships, research, or fieldwork. Faculty are described as passionate and caring, contributing to a supportive learning environment.

International Students

The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) provides dedicated support and immigration advisement for international students, including workshops and social activities. Cal Lutheran values the inclusion of international students, who comprise approximately 4% of the student body, representing over 45 countries. The university offers conditional admission to applicants who complete an approved English language program. Programs and activities sponsored by OISS encourage interaction between international and American students for an enriched campus community.

Campus & Location

Cal Lutheran's 290-acre campus is located in Thousand Oaks, California, approximately 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles and between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Thousand Oaks is considered a very safe and pleasant city, offering a secure atmosphere for students. The campus features various academic buildings, residence halls, and facilities, including the William Roland Arts Center and production studios. Its location provides accessibility to beaches, mountains, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions in the greater Los Angeles area.

Career Outcomes

Cal Lutheran boasts a strong career outcome record, with 94% of its graduates either employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation. The university has been recognized as an "Opportunity College and University - Higher Access, Higher Earnings" by the Carnegie Classification, highlighting its commitment to student success and the real-world impact of its degrees. Career services are available to students from their first day on campus, assisting with job, internship, and graduate school searches. Graduates in fields like Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Computer Science, and Accounting report competitive median earnings.