Why Earn Your Graduate Degree at CSULB?
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is a vibrant institution recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and social mobility. With more than 400,000 alumni making an impact across the globe, CSULB offers a graduate experience grounded in collaboration, innovation, and a strong commitment to public service. Whether you are pursuing a career in academia, industry, or public service, a graduate degree from CSULB can help you achieve your goals.
Our Campus and National Rankings
CSULB is known for its expansive campus and the significant role it plays in California’s economy. The university is a key contributor to both academic progress and economic growth, with an impressive track record of student success and research output.
Economic Impact: CSULB contributes $1.88 billion annually to California’s economy, and its alumni create an additional $8.23 billion in economic impact for the state.
Student Population: CSULB is home to over 41,300 students, including 5,340 graduate students, making it one of the largest and most diverse campuses in the California State University (CSU) system.
Highly Applied-To Campus: CSULB receives the highest number of graduate program applications within the entire CSU system.
National Recognition
Social Mobility Leader: Ranked No. 3 among national universities for promoting social mobility (U.S. News & World Report, 2024), CSULB demonstrates a commitment to helping students from all backgrounds succeed.
Doctoral University – High Research Activity: CSULB was elevated to "Doctoral University: High Research Activity" status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education in 2022, underscoring the university’s growing research influence.
Top National University: Washington Monthly ranks CSULB among the Top 50 national universities for its contributions to public good, social mobility, and research.
Five-Star Rating: In Money.com’s "Best Colleges in America" list for 2024, CSULB earned a perfect 5-star rating for academic excellence, affordability, and student success.
High Return on Investment: CSULB ranks in the top 10% of schools nationwide for return on investment according to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce.
Graduate Program Rankings
CSULB offers a wide range of graduate programs that are highly ranked and recognized for their quality and impact.
Engineering Programs: CSULB’s College of Engineering holds top rankings, including 20th in undergraduate engineering and 8th in civil engineering among non-PhD granting institutions (U.S. News & World Report, 2024).
Nursing Excellence: The School of Nursing is ranked No. 1 in California, with a nearly 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN over the past five years.
Global MBA Ranking: The MBA program at CSULB is ranked as a Tier One program globally by CEO Magazine, with the Saturday MBA ranked 29th in the Global Executive MBA Rankings.
Selected Examples of Faculty Excellence & Achievements at CSULB
CSULB’s 2,547 instructional faculty are leaders in their fields, blending research and practical experience with a dedication to teaching.
Christine Whitcraft of Biological Sciences conducts pioneering ecological research on coastal wetland restoration, funded by multiple grants that protect and preserve fragile marine habitats.
Rahul Vishwakarma in Computer Engineering drives innovation in data processing, machine learning, and robotics, earning competitive support for projects that push the boundaries of engineering solutions.
Caitlin Fouratt of International Studies explores transnational migration in Central America, develops international research experiences, and leads a unique study abroad program in Costa Rica connecting anthropology, geography, and community engagement.
Laurie Huning in Civil Engineering & Construction Engineering Management has been awarded major grants from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and NOAA to study fast-emerging drought conditions and climate whiplash, strengthening water resource resilience.
Virginia Gray in Nutrition and Dietetics brought the CalFresh Healthy Living program to campus, addressing food insecurity through accessible cooking demonstrations, nutrition education, and leadership opportunities for students in health-related careers.
Joanna Barreras in Social Work focuses on HIV prevention and mental health among Latina transgender women, supported by a CFAR Adelante grant that unites research with community-based agencies to reduce stigma and improve outcomes.
Lihan Wang in Mathematics earned a prestigious NSF LEAPS-MPS grant to investigate spectral geometry. She mentors undergraduate and graduate students, introducing them to advanced research techniques in theoretical mathematics.
Guido Urizar in Psychology secured more than $1.2 million in NIH and NSF grants to examine genetic markers of stress in underserved mothers, leveraging those findings to create interventions that improve maternal and child well-being.
Paulina Pardo Gaviria in Art History received a National Endowment for the Humanities Award to study how contemporary women artists in Latin America use scientific tools and themes to challenge societal norms and authoritarian policies.
Sophea Seng in Asian and Asian American Studies researches the Cambodian diaspora in Italy, blending ethnographic methods with community-based investigation to illuminate transnational identity, agency, and postwar reconciliation.
Yu Yang in Chemical Engineering develops AI-driven optimization techniques for renewable energy systems and sustainable power solutions, supported by grants from the Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation.
Graduate Student Success
CSULB is deeply committed to supporting the success of its graduate students, both during their studies and after they graduate.
Student Research Excellence: CSULB students regularly earn recognition at prestigious research competitions, including the CSU Student Research Competition. Their work spans diverse fields, from health sciences to engineering.
Fellowships and Scholarships: Graduate students have access to various funding opportunities, including research fellowships, scholarships, and grants that support both academic and professional development.
Impressive Alumni Network: With over 400,000 alumni worldwide, CSULB graduates are making an impact in every industry. Alumni achievements are widely recognized, and the university has been honored by institutions such as Washington Monthly for producing graduates who excel in public service and leadership.
Alumni Impact
Economic Impact of Alumni: CSULB alumni contribute more than $8 billion annually to California’s economy, reflecting the university’s significant influence on the workforce and local communities.
Competitive Salaries: CSULB graduates experience strong career outcomes, with a mid-career salary average of $121,700 (Payscale.com, 2024).
Opportunities & Resources
CSULB provides numerous resources to enhance the graduate student experience, helping students build a robust network and gain practical, hands-on experience.
Internships: Graduate students benefit from internships that provide real-world experience in various industries, helping them apply their knowledge and skills to practical situations.
Networking and Career Events: CSULB hosts a range of networking events, workshops, and seminars that connect students with professionals, alumni, and industry leaders.
Research Collaborations: Students have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge research, attend national conferences, and contribute to meaningful projects in fields such as health, engineering, and the arts.
Graduate Programs and Application Information
CSULB offers over 190 academic programs, including a wide range of master’s and doctoral degrees designed to meet the needs of students seeking advanced knowledge and skills in their fields.
For a full list of graduate programs and application details, click here.
Please visit Cal State Apply to begin your application for the graduate program:
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at GraduateCenter@csulb.edu.
Pursuing a graduate degree at CSULB means joining a community dedicated to academic excellence, research, and societal impact. With the resources and support available at CSULB, you will be well-positioned to achieve your personal and professional goals.
