Overview: California State University, Long Beach
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), established in 1949, is a distinguished public university located in Long Beach, California, USA. As one of the 23 institutions in the California State University system, CSULB is recognized for its comprehensive educational profile, balancing a strong teaching mission with notable contributions to applied research. The university serves over 39,000 students (as of 2023) across eight academic colleges within a 322-acre urban campus. CSULB’s scale, scope, and central location in Southern California position it as a major intellectual and cultural hub for the region and beyond.
CSULB is renowned for its robust programs in engineering, business administration, fine arts, health and human services, and the sciences. Its College of Engineering ranks among the top in the nation for graduating Hispanic and minority engineers, while the School of Art is one of the largest in the U.S. The university’s educational approach emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, experiential learning, and community engagement. With a steadily growing research portfolio and annual expenditures exceeding $30 million, CSULB continually advances scholarship across disciplines. Global rankings consistently list CSULB among the top regional public universities, and the institution maintains numerous international partnerships, including dual degree programs and research consortia. Its alumni and faculty have achieved recognition in fields from the arts to aerospace.
Campus life at CSULB is vibrant and diverse, offering students access to more than 300 student organizations, encompassing academic societies, professional associations, cultural clubs, and arts groups. The campus hosts frequent cultural festivals, performances, and lectures that foster a spirit of inclusion and cross-cultural understanding. Dedicated support services—including international student programs, counseling, mentoring, and career guidance—bolster student success. Housing is available on campus, complemented by state-of-the-art athletic and recreational facilities, a thriving visual and performing arts scene, and opportunities for community and civic engagement. The university’s commitment to diversity and global citizenship is reflected in its student body, which represents over 100 countries.
CSULB’s mission is to foster student-centered learning, innovation, and discovery, while promoting equity, sustainability, and global engagement. The university is dedicated to empowering students and researchers to address complex societal challenges, locally and internationally, through inclusive excellence and transformative education.