California State University, Bakersfield | Programs, Campus Life and Notable Alumni

California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB), established in 1965 and opened in 1970, is a vital public institution located in California’s southern San Joaquin Valley, serving a broad regional population with over 9,000 students. As the only comprehensive public university within a 100-mile radius, CSUB offers 39 bachelor’s, 17 master’s, and one doctoral program across four academic schools, emphasizing hands-on learning, diversity, and community engagement.

Over the decades, it has expanded significantly, gaining recognition as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and developing notable programs in petroleum geology and engineering. Campus life is enriched by NCAA Division I athletics, over 85 student organizations, and modern facilities like the Student Recreation Center and Student Union.

The university is also known for its support services and distinguished alumni, including former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and UFC champion Tito Ortiz, underscoring its commitment to fostering leadership and regional development.

California State University, Bakersfield: A Comprehensive Overview

California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB), established in 1965 and officially opening its doors in 1970, stands as a vital public university situated on a sprawling 375-acre campus in California’s southern San Joaquin Valley. As the 19th campus within the vast California State University system, CSUB plays a crucial role as the only regional comprehensive public university within a 100-mile radius, serving Kern, Tulare, Inyo, and Mono counties, and parts of Los Angeles and Kings counties.

History and Development

The university’s origins trace back to a vision for a baccalaureate-degree granting institution in the Southern San Joaquin Valley. Chartered in 1965 through a bill by Senator Walter Stiern, the campus officially began instruction on October 1, 1970, initially as California State College, Bakersfield (CSCB). Dr. Paul F. Romberg was appointed as the first president in 1967. The 375-acre site for the campus was a generous donation from the Kern County Land Company, underscoring the strong community support for the institution.

Over the decades, CSUB has seen significant growth and transformation. In 1988, under the tenure of its third president, Dr. Tomás A. Arciniega, CSCB officially became California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB). Arciniega was instrumental in establishing a satellite campus in Lancaster and actively recruited Latino students, leading to CSUB’s designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

Subsequent administrations, including that of Horace Mitchell, oversaw extensive physical campus expansion, the addition of new buildings like Science I (1972) and the Walter W. Stiern Library and Student Union (1994-1995), and the development of engineering and agribusiness programs. More recently, the state-of-the-art 75,000-square-foot Student Recreation Center opened in 2009, and the Visual Arts Center in 2014. In 2020, CSUB celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Academics and Programs

CSUB is committed to offering high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs that foster intellectual and personal development. The university provides more than 60 undergraduate and graduate courses through its four academic schools:

1. Arts and Humanities (AH)
2. Business and Public Administration (BPA)
3. Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering (NSME)
4. Social Sciences and Education (SSE)

The university offers 39 bachelor’s degrees, 17 master’s programs, and a doctoral program in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.). Popular undergraduate majors include Business, Liberal Arts, Psychology, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Health Professions, and Education. CSUB’s petroleum geology program is particularly notable, being unique among public universities west of the Rockies. The university also emphasizes hands-on learning, diversity, and community engagement, with a strong student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, facilitating close interaction between students and professors. Many departments offer internships, contributing to a high employment rate among graduates.

Campus Life and Student Experience

California State University, Bakersfield is a student-centered campus that strives to provide a comprehensive university life experience. Key aspects of campus life include:

Student Body Diversity: As of Fall 2022, the campus enrollment was over 9,000 students, with a significant Hispanic population (68%), 13% White, 7% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 4% African American. Approximately 58% of students are first-generation.

Athletics: The university’s athletic teams, known as the Roadrunners, compete in NCAA Division I. Varsity sports include baseball, basketball, soccer, swimming, track and field, and wrestling.

Student Organizations: CSUB boasts over 85 student organizations and clubs, along with 11 fraternities and sororities, providing numerous opportunities for student involvement.

Campus Facilities: The Student Union serves as a central hub for student life, offering casual lounges, a cafe (Rowdy’s Place featuring Panda Express), Starbucks, the Roadrunner Bookstore, and various rooms for meetings and events. A new expansion to the Student Union is planned, including a ballroom and expanded lounge areas. The campus also features a state-of-the-art student recreation center.

Support Services: CSUB provides a range of support services, including the Black Student Success Center, Dreamers Resource Center, Veterans Success Center, Counseling Center, and care services, all aimed at supporting student success and well-being.

Campus Safety: The campus ensures safety with 24-hour security patrol, emergency phones, 24-hour escort safety rides, and a mobile campus emergency alert system.

Notable Alumni

CSUB has a distinguished list of alumni who have excelled in various fields, including:

• Kevin McCarthy: Former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
• Tito Ortiz: Retired American mixed martial artist and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
• Stephen Neal: American former professional football guard and three-time Super Bowl winner with the New England Patriots.
• Gyasi Zardes: American professional soccer player.
• Dushyant Chautala: Indian politician and former Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana.
• Scott Wilk: American politician who served as the California State Senate minority leader.
• Austin Davis: American professional baseball pitcher.

California State University, Bakersfield continues to be a vibrant institution dedicated to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement, shaping leaders and contributing significantly to the social, cultural, and economic development of the Central Valley region.

FAQs about California State University, Bakersfield

What is California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB)?
California State University, Bakersfield is a public university located in Bakersfield, California. It is part of the California State University system and serves as a regional hub for higher education in the southern San Joaquin Valley.

When was CSUB established?
CSUB was established in 1965 and officially opened for instruction on October 1, 1970.

Where is CSUB located?
CSUB is located in Bakersfield, California, on a 375-acre campus in the southern San Joaquin Valley.

What counties does CSUB primarily serve?
CSUB serves Kern, Tulare, Inyo, and Mono counties, as well as parts of Los Angeles and Kings counties.

Is CSUB part of the California State University system?
Yes, CSUB is the 19th campus in the California State University system.

How many students attend CSUB?
As of Fall 2022, CSUB has an enrollment of over 9,000 students.

What is the student demographic at CSUB?
Approximately 68% Hispanic, 13% White, 7% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 4% African American, with about 58% being first-generation college students.

What academic programs does CSUB offer?
CSUB offers 39 bachelor’s degrees, 17 master’s programs, and one doctoral degree (Ed.D. in Educational Leadership).

What are the academic schools at CSUB?
CSUB has four academic schools: Arts and Humanities (AH), Business and Public Administration (BPA), Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering (NSME), and Social Sciences and Education (SSE).

What are CSUB’s most popular majors?
Popular majors include Business, Psychology, Liberal Arts, Health Professions, Biological Sciences, and Education.

Does CSUB offer any unique programs?
Yes, CSUB’s petroleum geology program is unique among public universities west of the Rocky Mountains.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at CSUB?
The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1, allowing for close interaction between students and faculty.

Does CSUB offer graduate programs?
Yes, CSUB offers 17 graduate programs and a doctoral program in Educational Leadership.

What is campus life like at CSUB?
Campus life is vibrant, with over 85 student organizations, NCAA Division I athletics, and modern campus facilities like a Student Union and a recreation center.

What student support services are available at CSUB?
Support services include the Dreamers Resource Center, Black Student Success Center, Veterans Success Center, Counseling Center, and care services.

What athletic division does CSUB compete in?
CSUB’s athletic teams, the Roadrunners, compete in NCAA Division I.

What sports are offered at CSUB?
Varsity sports include baseball, basketball, soccer, swimming, track and field, and wrestling.

Are there fraternities and sororities at CSUB?
Yes, CSUB has 11 fraternities and sororities.

What facilities does the CSUB campus have?
Key facilities include the Walter W. Stiern Library, Visual Arts Center, Student Recreation Center, and a newly expanded Student Union.

Is CSUB a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)?
Yes, CSUB is officially recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

Does CSUB have satellite campuses?
Yes, a satellite campus is located in Lancaster, California.

How safe is the CSUB campus?
The campus offers 24-hour security patrol, emergency phones, escort services, and a mobile emergency alert system.

Does CSUB have notable alumni?
Yes, alumni include Kevin McCarthy (former Speaker of the U.S. House), Tito Ortiz (UFC fighter), Stephen Neal (NFL player), Gyasi Zardes (soccer player), and others.

Does CSUB offer internships?
Many departments offer internships that help students gain experience and improve employment prospects after graduation.

What is the mascot of CSUB?
The mascot is Rowdy the Roadrunner.

Does CSUB offer online or hybrid courses?
Yes, CSUB offers a range of online and hybrid courses across various disciplines.

Is financial aid available at CSUB?
Yes, CSUB offers financial aid options including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

How can I apply to CSUB?
Prospective students can apply through the Cal State Apply system on the official CSU website during the application period.

What is the campus culture at CSUB?
The campus culture is inclusive, student-centered, and community-oriented, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and support.

Does CSUB have housing options?
Yes, CSUB offers on-campus housing with residential halls and apartment-style living options for students.

What is CSUB’s role in the region?
CSUB plays a vital role in educating and developing leaders in the Central Valley, contributing to the region’s economic, social, and cultural growth.