California State University, Fresno is gaining national prominence as the premiere university of the New California, the inland section of California that is the site of burgeoning population growth, rapid development, new business creation, and environmental challenges related to agriculture and natural resource use.
CSU, Fresno was founded as a teachers college in 1911. Today, 90-plus years later, more than 21,000 students attend the university. The 327-acre campus features nearly 50 permanent buildings. More than 20 buildings and research laboratories, along with the equestrian facilities, are housed on the 1,083-acre University Farm, considered one of the most modern and best-equipped agricultural facilities in the west.
The university recognizes a special commitment in the preparation of students for industries and professions in Central California. This commitment to the community has resulted in the infusion of community funds to support a wide variety of programs, including a large honors college, the University Business Center, the Downing Planetarium, the endowment of the numerous academic chairs and athletic facilities and programs. The university completed the construction of the Save Mart Center, a $103 million special events center supported entirely through private and corporate gifts and sponsorships. Also, recently completed is the ultra-modern Department of Justice Crime Laboratory. Under construction now is the Science II, the new 71,000-square-foot complex that includes lecture halls and instructional labs for earth and environmental sciences and psychology classes.
The newest project on the horizon is a $91 million addition and renovation of the university's Henry Madden Library, scheduled for completion in 2008.
Academic Profile
With more than 21,000 students registered, the university recognizes its commitment to develop qualified professionals who will become tomorrow's leaders in every walk of life.
CSU, Fresno offers 59 undergraduate programs, 40 masters, and one Ed.D. Program in its eight colleges and schools: Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Arts and Humanities, Business, Education and Human Development, Engineering, Health and Human Services, Science and Mathematics, and Social Sciences.
Ninety percent of the full-time tenured faculty holds doctoral degrees in their areas of study. However, the most important characteristic of our faculty members is their sensitivity to students' needs and their willingness to give of their time on an individual basis. Fresno State students enjoy a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1 and classes that are small enough to allow personal contact with the professor.
The Smittcamp Family Honors College offers a small liberal arts college experience to selected students. The quality of applicants has been exceptional. The scholarship covers all fees, on-campus housing, and a book allowance. Students in the program take two special honors courses and a colloquium each semester as a lower division student and one honors course per semester as an upper division student.
Students seeking real world work experience may pursue an internship or a co-op work experience. Students seeking international experience may choose from 18 different study abroad programs.
For students who are undecided about a major, the Academic Enhancement Services provides assistance in course selection while the Career Services Office helps with career exploration.
Students in any major will find resources in the Henry Madden Library. The library features state-of-the-art on-line services and the largest music library in the CSU system.
Student Life
At CSU, Fresno all students have a variety of opportunities to broaden their academic, social, physical, and cultural horizons.
Students may choose from over 260 clubs or campus organizations including: special interest clubs, student leadership groups, the religious organizations, political clubs, and club sports teams.
CSU, Fresno offers 38 Greek-letter, single-sex social fraternities and sororities, including 11 multicultural fraternities and sororities on campus, providing students many opportunities to bond with life-long friends.
All students are eligible to compete in the campus intramural program. More than 4,800 students per year compete in such programs as football, water polo, basketball, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, softball, soccer, racquetball and tennis. Men's, women's and co-ed leagues provide students fun and release from stress.
Academic excellence and athletic accomplishment go hand-in-hand at Fresno State, a member of the prestigious Western Athletic Conference. The university competes in seven men's and ten women's intercollegiate sports. Facilities and fan support are second to none in support of the Bulldogs.
