With more than 60 graduate and undergraduate programs from which to choose, students are well served by an award-winning faculty of recognized scholars, scientists and artists who are among the best in their fields. This year, Cal State L.A. professors received two of only four prestigious CSU Wang Family Excellence Awards.

The University's excellent academic programs consistently stand out as among the nation's best. For several years, California State University, Los Angeles' engineering, business and nursing programs have been highly ranked in U.S. News & World Report for primarily undergraduate institutions.

Additionally, California State University, Los Angeles is among the top 10 universities in the nation in awarding undergraduate degrees to minority students. It is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, with more than 50 percent of its students identifying themselves as Hispanic. In 2003, Cal State L.A. ranked #1 in awarding bachelor's degrees in education to Hispanic students.

CSULA's Charter College of Education credentials more California teachers than any other public university, and is the state's largest preparer of bilingual teachers. It also offers two joint doctorate degrees in education. The University also boasts top-notch athletics programs, and has launched the careers of many professional athletes, with three players drafted into baseball's major leagues this year.

The striking new Golden Eagle building serves as the centerpiece of campus, with meeting and event space, a two story University bookstore, and an international food court. A new Intimate Theatre makes the Luckman Fine Arts Complex, home of one of Los Angeles' top galleries and the noted Luckman Jazz Orchestra, complete. Construction will soon begin on a science complex, as well as a Regional Crime Lab.

The close proximity of the University to the heart of the state's most powerful city enables it to foster strong, cooperative relationships with the surrounding community and affords students, faculty, and staff many educational, cultural, and social opportunities outside the classroom. Only a short distance from campus are several entertainment and cultural venues, including museums, galleries and theaters, the Rose Bowl, Dodger Stadium, Disney Hall, world-class Chinatown and Olvera Street. And the beaches and mountains are just a short drive as well.

Since the University's first class graduated in 1948, more than 160,000 California State University, Los Angeles students have gone on to distinguish themselves locally and globally, including former U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin, novelist Joseph Wambaugh, famed math educator Jaime Escalante, tennis star Billie Jean King, U.S. Congresswomen Maxine Waters, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Diane Watson, and SBC West President/CEO Chuck Smith.