California’s engineering industry is a global leader. It’s large, strategically diversified, innovation-driven and globally influential. Whether in semiconductors, biotech, aerospace or robotics, the state offers unmatched opportunities for engineers.
The majority (53%) of all general engineering bachelor’s degrees issued in California in 2024 were from a CSU. Campuses issued just over 8,700 engineering degrees, roughly 7,000 bachelor’s and 1,700 master’s degrees, preparing students for careers in fields ranging from aerospace and civil engineering to software and biomedical engineering. General engineering degrees, the largest field, account for about 32% of all engineering degrees the CSU confers annually.
Centers and Institutes:
Engineering colleges throughout the CSU system are driving innovation through hands-on learning, industry collaboration and cutting-edge research. From sustainable energy and aerospace to advanced manufacturing and autonomous systems, campus-based centers equip students with the skills and experience to lead in California’s most vital industries.
- Space Beach at Cal State Long Beach is an initiative that serves the aerospace and defense industry in Long Beach and Los Angeles County, underscoring the region’s importance as the aerospace capital of the world. The aerospace industry is the largest employer of College of Engineering graduates with Northrup Grumman, Boeing and Raytheon being the top three employers.
- At Cal State Long Beach, the College of Engineering is a hub of innovation and applied learning. With a strong emphasis on project-based education and industry collaboration, students engage in real-world problem-solving from day one. The college is home to cutting-edge facilities like the Innovation Space and the Advanced Manufacturing Lab (ISPACE), where students design, prototype and test solutions alongside faculty and industry mentors.
- In the heart of Silicon Valley, San José State University’s Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering is one of the largest and most industry-connected engineering schools in the CSU system. With deep ties to leading tech firms, the college offers students unparalleled access to internships, mentorship and career opportunities.
- Renowned for its “Learn by Doing” philosophy at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, the College of Engineering offers students a deeply immersive educational experience. From day one, students participate in lab-based learning and student-led engineering projects that mirror real-world challenges.
- At Sacramento State, its College of Engineering and Computer Science offers robust programs in civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, supported by a strong foundation in applied research. The college is home to the California Smart Grid Center, a leader in advancing sustainable energy systems and grid modernization. Through this center, students engage in cutting-edge research on renewable energy, energy storage and smart infrastructure, equipping them with the skills to address California’s environmental and technological challenges.