California State University - Northridge
- Academics

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California State University - Northridge - Academics - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler2.31

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 25:1
Full-Time Student Population 24,522
Part-Time Student Population 10,676
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 831
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 934
Total FT Faculty 789
Faculty with Terminal Degree 74%
Average Faculty Salary $78,673
Full-Time Retention Rate 75%
Part-Time Retention Rate 56%
Transfer-Out Rate 2%
Graduation Rate 48%
Programs/Majors Offered 76
Average Course Load 12 credits
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? Yes
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 15%
  • 20 to 49 Students: 72%
  • 50 or More Students: 13%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Although CSUN students aren’t known for being the brightest minds in the country, they are dedicated to what they learn. Most of the professors take roll, but you won’t hear students complaining about it because the majority take school seriously. Professors also enjoy being in the classroom. All professors, with a few exceptions, teach their classes, and they maintain a small student-to-teacher ratio. Although general education classes average about 45 people, upper-division classes shrink to about 20 to 30 people. Regardless of class size, teachers do take an active approach in teaching. Some professors have perfected the lecture style so well that they are also entertaining, and others are interesting because of their prolific knowledge base. That’s not to say that CSUN doesn’t have its share of dreary, thick-accented professors; it’s safe to expect that you’ll encounter one or two of these. Many teachers call for small and large group discussion, so be awake and ready to participate. However, if you aren’t paying attention, every once in awhile you will have the opportunity to visit professors in their office hours, where they are eager to help you.

CSUN’s effective student-teacher relationships are supported through a program designed to make CSUN a learning-centered university where curriculum is varied according to students’ needs, and students have opportunities to apply what they learn in the community. Although CSUN has kicked-off this program, some students still feel that classes aren’t challenging enough.

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Cal State Northridge Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at California State University - Northridge

karenhazelbiochem

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology '15

2.3
C

Pretty Hectic

There are a handful of professors for all the materials offered in CSUN that truly know what they are talking about and what they are teaching. Registration is hectic, especially for those who can't have the "first come, first serve" process, but priority for the students. It seems fair if there are graduating, but those who aren't have prior choice than the new students, who need the classes more than those who are closer or deeper in the academic process in school. However, tutoring is exceptionally great and the study areas are as well as great. Overall, it's not bad, but I'm sure the school can do better.

May 12, 2012

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Academics at California State University - Northridge

marissahuma

Kinesiology and Exercise Science '15

5.0
A+

Kin Majors at CSUN

California State University Northridge has one of the top Kinesiology programs in the country next to USC, so I feel that I'm getting the best education that I can to become a phenomenal Physical Therapist. The professors are amazing and are really there to help you get on the right track whether it's helping you plan your classes or to help set you up with an internship at some of the best Physical Therapy programs. There is lots of work to do but plenty of opportunities to get the help you need, so as long as you work hard an A is always possible!

May 10, 2012

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Academics at California State University - Northridge

jessikuh08

Child Development '15

5.0
A+

Child Development

Although I recently transferred to this major, the staff and professors are extremely friendly and welcoming. They care and want to make sure you are making all the right choices.

Apr 09, 2012

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User rating for California State University - Northridge - Academics is 4.6 out of 5 based on 66 user reviews.

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

Rate your school’s academic environment on the following topics

Facts

Instructional Programs Occupational: No
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: No
Recreational/Avocational: No
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: Yes
Life Experience Credits: No
AP Test Score Requirements Scores of 3 or higher
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • Arts, Media, and Communications
  • Business and Economics
  • Engineering and Computer Sciences
  • Humanities
  • Michael D. Eisner College of Education
  • Roland Tseng College of Extended Learning
  • Sciences and Mathematics
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Doctorate - Professional practice
  • Master's degree
Most Popular Majors
  • Business Administration and Management: 4%
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences: 3%
  • Psychology: 4%
  • Sociology: 2%
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Best Places to Study
  • Chicano Lobby
  • An empty classroom
  • Freudian Sip
  • Library
  • Outside on the benches or on the grass
  • Sierra Center
Did You Know?
  • Five CSUN students from the Department of Accounting and Management Information Systems participated in the Information Technology Competition for Southern California and won first in the Business Systems Analysis and Design category.
  • The Association of Independent Feature Film Producers named CSUN's Cinema and Television Arts Department the top television and film school in the region.
  • The National Science Foundation has reported that CSUN ranked fifth among 611 master level universities in the number of graduates from CSUN who went on to earn PhDs in science and engineering.
  • CSUN's Studio Jazz Band participates in the Reno Jazz Festival and the Pacific Coast Jazz Festival, and places every year.
  • Cal State Northridge has been chosen along with 11 other universities in the Carnegie Corporation of New York to participate in a landmark initiative called "Teachers for a New Era," designed to improve teachers trained for K–12 grades.

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Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Julie Ritchie
Major
English/Liberal Studies

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