California State University Fresno

History, Affiliations and Rankings

California State University, Fresno, commonly called Fresno State, is a public university that offers top-performing academic programs. It was established as the Fresno State Normal School in 1911, became a member of the State College System of California in 1961, and received university status as the California State University, Fresno in 1972. The University farm is located on its 1,410-acre campus, which is several kilometers from downtown Fresno. California State University, Fresno is fully accredited by the California State Board of Education and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It is also a member of the Western Association of Graduate Schools, the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States, and the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. According to US News and World Report, Fresno State ranks #213 in the category of National Universities and #21 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.

Infrastructure, Campuses and Courses

Spanning a green and modern University farm of 1,410 acres, Fresno State is located in the richly diverse Central California region. The infrastructure comprises nearly 40 traditional and modern buildings, including the 5-storey Henry Madden Library which features a Starbucks, and other spectacular pieces of architecture. The Fresno State campus is a designated arboretum consisting of 3,200 trees, and also, features the first University-based commercial winery in the United States, where student-made wines have won over 300 accolades since 1997. Fresno State is divided into 8 constituent Colleges, each offering a distinct specialization, namely, Arts and Humanities, Health and Human Services, Science and Mathematics, Social Sciences, Business, Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Education and Human Development, and Engineering. Across these Colleges, the University offers 61 Undergraduate and 45 Master's degree programs, along with 3 Doctoral degrees. It also provides Certificates, Credentials and Minors. 

Accomplishments and Alumni 

Fresno State was the first in the California State University system to implement an independent Doctoral program in Educational Leadership, later adding doctorates in Physical Therapy and Nursing Practice. Fresno State Athletics’ commitment to Women’s Intercollegiate sports has grown to 11 sports: basketball, softball, volleyball, track and field, aquatics, soccer, cross country, golf, tennis, equestrian and lacrosse. Bulldog student-athletes have won conference championships and the 1998 Softball National title. Fresno State’s facilities for women’s sports are among the nation’s finest. The University has a prestigious network of thousands of alumni all around the world. Some of the notable names are Paul George, an American professional basketball player, Cruz Bustamante, Former Lieutenant Governor of California and Rick Husband, an American astronaut.

Student Diversity and Visiting Companies

The University is designated by the US Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution as well as an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. Diversity, Discovery and Distinction are at the heart of Fresno State. The university has a diverse community of over 24,000 students, including international students. There are 300+ active student organizations on Fresno State ENGAGE. Homecoming week, vintage days, commencement, and a variety of other extracurricular activities are all planned by the Student Involvement Centre for students. Full-size basketball courts, a dance studio, an indoor jogging track, two racquetball courts, aerobic equipment, and weight-lifting machines are just a few of the athletic amenities available to students at the Student Recreation Centre. With these activities, students get the opportunities to socialize, and make friends, and conversations with peers from diverse backgrounds. Fresno State plans various placement sessions and webinars throughout the year for the students.  Some of the top visiting companies are Kaiser Permanente, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte and Microsoft Corporation.