What Majors and Degree Programs Does Cal State LA Offer?
Updated
Cal State LA offers more than 100 undergraduate programs, over 100 graduate-level master's, certificate, and credential programs, and four doctoral programs. The university covers nearly every field, from business and the arts to education, engineering, science, and nursing. If you are choosing a school or a major, the practical question is not just "how many programs exist" but which credential level matches your goal — a bachelor's for entry-level work, a master's or credential for advancement or licensure, or a doctorate for research and top-level professional practice.
Program levels at a glance
| Level | What Cal State LA offers | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 100+ programs | First degree, career entry, transfer completion |
| Graduate | 100+ master's, certificate, and credential programs | Career advancement, teaching credentials, specialized skills |
| Doctoral | Four programs | Advanced professional or research-focused study |
The counts come from the university's own description of its academic offerings. Exact program names, admission requirements, and deadlines are not listed in that summary, so confirm the specific program on the university's Majors and Programs page before applying.
Fields covered
The university states that its programs span nearly every field, including:
- Business
- The arts
- Education
- Engineering
- Science
- Nursing
That breadth matters if you are undecided: you can often stay at one institution while changing direction, rather than transferring. It also means the same campus supports very different paths — a nursing credential, an engineering bachelor's, and a business master's are all housed in one place.
How to choose among them
- Start with your end goal. If you need a license or credential to practice (for example, in teaching or nursing), look at the credential or licensure-track programs first, not just the major list.
- Check the credential level. A certificate can be shorter and more targeted than a master's; a master's usually carries more depth and broader eligibility for advanced roles.
- Confirm the program exists at the level you need. The university reports 100+ undergraduate and 100+ graduate-level options, but a field you want may sit at only one level.
- Verify requirements and deadlines directly. The homepage points to an Admissions page for the complete list of requirements and deadlines rather than listing them itself.
Key dates to keep in mind
If you are planning to apply, the university lists these priority application filing periods:
- Spring 2027: July 1 – August 31, 2026
- Fall 2027: October 1 – November 30, 2026
These are priority filing windows, and the university directs applicants to its Admissions page for the complete list of requirements and deadlines. Treat the dates as a planning signal, not a substitute for checking the program-specific page.
A note on why this matters
Cal State LA describes itself as ranked number one in the U.S. for the upward mobility of its graduates — its stated strength is helping students earn degrees and move up the economic ladder. For a prospective student, that framing is most useful when paired with a concrete program choice: the value depends on picking a credential that employers or licensing bodies in your field actually recognize.
What to do next
- Browse the Majors and Programs listing to see whether your intended field is offered at the undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral level.
- If cost is a factor, check the Financial Aid section and the "Am I Eligible?" and "Talk with an Advisor" links before applying.
- For application steps, see the separate guide on applying as a freshman, transfer, or international student.
The one thing this overview cannot tell you is whether a specific program fits your background — that answer lives on the individual program page and with an advisor.