In the California State University (CSU) system—spanning 23 campuses—some of the most popular majors by enrollment include Business Administration, Psychology, Health Sciences (including Nursing), Criminal Justice, Biological Sciences, Communication Studies, Sociology, Engineering, Liberal Studies, and Computer Science. These high-demand fields draw a diverse range of students seeking accessible, career-focused education with practical learning experiences, all supported by CSU’s broad academic offerings and commitment to public higher education.

List of CSU campuses

• CSU Bakersfield (CSUB): Renowned for programs in business administration, teacher education, nursing, and the natural sciences.

• CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI): Emphasizes interdisciplinary studies, liberal arts, biotech, and cutting-edge STEM fields.

• CSU Chico (Chico State): Known for strong agriculture, engineering, computer science, and business programs.

• CSU Dominguez Hills (CSUDH): Offers robust programs in business, education, and public administration, with a focus on social equity.

• CSU East Bay (CSUEB): Houses popular majors in business, teacher education, and health sciences, serving the Bay Area region.

• CSU Fresno (Fresno State): Features leading agriculture programs along with business, engineering, and health sciences.

• CSU Fullerton (CSUF): Highly regarded for business, communications, arts, and teacher education.

• Cal Poly Humboldt: Specializes in environmental science, forestry, and natural resources, leveraging its unique ecosystem locale.

• CSU Long Beach (CSULB): Noted for strong engineering, arts, business, and health science programs.

• CSU Los Angeles (Cal State LA): Offers popular majors in business, engineering, criminal justice, and nursing, with community-focused initiatives.

• Cal Maritime (CSU Maritime Academy): Focused on marine transportation, engineering, and global maritime policy.

• CSU Monterey Bay (CSUMB): Known for marine science, environmental studies, and innovative business programs near the Monterey coastline.

• CSU Northridge (CSUN): Excels in business, film and television, education, and engineering, serving a large urban population.

• Cal Poly Pomona (CPP): Emphasizes polytechnic learning in engineering, architecture, hospitality management, and agriculture.

• CSU Sacramento (Sac State): Recognized for government and public policy, business, and teacher education programs.

• CSU San Bernardino (CSUSB): Strong in business, public administration, nursing, and criminal justice, with a focus on the Inland Empire.

• San Diego State University (SDSU): Popular for business, engineering, communications, and robust research opportunities.

• San Francisco State University (SFSU): Offers wide-ranging liberal arts and social sciences, including cinema, creative writing, and ethnic studies.

• San Jose State University (SJSU): Well-known for engineering, computer science, and business, especially suited for Silicon Valley careers.

• Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO): Renowned for “learn by doing” in engineering, architecture, agriculture, and business.

• CSU San Marcos (CSUSM): Specializes in nursing, business, teacher education, and emerging biotechnology programs.

• Sonoma State University (SSU): Highlights wine business, liberal arts, education, and psychology in the heart of wine country.

• CSU Stanislaus (Stan State): Focuses on teacher education, business, nursing, and liberal studies, serving California’s Central Valley.

In the University of California (UC) system—encompassing 10 campuses—some of the most popular majors by enrollment include Biological Sciences, Psychology, Computer Science, Economics, Political Science, Business Administration, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Sociology, and Communication. These in-demand areas of study provide a solid mix of research-intensive and practical learning experiences, reflecting the UC’s mission of cultivating both scholarly inquiry and societal impact through top-tier public education.

List of UC campuses

• UC Berkeley: Renowned for its highly ranked programs in business (Haas School of Business), engineering, and social sciences, with a strong tradition of research and innovation.

• UC Davis: Known for agricultural and environmental sciences, veterinary medicine, and biological sciences, offering robust research opportunities in STEM fields.

• UC Irvine (UCI): Noted for strengths in computer science, engineering, and health sciences, along with interdisciplinary research across various fields.

• UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles): Combines top programs in film, television, performing arts, engineering, and the social sciences, attracting a diverse student body.

• UC Merced: The newest campus, emphasizing interdisciplinary research in engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences, with a growing reputation in sustainability studies.

• UC Riverside (UCR): Recognized for excellence in entomology, business, and creative writing, supporting a vibrant research community.

• UC San Diego (UCSD): Distinguished by pioneering programs in bioengineering, computer science, and oceanography, situated near a bustling biotech hub.

• UC San Francisco (UCSF): A graduate-only campus specialized in health sciences and medicine, globally known for groundbreaking medical research.

• UC Santa Barbara (UCSB): Celebrated for engineering (particularly chemical and electrical), physics, and the social sciences, set against a scenic coastal backdrop.

• UC Santa Cruz (UCSC): Recognized for computer game design, astrophysics, environmental studies, and a strong liberal arts tradition.

Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the ideal of a student-centered college search. By spotlighting a select group of distinctive liberal arts colleges, CTCL encourages families to focus on “fit” rather than rankings, helping students find communities where they can thrive academically, socially, and personally. 

Through resources, campus tours, and events, CTCL empowers prospective students to seek out schools that foster intellectual curiosity, creative thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.