California State University Long Beach

What California State University Long Beach does

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is a public research university founded in 1949 and operated as one of 23 campuses within the California State University system under the governance of the CSU Board of Trustees. The institution employs between 5,001 and 10,000 staff and serves a large student body, graduating nearly 10,000 students per commencement cycle across eight colleges spanning engineering, business, health sciences, education, liberal arts, natural sciences, arts, and professional and continuing education. CSULB generates revenue through state appropriations, tuition and fees (with programs such as the MSGISci priced at $21,000 per 30-unit degree), sponsored research, philanthropic gifts (including a $275 million No Barriers campaign), and athletics-related fundraising (The Anchor Fund and Beach Athletic Fund).

CSULB's portfolio of products and services centers on degree-granting academic programs, research facilities, and community-facing clinics. Core offerings include the BeachBoard learning management system (built on Desire2Learn), the Space Beach Initiative (an aerospace talent pipeline projected to produce approximately 15,000 engineering professionals over the next decade), the Shark Lab marine research facility, the Speech and Language Clinic (delivering approximately 1,800 pro bono direct-contact hours per academic year), the Clorinda Donato Center for Global Romance Languages and Translation Studies, the MS in Geographic Information Science program, and the new MA in Translation and Interpreting launching fall 2026. The university maintains WASC accreditation, complies with NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA, and operates its Long Beach State Foundation and Research Foundation as wholly owned subsidiaries for fundraising and sponsored research.

CSULB's go-to-market motion operates through the centralized Cal State Apply admissions portal for traditional students and the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) for working professionals, supplemented by direct industry partnerships (notably Northrop Grumman as the No. 2 employer of engineering graduates, and Hyundai Motor America for STEM mentorship) and public-facing cultural venues including the Carpenter Performing Arts Center and Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. Marketing channels span the csulb.edu website, social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn), news media relations, commencement and campus events, and the No Barriers fundraising campaign.

Name

California State University Long Beach

Legal name

California State University, Long Beach

Website

https://csulb.edu

Company type

Public

Founded year

1949

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

California State University, Long Beach is a public research university within the 23-campus CSU system that serves nearly 10,000 annual graduates across eight colleges. It operates as a regional aerospace talent pipeline through the Space Beach Initiative, with Northrop Grumman and Hyundai among its key industry partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Research Universities with Multi-Campus Systems (EDAHAAAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Research Universities with Comprehensive Graduate & Professional Schools (EDAHAAAF), Public Research Universities with Major Extension & Outreach Missions (EDAHAAAG)

Keywords

• Public higher education
• Engineering degree programs
• Aerospace workforce training
• Professional continuing education
• Geographic information science

Headquarters

HQ city

Long Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

California State University, Long Beach is a public research university that delivers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across eight colleges, including engineering, business, liberal arts, health sciences, and professional/continuing education. Beyond degree instruction, the university operates specialized research centers (Shark Lab, Clorinda Donato Center), pro bono clinical services (Speech and Language Clinic), industry-aligned workforce initiatives (Space Beach Initiative), and cultural/community programming accessible to the public.

Product overview

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is a public university offering a comprehensive portfolio of academic programs across eight colleges. The university's technology-enhanced offerings include BeachBoard (a Desire2Learn-based learning management system), the Space Beach Initiative (aerospace workforce development), and specialized centers like the Clorinda Donato Center for Global Romance Languages and Translation Studies. CSULB operates clinical services including the Speech and Language Clinic, research facilities like the Shark Lab, and professional programs including an MS in Geographic Information Science. The institution's Beach EDGE dual-degree program and Foresight Fundamentals Training represent recent educational innovations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• BeachBoard Learning Management System CSULB's online learning management system (LMS) used for online classes and academic technology services. Built on Desire2Learn technology, it provides students and faculty access to course materials, assignments, and online instruction.
• Space Beach Initiative A CSULB initiative advancing the university's role in the aeronautics and astronautics landscape, serving as a talent pipeline for Long Beach's aerospace industry. Over the next decade, it is expected to produce approximately 15,000 degreed or certified engineering and technical professionals.
• Shark Lab Research Program CSULB's Shark Lab conducts research on shark behavior and marine biology using drone surveys and field observation methods along Southern California beaches. Scientists study shark populations and warn the public about activity patterns.
• Clorinda Donato Center for Global Romance Languages and Translation Studies The first center in the United States promoting multilingual competencies and the first in the CSU system focused on translation studies. Offers an undergraduate minor in translation studies, a translation studies option in the BA in Linguistics, and a 12-month Graduate Certificate in Translation Studies. A future Master of Arts in Translation and Interpreting is planned for fall 2026.
• Speech and Language Clinic A free pro bono clinic offering speech-language pathology services to clients ages 2 to 99. Delivers approximately 1,800 direct-contact hours per academic year free of charge, with major support from the California Scottish Rite Foundation. Treats various speech-related issues including language delays and communication challenges from stroke.
• Master of Science in Geographic Information Science (MSGISci) A one-year, 30-unit cohort-based degree program providing advanced analytic and technical training in geospatial technologies. Features a small cohort of 25 students, Monday/Wednesday evening and Saturday classes, with a $21,000 total program cost ($700 per unit). Program tuition is the same for CA state residents and out-of-state students.
• Northrop Grumman Veterans in Engineering Student Study Center A dedicated student study center at CSULB supporting engineering students with industry connections and mentorship from Northrop Grumman, a major defense and aerospace technology employer. Part of the broader Space Beach industry partnership pipeline.
• Dance Degree Programs CSULB's Dance Department offering a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science in Dance Science, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Arts in Dance, and teaching credentials. Features the Martha B. Knoebel Dance Theater and an annual Contemporary Dance Concert showcasing student choreographers.
• College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) Programs CPaCE offers degree programs, certificates, and professional development designed for working professionals with evening and weekend classes. Programs include the MSGISci and other continuing education offerings for career advancement.

Quantifiable outcome

• No. 3 ranking in aerospace engineering nationally among non-doctoral programs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Hyundai Motor AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 April 2026Hyundai Motor America partnered with CSULB to provide STEM mentorship as part of Hyundai Hope, the company's corporate social responsibility program. Hyundai engineers participated in a design review for students preparing vehicles for the May 2026 Baja SAE competition. Hyundai leaders also spoke at the BEACH Women in Engineering Conference 2026 about data-driven careers in engineering. The partnership supports STEM education and workforce readiness initiatives.
• Northrop GrummancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorthrop Grumman is the No. 2 employer of Beach engineering graduates. The company supports the Northrop Grumman Veterans in Engineering Student Study Center on campus, student chapters of various professional clubs, internship initiatives, and the Beach Engineering Student Success Team (BESST). The partnership provides students with career pathways in aerospace and defense while giving Northrop Grumman access to diverse engineering talent. Candace Givens '06 serves as VP of the Overhead Persistent Infrared and Geospatial Systems business unit at Northrop Grumman.
• Space Beach Aerospace Ecosystem (Multiple Companies)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Space Beach Initiative represents a powerful alignment between industry, education, and the city of Long Beach to develop the region's aerospace talent pipeline. The initiative includes partnerships with dozens of new aerospace companies that have created thousands of new jobs in Long Beach. CSULB's aerospace program ranks No. 3 nationally and serves as a cornerstone of this regional aerospace hub nicknamed 'Space Beach.'
• Aerospace Industry Panel (Space Beach)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChris Reese, Associate Vice President of University Relations at CSULB, participated in a panel discussion on workforce expansion and growth of the local aerospace industry in Long Beach. The panel highlighted partnerships with aerospace companies to provide student internships and support the region's emerging aerospace hub. Chris Reese emphasized the importance of industry partnerships for developing talent pipelines.
• California State University, NorthridgeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudents from CSULB collaborated with California State University, Northridge and the University of Texas at Arlington on a National Science Foundation-funded project collecting water quality data from fire-affected areas in California to create a national database. The project analyzes impacts of 2025 fires, drought, and atmospheric rivers on water characteristics.
• California Scottish Rite FoundationcoreOthersThe Speech and Language Clinic receives major support from the California Scottish Rite Foundation, enabling the clinic to offer free services to clients ranging from age 2 to 99. The clinic delivers approximately 1,800 direct-contact hours per academic year as one of several publicly facing pro bono programs at CSULB.
• Versa-Style Street Dance CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVersa-Style Street Dance Company from Los Angeles conducted an Arts for Life workshop at CSULB, teaching street dancing moves to approximately 41 Beach dance students. The workshop was organized by the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, which also coordinated workshops in four Long Beach elementary schools with the company.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• UCLA: California's premier public research university, also in the Los Angeles metro. Comparable geography and STEM talent pool, but operates at significantly larger research-doctoral scale and competes for overlapping top applicants.
• Purdue University: Premier R1 public university with one of the nation's top-ranked aerospace engineering programs. Comparable on aerospace education scale and employer recruiting but operates at a much larger research-grant-funded scale and grants doctoral degrees.
• UC Irvine: Nearby UC campus with rapidly growing engineering and computer-science programs and similar aerospace/defense adjacency in Southern California. Comparable on employer recruiting overlap and regional STEM applicant pool, though at higher research-doctoral tier.

Direct peers

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Specialized aviation/aerospace-focused institution with strong industry ties to defense and commercial aerospace employers. Comparable through its aerospace talent-pipeline positioning, though it is private and aviation-centric.
• San Diego State University: CSU peer of similar size and Carnegie classification with strong engineering, business, and health programs. Comparable in scale, mission, and applicant pool within Southern California.
• San Jose State University: Another large CSU campus with notable engineering programs and similar urban commuter profile. Comparable on enrollment scale, professional/continuing education offerings, and engineering industry partnerships.
• Cal Poly Pomona: CSU peer with strong engineering, architecture, and hospitality programs. Shares polytechnic-style applied learning identity and competes for the same Southern California engineering applicant pool as CSULB.
• Wichita State University: Public university with a nationally recognized aerospace engineering program and deep aviation-industry partnerships (Spirit AeroSystems, Textron). Comparable on aerospace pipeline positioning and applied-research emphasis.
• CSU Fullerton: Neighboring CSU campus with comparable enrollment and a similar mix of business, engineering, health, and education programs. Direct competitor for Orange County and Long Beach commuter students.
• Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: Fellow CSU campus with a nationally top-ranked engineering and aerospace learn-by-doing model. Directly comparable on system affiliation, engineering reputation, and student outcomes; primary competitor for in-state California STEM-bound high-school applicants.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/csulb
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@csulb
• Facebookfacebook.com/csulb
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/california-state-university-long-beach
• Instagraminstagram.com/csulongbeach

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about California State University Long Beach