Working at Cal State, your next career step!

🎓 Overview of California State University, Los Angeles

California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA or CSULA), founded in 1947 as Los Angeles State College, is a public university in the heart of Los Angeles, California. Part of the 23-campus California State University (CSU) system, it serves over 26,000 students with a commitment to access, excellence, and diversity. Known for its social mobility—ranked No. 1 in California by The Wall Street Journal—it transforms first-generation and underrepresented students into leaders. The campus spans 162 acres in the San Gabriel Valley, offering a dynamic environment for academic careers.

Jobs at California State University, Los Angeles attract educators, researchers, and administrators passionate about public higher education. With a focus on teaching, scholarship, and service, positions range from faculty to support staff, contributing to the university's mission of student success in a diverse urban setting. Located near cultural landmarks like the Hollywood Hills and downtown LA, it provides a vibrant backdrop for professional growth.

📜 History and Mission

Established post-World War II to meet California's growing need for teachers, Cal State LA evolved into a comprehensive university granting bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Key milestones include becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in 2001 and earning R2 research status from the Carnegie Classification. Its motto, "A Place Where Leaders are Made," reflects a legacy of equity and opportunity.

The university's history shapes its job landscape, emphasizing roles that support inclusive education. Faculty jobs at California State University, Los Angeles often involve mentoring diverse cohorts, aligning with its founding principles amid LA's multicultural fabric.

🏛️ Academic Programs and Departments

Cal State LA offers 129 bachelor's degrees, 112 master's, and three doctoral programs across disciplines like liberal arts, business, engineering, natural sciences, health sciences, and education. Standout colleges include the Charter College of Education and the College of Natural and Social Sciences. The TV/Film & Media Studies Department is renowned for hands-on production, while engineering programs boast high placement rates.

Career opportunities abound in these areas, with faculty positions requiring expertise in fields like bilingual education or sustainable engineering, tailored to LA's demographics.

💼 Types of Jobs at Cal State LA

Common positions include tenure-track professors, lecturers, adjunct faculty, research associates, postdoctoral scholars, administrative staff, and executive roles. Tenure-track jobs involve teaching, research, and service; lecturers focus on instruction. For a full breakdown, explore university job types.

• Faculty roles in departments like Nursing or Criminal Justice.
• Research positions in centers like the Institute for Comparative and International Studies.
• Staff jobs in student affairs or facilities.

Remote higher ed jobs and adjunct professor jobs are also available periodically.

📋 Required Academic Qualifications

For faculty jobs at California State University, Los Angeles, a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field is standard for tenure-track positions. Master's degrees suffice for lecturers. Credentials must be from accredited institutions, with ABD (All But Dissertation) candidates considered for some roles.

Administrative positions may require advanced degrees like an EdD for deans or MAs for coordinators.

Research Focus or Expertise Needed

Research aligns with university priorities: applied projects in urban studies, health disparities, or STEM equity. Expertise in grant-funded work, especially from NSF or NIH, is valued. Cal State LA supports faculty in areas like Latino health or environmental justice, reflecting LA's needs.

Preferred Experience

Publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and teaching diverse populations are preferred. Grant experience, prior CSU service, or industry collaborations strengthen applications. For example, engineering faculty benefit from ABET accreditation experience.

Skills and Competencies

Key skills include pedagogy for inclusive classrooms, data analysis tools like SPSS, grant writing, and interpersonal communication. Competencies in cultural humility, technology integration (e.g., Canvas LMS), and leadership are essential for success in this student-centered environment.

🔄 Application Process and Tips

Applications go through the Cal State Careers portal (careers.calstate.edu). Submit a cover letter, CV, transcripts, teaching statement, research agenda, and diversity statement. Interviews may include teaching demos and committee meetings.

• Tailor documents to the job description, using keywords from the posting.
• Highlight equity-minded practices; Cal State LA screens for diversity commitment.
• Network via conferences or alumni events.
• Use free cover letter template resources.
• Follow up post-submission; timelines vary from 3-6 months.

Pro tip: Reference Cal State LA's strategic plan in your materials for alignment.

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Cal State LA leads in equity as an HSI (47% Hispanic students) and AANAPISI. Initiatives include the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Framework, faculty development workshops, and the Black Faculty & Staff Association. Hiring prioritizes candidates advancing access for underrepresented groups, with search committee training on bias mitigation. Examples: Funded affinity groups and inclusive syllabi mandates.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

CSU benefits include medical/dental/vision, 401(k)-like retirement, tuition waivers for employees/dependents, and 22 vacation days. Wellness programs offer gym access, counseling, and childcare. LA location enables work-life integration with nearby beaches, arts, and hiking. Campus life features events like Unity Week, cultural centers, and sustainable practices (e.g., solar panels). Employees praise collaborative culture and student impact, though workloads demand balance strategies like time-blocking.

📊 Current Trends and Opportunities

With enrollment growth and state funding boosts, Cal State LA seeks faculty in high-demand fields like nursing (projected shortages) and computer science. Salaries competitive: Assistant professors ~$80k-$100k base. Explore professor salaries for benchmarks. Recent hires focus on interdisciplinary roles amid employer branding.

Definitions

Tenure-track: A faculty path leading to permanent employment after review of teaching, research, and service, typically 5-7 years.

Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI): Accredited college with 25%+ Hispanic enrollment, receiving federal grants for support programs.

ABD: All But Dissertation, meaning PhD candidate with completed coursework and exams.

Diversity Statement: Document detailing candidate's contributions to equity and inclusion.

Summary

Jobs at California State University, Los Angeles offer rewarding paths in a diverse, impactful setting. From faculty to admin, roles demand expertise but reward with stability and purpose. Leverage higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and post your profile via post a job on AcademicJobs.com for tailored matches.