About San Diego State University
San Diego State University (SDSU), founded in 1897 as San Diego Normal School, has evolved into a major public research university in San Diego, California, United States. Originally established to train teachers, it expanded its curriculum and became a state college in 1921, achieving university status in 1970. Today, SDSU is part of the California State University system and serves over 35,000 students across eight colleges, including the Fowler College of Business, College of Engineering, and College of Health and Human Services. Known for its strong emphasis on research, SDSU boasts key achievements such as pioneering programs in sustainability, public health, and border studies, reflecting its location near the U.S.-Mexico border. The university's mission is to provide transformative education, foster innovation, and contribute to the global community through impactful research and community engagement.
SDSU's main campus spans 288 acres in the vibrant city of San Diego, with additional locations including the Imperial Valley Campus in Calexico and Brawley. The university is renowned for its diverse student body and commitment to inclusivity, offering over 190 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Notable milestones include its classification as an R2 research university by the Carnegie Foundation, with annual research expenditures exceeding $150 million. SDSU excels in areas like biotechnology, environmental science, and entrepreneurship, collaborating with industry leaders in Southern California. For more details, visit the San Diego State University Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in California, and Academic Jobs in San Diego.
SDSU's history is marked by resilience and growth, surviving challenges like the Great Depression and World War II while continuously adapting to societal needs. Key departments include the School of Public Affairs, known for criminal justice programs, and the College of Sciences, leading in biology and chemistry research. The university's athletic programs, particularly in basketball and football, add to its lively campus culture. SDSU alumni include prominent figures in business, entertainment, and politics, underscoring its role in shaping leaders. With a focus on experiential learning, SDSU integrates real-world applications into its curriculum, preparing students for successful careers. For academics interested in professor positions at San Diego State University or research jobs at San Diego State University, this institution offers a supportive environment for scholarly pursuits.
In recent years, SDSU has invested heavily in infrastructure, including state-of-the-art research facilities and sustainable buildings, aligning with its goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. The university's strategic location in San Diego provides access to biotech hubs, tech industries, and cultural institutions, enhancing collaborative opportunities. Whether you're a student, faculty member, or researcher, SDSU's commitment to excellence makes it a top choice for higher education jobs at San Diego State University.
Faculty Job Opportunities at San Diego State University
💼 Faculty job opportunities at San Diego State University are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas like engineering, business, and health sciences. According to recent trends from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and SDSU's career reports for 2025, there's a growing need for assistant professors in STEM fields, with a 15% increase in postings for roles in computer science and biotechnology. Key departments such as the College of Engineering offer positions like Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on sustainable energy research, while the Fowler College of Business seeks lecturers in marketing and entrepreneurship. Research fellows in public health are also in demand, driven by SDSU's emphasis on community health initiatives near the border region.
Salary ranges for these roles, based on 2025 data from Glassdoor and California State University salary databases, typically start at $80,000-$95,000 for assistant professors, rising to $100,000-$120,000 for associate professors, and $130,000+ for full professors, influenced by department and experience. For instance, faculty in the College of Sciences can expect higher salaries due to grant funding availability. Lecturer roles at San Diego State University often range from $60,000-$85,000 annually, with opportunities for adjunct positions in arts and letters. These figures reflect California's cost of living adjustments and SDSU's competitive positioning within the CSU system.
Job trends indicate a shift toward interdisciplinary roles, such as those combining data science with environmental studies, aligning with SDSU's research priorities. Academic careers at San Diego State University benefit from robust professional development programs and tenure-track paths. To explore professor positions at San Diego State University or higher education jobs at San Diego State University, visit AcademicJobs.com's filtered search. Internal links include Higher Ed Jobs, Lecturer Jobs, and Research Jobs. For location-specific insights, check Academic Jobs in California and Academic Jobs in San Diego.
Notable opportunities include positions in the School of Public Affairs for criminal justice experts and in the College of Education for teacher training specialists. With SDSU's R2 status, research jobs at San Diego State University often come with funding from grants like those from the National Science Foundation. Job seekers should note that diversity and inclusion are priorities, with initiatives to hire underrepresented faculty. Salaries in San Diego State University academia are competitive, often supplemented by benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. For more on faculty jobs at San Diego State University, explore Professor Jobs and Faculty Jobs.
Assistant Professor in Engineering
Focus on sustainable tech; salary $85,000-$100,000.
Lecturer in Business
Marketing roles; salary $65,000-$80,000.
Research Fellow in Public Health
Community-focused; salary $75,000-$90,000.
Associate Professor in Sciences
Biology emphasis; salary $105,000-$125,000.
Why Work at San Diego State University
Academic careers at San Diego State University are appealing due to its vibrant research ecosystem, collaborative culture, and prime location in San Diego. Faculty benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities, substantial research funding, and partnerships with local industries like biotech and tech firms. Unique perks include professional development workshops, sabbatical opportunities, and a focus on work-life balance with scenic campus views and proximity to beaches. SDSU's commitment to diversity fosters an inclusive environment, enhancing career satisfaction. Explore more at Higher Ed Career Advice and Rate My Professor for insights into academic opportunities at San Diego State University.
Career prospects are strong, with high tenure rates and opportunities for advancement in key areas like sustainability and health sciences. SDSU's emphasis on community impact allows faculty to engage in meaningful projects, contributing to global challenges. Benefits include competitive salaries, health coverage, and retirement plans tailored to California standards.
Salary Guide for Faculty at San Diego State University
📊 Salaries for faculty at San Diego State University are competitive within the California State University system, influenced by factors like rank, department, experience, and location in high-cost San Diego. Based on 2025 data from sources like the CSU Salary Database and Glassdoor, assistant professors earn an average of $82,000-$98,000 annually, with higher ranges in STEM fields like engineering ($90,000-$105,000) due to demand and grant funding. Associate professors typically see $100,000-$118,000, while full professors command $125,000-$160,000 or more, especially in business or health sciences where external collaborations boost earnings.
Factors affecting pay include tenure status, publication records, and administrative roles; for example, department chairs may receive stipends up to $20,000. Location plays a key role, with San Diego's cost of living index at 160% of the national average necessitating adjustments. Compared to national averages, SDSU salaries are 10-15% higher in sciences but vary by discipline—humanities roles might start at $75,000. Adjunct and lecturer positions range from $55,000-$80,000 for full-time equivalents, often part-time. Benefits like health insurance and pension contributions add 20-30% to total compensation. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries and University Salaries.
Recent trends show salary growth of 4-6% annually due to union negotiations and state funding increases. In high-demand areas like data science, entry-level salaries can exceed $100,000 with bonuses for research grants. Faculty in the Imperial Valley Campus may see slight variations due to rural location. Overall, salaries in San Diego State University academia support a comfortable lifestyle, with opportunities for supplemental income through consulting. Job seekers should consider negotiating based on experience and market rates. Explore more on faculty salaries at San Diego State University through AcademicJobs.com resources.
To illustrate, a tenured professor in environmental science might earn $140,000 base plus grants, while a new lecturer in education starts at $65,000. These figures are informed by 2025 projections, emphasizing SDSU's investment in talent retention amid California's competitive academic market.
| Rank | Average Salary Range | Department Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $82,000-$98,000 | Engineering, Sciences |
| Associate Professor | $100,000-$118,000 | Business, Health |
| Full Professor | $125,000-$160,000 | All Departments |
| Lecturer | $55,000-$80,000 | Arts, Education |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at San Diego State University
⭐ Discover top educators at San Diego State University through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, where student ratings help identify excellence in teaching and research. This platform allows users to rate professors based on clarity, helpfulness, and difficulty, aiding in course selection and recognizing outstanding faculty. For professor ratings at San Diego State University, it's an essential tool for students and academics alike.
Dr. Jessica Barlow
Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences; Rating: 4.8/5 - Praised for engaging lectures.
Dr. Seth Archer
History; Rating: 4.7/5 - Known for insightful discussions on cultural topics.
Dr. Ming-Hsiang Tsou
Geography; Rating: 4.9/5 - Expert in GIS and innovative teaching methods.
Dr. Gail Ayala Taylor
Biology; Rating: 4.6/5 - Excellent in mentoring research students.
Dr. Congcong Zheng
Business; Rating: 4.8/5 - Focuses on entrepreneurship with practical insights.
Dr. Tracy Love
Psychology; Rating: 4.7/5 - Renowned for cognitive science contributions.
Career Progression at San Diego State University
Career progression at San Diego State University follows a structured path from lecturer to full professor, with tenure-track opportunities emphasizing research and teaching. Entry-level roles like assistant professor lead to associate status after 5-7 years, with salaries increasing from $85,000 to $110,000. SDSU supports professional development through grants and mentorship, particularly in research-heavy departments like sciences. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Tenure involves rigorous review of publications and service, with success rates around 70%. University-specific factors include border studies funding and collaborations.
Research and Innovation at San Diego State University
🔬 Research at San Diego State University focuses on sustainability, public health, and data science, with centers like the Coastal and Marine Institute leading innovations. 2025 trends show increased funding for climate change studies, exceeding $160 million annually. Opportunities include interdisciplinary collaborations. Explore Research Jobs.
Major areas include biotechnology and border security, with partnerships enhancing impact.
Resources for San Diego State University Academics
- 🎓 Professional development via Faculty Advancement Center.
- Union support through California Faculty Association.
- Benefits including health plans and tuition waivers.
- Research grants from SDSU Research Foundation.
Student Life and Perspectives at San Diego State University
Student life at San Diego State University is dynamic, with diverse programs in business and engineering leading to strong career outcomes. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection. Resources include career centers and internships in San Diego.
Perspectives highlight inclusive community and research involvement.
