California Lutheran University (CLU) is a selective, comprehensive institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the liberal arts and sciences and professional fields. The university was established in 1959 with a focus on helping people find their purpose in life. In September of 1961, the college welcomed 330 students. It has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and two of its schools are accredited by California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools. The university is a member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and a few other associations.

California Lutheran University has its main campus in Thousand Oaks, California, which puts it between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. It is a 225-acre property with accommodation units, academic buildings, dining halls, a fitness center, and sports facilities. Students at Cal Lutheran have ample opportunities for relaxing when they’re not studying. The Outdoor Recreation program allows students to experience hiking, snowboarding, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. The university also has four satellite centers in Oxnard, Santa Maria, Westlake Village, and Woodland Hills. The city of Thousand Oaks is about 40 miles from Downtown Los Angeles and is recognized as one of the most desirable places to live and work owing to its peaceful and culturally rich setting.

Cal Lutheran has a student population of 4,027 out of which 2,804 are enrolled in undergraduate programs and 1,223 are part of graduate programs. It is also home to international students from 48 countries and 40 states. 15% of the undergraduate students stay on campus and the university prides itself on an average class size of 15 which allows teachers to pay more attention to every student. Cal Lutheran has 185 full-time and 286 part-time faculty members out of which 88% of full-time members have doctoral or terminal degrees. The administrative staff comprises 384 full-time members and 60 part-time members. The traditional undergraduate programs have 44 minors and 40 majors while the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program has nine majors.

The university has produced a lot of notable personalities over the years in the fields of politics, sports, arts, and education. Catherine Byrne – a politician serving as the Nevada State Controller, Ray Haynes – former California State Senator and Assemblyman and James Ware – retired federal judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California are some of the notable personalities in politics. When it comes to athletics, Mike Borzello – Major League catching the coach for the Chicago Cubs, Jason Hirsh – Major League Baseball pitcher, Cortney Jordan – Olympic swimmer, Freddy Keiaho – football player for Jacksonville Jaguars and Patty Kempner – Olympic Gold Medal swimmer, stand out in their particular fields.