School Overview
Sonoma State University (also referred to as SSU or Sonoma State), is a public four-year university and one of 23 campuses in the California State University (CSU) system. The school’s main campus is located in Rohnerk Park, California about 50 miles north of San Francisco. SSU offers over 65 undergraduate and graduate degrees and is one of the smallest universities within the CSU system.
With substantial involvement and support from San Francisco State University, Sonoma State College was established in 1960 as part of the California State College system. In 1978 Sonoma State College became Sonoma State University and it was transitioned into the California State University (CSU) system. The University started offering four-year college degrees in 1961. Today SSU offers an extensive selection of both graduate and undergraduate degree programs.
Academics
While Sonoma State is well-known for its exceptional business, economics and nursing programs, it is still considered a liberal arts university. The most popular subjects of study at Sonoma State are business, psychology and liberal arts. The University operates on a non-traditional semester system which includes a short-term in August known as "intersession" and three more traditional semesters for fall, spring, and summer.
Academic Schools and Programs
Sonoma State University is composed of 65 individual departments and programs, which in turn belong to one of the University’s seven academic schools. All seven schools at Sonoma State offer both graduate and undergraduate programs and many also offer minors and doctorates.
Sonoma State’s schools include Arts and Humanities, Business and Economics, Education, Science and Technology, Extended Education Certificate Programs, Social Sciences Anthro Studies Center and California Cultural Studies.
Sonoma State University is also well-known for its wine business programs. In fact, the school’s Wine Business Institute was the first in the United States to offer degree and professional certificate programs focused on the business of wine. The following wine business programs are offered at the university:
- The Sonoma MBA for Professionals (Part-time and Full-time formats available)
- Sonoma MBA in Wine Business (Part-time and Full-time formats available)
- The Sonoma Executive MBA (part-time format)
- Sonoma Executive MBA in Wine Business (Part-time format)
- Sonoma Executive MBA in Wine Business (Hybrid version)
- Wine Business Management (Online Program)
- QuickBooks for Wine Businesses (Online Program)
The following is a list of the academic schools and special programs offered at Sonoma State.
- School of Arts & Humanities
- School of Business & Economics
- The Sonoma MBA for Professionals (Part-time and Full-time formats available)
- Sonoma MBA in Wine Business (Part-time and Full-time formats available)
- The Sonoma Executive MBA (part-time format)
- Sonoma Executive MBA in Wine Business (Part-time format)
- Wine Business Management (Online Program)
- QuickBooks for Wine Businesses (Online Program)
- School of Education
- School of Science & Technology
- Galbreath Wildlands Preserve (provides research and educational programs in hydrology, geology, vegetation, vertebrates and climate)
- Fairfield Osborn Preserve (provides research and educational programs in hydrology and ecology)
- Sonoma State Observatory (provides research and education programs in astronomy)
- School of Extended Education Certificate Programs
- EXCEL for Youth
- Contract Credit Programs
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (noncredit courses for adults over 50)
- Bachelor of Art Degree Completion Program in Liberal Studies
- Master of Art in Interdisciplinary Studies: Action for a Viable Future
- Art Therapy
- Organization Development Program
- Depth Psychology
- Master of Science in Computer and Engineering Science
- Open University
- Sonoma State American Language Institute
- Master of Art in Spanish
- Summer Session
- School of Social Sciences AnthroStudies Center
- Other Majors California Cultural Studies
- Special Major in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Special Major in Global Studies
- Planning
- Other Minors
- Minor in Women's Health
- Women's and Gender Studies
- Special Minor in Interdisciplinary Studies
Athletics
Known as the Seawolves, Sonoma State’s teams compete in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, which exists within the NCAA Division II. The school is best known for its strong soccer and baseball programs, with the latter considered particularly noteworthy.
Financial Aid
Sonoma State offers grants, scholarships, loans and fee-paying resources as means of helping students defray the cost of attendance. All applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Library System
The Jean and Charles Schulz Information Center opened in 2000. It is home to the university library, information technology, the Center for Distributed Learning, the Writing Center, the Faculty Center, the Center for Community Engagement and Charlie Brown’s Cafe. The property encompasses 215,000 square feet, with 50,000 feet of shelving.
Student Housing
Most first-time freshmen live in suite-type arrangements, with some apartments available. Living Learning Communities are also available for those who are interested. The suite and room types are Double Suites, Single Suite, Cabernet Apartments and Sauvignon Apartments.
General Information
Admission Office
1801 East Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609
(707) 664-2778
Fax: (707) 664-2060
Contact: Gustavo Flores
Director, AdmissionsMain Address
1801 East Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609
(707) 664-2880
www.sonoma.eduSize
Total undergrads: 7,709
First-time degree-seeking freshmen: 1,655
Degree-seeking undergrads: 7,709
Graduate enrollment: 1,212Setting
Suburban setting
Large town (10,000 – 49,999)
Commuter campusDegrees offered:
Bachelor's
Master'sAdmissions Information
Application Fee
College has an application fee: Yes
Regular application fee: $55
Online application fee: $55Enrollment Rates
Percent applicants admitted: 76%
Percent students who return sophomore year: 74%Tuition & Fees
Estimated Expenses for Academic Year 2008-'09 2009-'10 2010-'11 2011-'12 % change 2010-'12 Tuition and fees $3,946 $4,272 $5,290 $5,508 +4.12% Books and Supplies $1,386 $1,656 $1,732 $1,704 -1.62% Living Arrangement – On Campus Room and Board $9,730 $10,115 $10,418 $10,522 +1.00% Other $3,672 $3,990 $4,110 $4,074 -0.88% Living Arrangement – Off Campus Room and Board $10,710 $11,472 $11,970 $12,414 +3.71% Other $3,798 $4,008 $4,128 $4,086 -1.02% Total Expenses 2008-'09 2009-'10 2010-'11 2011-'12 % change 2010-'12 In-state On Campus $18,734 $20,033 $21,550 $21,808 +1.20% In-state Off Campus $19,840 $21,408 $23,120 $23,712 +2.56% In-state with Family $5,332 $5,928 $7,022 $7,212 +2.71% Financial Aid
Full-time Beginning Undergraduate Students Type of Aid Students Percent Amount Average Per Student All students financial aid 769 47% Grant or scholarship aid 478 29% $3,082,597 $6,449 – Federal grants 243 15% $1,172,794 $4,826 – Pell grants 243 15% $884,266 $3,639 – Other federal grants 233 14% $288,528 $1,238 State and local government grant or scholarships 354 22% $762,304 $2,153 Institutional scholarships or grants 320 20% $1,147,499 $3,586 Student loan financial aid 543 33% $2,400,292 $4,420 – Federal student loans 533 33% $2,127,459 $3,991 – Other student loans 28 2% $272,833 $9,744 All Degrees and Programs
Program Completions for Most Recent Year BA/BS MA/MS Doctor AA/AS CERT Grand Total of All Programs 1701 225 – – – Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender,
and Group Studies28 – – – – African-American/Black Studies 10 – – – – Hispanic-American, Puerto
Rican, and
Mexican-American/Chicano Studies6 – – – – Women's Studies 12 – – – – Biological and Biomedical
Sciences53 7 – – – Biochemistry 8 – – – – Biology/Biological Sciences,
General45 7 – – – Business, Management,
Marketing, and Related Support
Services355 25 – – – Business Administration and
Management, General355 25 – – – Communication, Journalism, and
Related Programs96 – – – – Speech Communication and
Rhetoric96 – – – – Computer and Information
Sciences and Support Services27 – – – – Computer Science 27 – – – – Education – 69 – – – Counselor Education/School
Counseling and Guidance Services– 26 – – – Education, General – 43 – – – Engineering 3 4 – – – Engineering Science 3 4 – – – English Language and
Literature/Letters75 8 – – – English Language and
Literature, General75 8 – – – Foreign Languages, Literatures,
and Linguistics27 – – – – French Language and Literature 3 – – – – Spanish Language and Literature 24 – – – – Health Services/Allied
Health/Health Sciences, General44 43 – – – Registered Nursing/Registered
Nurse44 43 – – – History 40 6 – – – History, General 40 6 – – – Homeland Security, Law
Enforcement, Firefighting and
Related Protective Services62 – – – – Criminal Justice/Safety Studies 62 – – – – Human Services, General – 7 – – – Public Administration – 7 – – – Liberal Arts and Sciences,
General Studies and Humanities176 – – – – Liberal Arts and
Sciences/Liberal Studies176 – – – – Mathematics and Statistics 18 – – – – Applied Mathematics, General 1 – – – – Mathematics, General 16 – – – – Statistics, General 1 – – – – Multi-/Interdisciplinary
Studies, General– 23 – – – Cultural Resource Management
and Policy Analysis– 10 – – – Multi-/Interdisciplinary
Studies, Other– 13 – – – Natural Resources and
Conservation68 – – – – Environmental Science 68 – – – – Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and
Fitness Studies96 4 – – – Health and Physical
Education/Fitness, General96 4 – – – Physical Sciences 15 – – – – Chemistry, General 5 – – – – Geology/Earth Science, General 4 – – – – Physics, General 6 – – – – Psychology 181 29 – – – Psychology, General 181 29 – – – Social Sciences 198 – – – – Anthropology 24 – – – – Economics, General 35 – – – – Geography 6 – – – – International Relations and
Affairs10 – – – – Political Science and
Government, General34 – – – – Sociology 89 – – – – Visual and Performing Arts 92 – – – – Art/Art Studies, General 15 – – – – Drama and Dramatics/Theater
Arts, General21 – – – – Fine/Studio Arts, General 33 – – – – Music, General 23 – – – – Work and Family Studies 47 – – – – Human Development and Family
Studies, General47 – – – – Above data represent
first majors only.(-) Indicates that
Indicates that program is not offered
at this award level.Undergraduate Majors
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
African-American Studies B
Hispanic-American Studies B
Women's Studies BArts, Visual & Performing
Art History/Criticism/Conservation B
Arts – General B
Drama/Theater Arts B
Fine/Studio Arts B
Music – General BBiological & Biomedical Sciences
Biochemistry B
Biology BBusiness, Management, & Marketing
Business Administration/Management B
The Sonoma MBA for Professionals (Part-time and Full-time formats available)
Sonoma MBA in Wine Business (Part-time and Full-time formats available)
The Sonoma Executive MBA (part-time format)
Sonoma Executive MBA in Wine Business (Part-time format)
Wine Business Management (Online Program)
QuickBooks for Wine Businesses (Online Program)Communications & Journalism
Communications/Rhetoric BComputer & Information Sciences
Computer Programming – General B
Computer Science BEngineering
Computer Engineering – General BEnglish Language & Literature
English Language & Literature –
General BFamily & Consumer Sciences
Human Development/Family Studies BForeign Language & Literature
French B
German B
Spanish BHealth Professions & Clinical Sciences
Nursing (RN) BHistory
History – General BLiberal Arts & Sciences
Liberal Arts & Sciences BMathematics
Mathematics – General BMulti/Interdisciplinary Studies
Global Studies BNatural Resources & Conservation
Environmental Studies B
Natural Resources & Conservation – General BPhilosophy & Religion
Philosophy BPhysical Sciences
Chemistry B
Geology B
Physics BPsychology
Psychology – General BSecurity & Protective Services
Law Enforcement Administration BSocial Sciences
Anthropology B
Economics B
Geography B
Political Science/Government B
Sociology BDegree levels for each major are designated by the following letters: -
A = Associate degree
B = Bachelor's degree
C = Certificate or diploma*We do not guarantee the accuracy of information on this page. All information is subject to change. You should confirm all information with a college admissions officer.
Sonoma State University Highlights
School Information
Phone Number: | (707) 664-2880 |
Website: | www.sonoma.edu |
Type of School: | 4-year, Public |
Apply Online: | https://www2.calstate.edu/apply |
Address: | 1801 E Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609 |
Setting: | Suburb: Large |
Campus Housing: | Yes |
Students & Programs
Student Population: | 8,887 |
6-yr Graduation Rate (Bachelor's): | 58% |
Student-to-faculty Ratio: | 22 to 1 |
Distance Learning Programs: | Yes |
Distance Learning Students*: | 7,269 (82% of total students) |
Degree Levels Offered: | Bachelor's, Master's |
* Students taking at least 1 distance learning course
Tuition & Financial Aid*
In-state Tuition: | $7,880 |
Out-of-state Tuition: | $19,760 |
% of Students Receiving Financial Aid: | 71% |
Avg. Amount of Grant or Scholarship Aid Awarded: | $8,074 |
* Full-time beginning undergraduate students. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
Sonoma State University Programs
See the degree programs that are offered at Sonoma State University.
Degree Name | Cert | Assoc | Bach | Mast | Doct |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Agriculture, Agriculture Operations and Related Sciences | 1 | 1 | |||
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies | 4 | ||||
Biological and Biomedical Sciences | 2 | 1 | |||
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services | 1 | 2 | |||
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs | 1 | ||||
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services | 1 | ||||
Education | 1 | 2 | |||
Engineering | 2 | 1 | |||
English Language and Literature/Letters | 1 | 1 | |||
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences | 1 | ||||
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | 2 | 1 | |||
Health Professions and Related Programs | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||
History | 1 | 1 | |||
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting, and Related Protective Service | 1 | ||||
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 1 | ||||
Mathematics and Statistics | 4 | ||||
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | 2 | 2 | |||
Natural Resources and Conservation | 1 | ||||
Parks, Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 1 | 1 | |||
Philosophy and Religious Studies | 1 | ||||
Physical Sciences | 4 | ||||
Psychology | 1 | 1 | |||
Public Administration and Social Service Professions | 1 | ||||
Social Sciences | 6 | ||||
Visual and Performing Arts | 5 | 1 | |||
Grand total | 1 | 46 | 17 |
* Based on programs that produced 2019-2020 graduates
Tuition & Financial Aid
See what it costs to enroll at Sonoma State University and how many students are receiving scholarships, grants, or loans as financial aid to help cover the costs of tuition.
Undergraduate Student Tuition
Average tuition and fees for academic year:
Tuition and Fees | 2019-2020 |
---|---|
In-state | $7,880 |
Out-of-state | $19,760 |
Books and supplies | $1,970 |
Graduate Student Tuition
Average tuition and fees for academic year:
Tuition and Fees | 2019-2020 |
---|---|
In-state | $9,314 |
Out-of-state | $18,818 |
Undergraduate Student Financial Aid, 2018-2019
Full-time Beginning Undergraduate Students
Type of Aid | Number Receiving Aid | % Receiving Aid | Avg. Amt. of Aid |
---|---|---|---|
Any student financial aid | 1,262 | 71% | – |
Grant or scholarship aid | 1,105 | 63% | $8,074 |
Student loan aid | 716 | 41% | $5,823 |
All Undergraduate Students
Type of Aid | Number Receiving Aid | % Receiving Aid | Avg. Amt. of Aid |
---|---|---|---|
Grant or scholarship aid | 5,016 | 58% | $7,968 |
Federal student loans | 3,183 | 37% | $6,054 |
Admissions & Enrollment
See the admission requirements for Sonoma State University. Find out how many students apply and how many are accepted. View a graphical breakdown of the gender, age, and ethnicity of currently enrolled Sonoma State University students.
Undergraduate Admissions, Fall 2020
Total | Male | Female | |
---|---|---|---|
Number of applicants | 15,094 | 5,488 | 9,606 | Percent admitted | 100% | 89% | 92% |
Percent admitted who enrolled | 10% | 10% | 11% |
Admissions Considerations
Required | Recommended | Optional | |
---|---|---|---|
Secondary school GPA | |||
Secondary school rank | |||
Secondary school record | |||
Completion of college-preparatory program | |||
Recommendations | |||
Formal demonstration of competencies | |||
Admission test scores | |||
Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.) | |||
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language |
Sonoma State University Enrollment, Fall 2020
Total Enrollment | 8,887 |
---|---|
Undergraduate enrollment | 8,143 |
Graduate enrollment | 744 |
Undergraduate Attendance
Undergraduate Gender
Undergraduate Age
Undergraduate Race/Ethnicity
Undergraduate Distance Education
Undergraduates taking 100%, Some, or No Distance Education
Graduate Distance Education
Graduate students taking 100%, Some, or No Distance Education
Sonoma State University Accreditation
This institution is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission
Specialized institution accreditations:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
- Nursing (NUR) - Baccalaureate program
- Nursing (MNUR) - Master's program
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Nursing (CNURED) - Nursing education programs at the baccalaureate degree levels
- Nursing (CNURED) - Nursing education programs at the graduate degree levels
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation
- Art and Design (ART) - Degree-granting schools and departments and non-degree-granting programs
- National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation
- Music (MUS) - Institutions and units within institutions offering degree-granting and/or non-degree-granting programs
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Teacher Education (TED) - Baccalaureate and graduate programs for the preparation of teachers and other professional personnel for elementary and secondary schools
*General information for this school has been gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) database, a service provided by the U.S. Department of Education. CollegeAtlas.org does not guarantee the accuracy of information on this page. All information is subject to change. You should confirm all information with a college admissions officer.
If you work for a school and would like to update your data please contact us.
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