California Lutheran University Reviews

  • 28 Reviews
  • Thousand Oaks (CA) (and 2 others)
  • Annual Tuition: $48,012
86% of 28 students said this degree improved their career prospects
89% of 28 students said they would recommend this school to others
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Student & Graduate Reviews

Beware
  • Reviewed: 8/3/2018
  • Degree: Higher Education
"Beware. Graduated with MS higher ed student affairs. Worked at CLU as a academic advisor and interned in a different department as part of degree requirement. 8 months after graduation=no jobs. Applied for Several positions at CLU, even the advising position I worked that ended due to a lack of grant funding. Did not even get an interview from the school where I earned my MS! As a matter of fact, none of the 15 job seakers in my cohort have jobs. Similar story about CLU commitment to alumni. No interviews for them. Find a school that can get you a career start. Not happening at CLU."
Amanda Adams
  • Reviewed: 3/11/2018
  • Degree: School Counseling
"My masters degree program for school counseling has prepared me exponentially for going into the field of school counseling. I feel very grateful to be able to be learning from my professors own counseling experiences in the field as well as hands-on experience through counselor observations, internships and practicums. The leaders of this program are there for us every step of the way through support and school counseling contacts. When I graduate, I will feel very much prepared and ready to face my career."
Amanda Slider
  • Reviewed: 1/21/2018
  • Degree: Biology
"CLU provides small class sizes, hands-on experience and great potential. Small classes help to initiate relationships with your professors that provide you with great connections, and assistance throughout your education. The biology department has amazing professors, who care about your education and work to provide you with the best education you could get."
Brenden Kyle MacDonald
  • Reviewed: 12/8/2017
  • Degree: Psychology
"Cal Lu focuses on it's students. You feel well cared for there by all the faculty and the office. It's personal and because of that you get to take ownership over your education which I think is key. You can't get swallowed up in a few hundred student lecture class. You are in small class sizes with real working professionals who can give you their real life knowledge along with the lessons they are teaching. I pull from my class notes on a weekly basis and I am always going back to my studies to develop information for my work. I never thought I would feel so prepare and well learned and I am and no one can take that a way from me. I have an edge along with my passion which can propel me forward so much more than if I tried to hit the ground and run on my own. My education has given wind underneath my wings to help me fly."
HollyTamale
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: Business
"Some classes were harder than others. Other than a few business contacts, I don't think I acquired much additional knowledge that I couldn't have gotten while on the job."
Genna Petoscia
  • Reviewed: 3/14/2017
  • Degree: English
"California Lutheran University is a diverse, inclusive, family oriented institution. The staff and faculty are always looking for ways to help you achieve your goals both inside and outside of the classroom. The small class sizes allow you to have one on one attention from professors; the small university feel lets you get to know the people working on campus and create lasting relationships."
Pia Jacoby
  • Reviewed: 8/11/2016
  • Degree: Psychology
"California Lutheran University is known for its philosophy of inclusiveness. It doesn't matter your race, religion, age, gender or socioeconomic status. Small classes and individual attention from professors is the norm. The professors get to know each and every one of the students on a personal basis. The graduate program in psychology with an emphasis on counseling allows its students to join the practicum after the first year. Students are placed in the university's clinics that serve the surrounding communities and get a lot of hands-on experience with useful supervision. This non-profit private university is one of the best in the country and highly regarded for the level of its academics and student involvement."
Female Graduate, age 24
  • Reviewed: 7/22/2016
  • Degree: Psychology
"My college was small, personalized and had a beautiful campus! I had great professors and made lasting friendships there. They have many wonderful resources for finding jobs and internships, and the small class sizes made each class interactive and personal."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 7/22/2016
  • Degree: Marketing
"Loved the small, tight knit community. People really care about you as a student and as a person"
Melissa Sanderson
  • Reviewed: 7/12/2016
  • Degree: Communications
"I was a transfer student from a Jr. College and completed my final 2 years of my Bachelor's Degree in Communications at CLU; I loved the campus, faculty, small class size and education I received. I am starting my Master's Degree (also) at CLU this Fall (2016); I've been out of school and in the work force and have started a family in the meantime. I will be earning my MS MFT to become a Therapist as I've decided to change careers in order to best serve my family's needs and fulfill my long standing desire to counsel families, couples and individuals (adults and children alike). I have nothing but fond memories of my time at California Lutheran University and would like to add that I am not Lutheran and other than being in the choir during my undergraduate career, in no way participated in any religious activities with the college and never once felt compelled to or judged for not having done so. Educators and students are respectful, kind and thoughtful from my experience at CLU and I'm extremely excited to be going back again at the end of August...and for the next 2 years."
LuGrad14
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2015
  • Degree: Accounting
"College is a really great experience. It's wear I came out of my shell and realized my full potential. It a lot of fun, a lot of hard work, and a lot of great memories. I would definitely do it again if I could!"
Kristin Daniels
  • Reviewed: 5/6/2015
  • Degree: Counseling
"I am currently pursuing my M.S. in Counseling as well as my PPS Credential. I have loved my experience at California Lutheran University. The faculty have real-world experience, I have had the opportunity to intern at multiple school sites, and the program is very well respected amongst professionals in the region. I cannot say enough good things about my experience!"
Jennifer Lawler
  • Reviewed: 1/27/2015
  • Degree: Counseling
"California Lutheran University's Counseling Program has many benefits. You are able to surround yourself with like-minded people who come from a diverse background in experiences and education. The environment is collaborative and supportive, as well as a sense of respect for others as the students share their opinions and personal reflections. The professors come from a variety of backgrounds in education as well as professional experience. Furthermore, many are working professionals, which enhances the learning environment in a practical and up to date matter. Unfortunately, not all classes are offered each semester, which can hinder some educational plans in graduating. But, the faculty and staff are very helpful in planning and supporting an individual's goals."
Hillary Anderson
  • Reviewed: 12/11/2014
  • Degree: Elementary Education
"I love California Lutheran University. You truly learn all that you need to for your education. It is also a fun and enriching environment. You make friends from other countries and states that will last a life time."
Melissa Rosado
  • Reviewed: 6/24/2014
  • Degree: Education
"Cal Lutheran's program best suited my needs as a full-time working grad students. The professors are like your colleagues and partners. The program is flexible and allows you to get an education while dealing with life."
Valerie Ontiveros
  • Reviewed: 3/24/2014
  • Degree: Liberal Studies
"My graduate program was a wonderful experience overall. I am glad I chose CLU. The school is a private university, so they were able to treat me like an individual and not a number at a diploma mill. The career services center is top-notch as they truly work to prepare you to succeed in the professional world on your own. I honestly cannot think of a con, I genuinely enjoyed my instructors and the curriculum, so I would say the parking at the university was my biggest obstacle."
Melissa Rosado
  • Reviewed: 3/24/2014
  • Degree: Counseling
"Best program for me because of the amount of units for a Masters of Science program is unbeatable!"
Casey Simon
  • Reviewed: 2/17/2014
  • Degree: Psychology
"CLU's MFT program was a great introduction to Counseling Psychology. Although CLU is a private school, the price of the program matches that of a UC school. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone interesting in attaining their MFT."
Salvador Diaz
  • Reviewed: 1/13/2014
  • Degree: MBA
"Pros: The class sizes are small. Most of the professors are great. Small safe town. Small campus. Cons: Some professors are difficult to understand. Not very much activity for Grad students. Not very much networking engagements."
Robin Culp
  • Reviewed: 9/23/2013
  • Degree: Counseling
"I love my marriage and family therapy program! The classes are centered around exactly what I want to do with my life and the support from staff and cohort is wonderful. The school is just too expensive and doesn't offer a lot of options to help out with the high expenses."