Sonoma State University

Sonoma State University (SSU) is a part of the California State University system. It is located in the wine country of Rohnert Park, California. Its 300 acres of landscaped campus lie at the foot of the scenic Sonoma hills, about seven miles south of Santa Rosa and an hour's drive north of San Francisco. SSU, at just over 8,000 students, is one of the smaller schools in the state university system. SSU was founded as Sonoma State College, a teacher education center for the North Bay, in 1960. It was established as a member of the state college system by a bill signed by Governor Edmund G. Brown. SSU moved to its present site in 1966, when its first two buildings, Stevenson and Darwin halls, were completed. Sonoma State College was awarded university status in 1978, and subsequently it was rechristened Sonoma State University. Sonoma State is a liberal arts and science university, dedicated to providing high-quality undergraduate education and selected professional graduate programs. Through its 36 academic departments, SSU offers 41 bachelor’s degrees, 14 master’s degrees, a joint master’s degree in mathematics, and a joint doctorate in educational administration with other universities. The academic offerings also include nine credential programs and eight undergraduate and graduate certificate programs. The International Exchange program in the Sonoma State curriculum facilitates international experience for students, which it thinks is vital in light of today's globalized economics. The research facilities are among the best available in the country. A unique part of the curriculum is the Wine Business Program. Sonoma State students hail from a number of U.S. states as well as countries around the globe. Student accommodations on campus are well-equipped apartments and residential suites. Other facilities on campus include a state-of-the-art library, health center, and sports and recreation infrastructure.