Humboldt State University

About Humboldt

What Makes Us Different?

What sets HSU apart from other universities? In a word, innovation.

You are the Focus Here

Innovation begins with the way we approach the teacher-student relationship. Many colleges boast prestigious, but distant, faculty members. Our students actually know their world-renowned professors. In addition to being leaders in the sciences and humanities, HSU professors are commited to mentoring their students by including them in all kinds of experiments, lab research, and field work.

Our Approach Equals Your Success

At Humboldt State, learning isn’t limited to sitting in a classroom and taking notes. Our students take that knowledge and apply it in the real world by doing their own seismic readings, photography, wildlife studies, social work and more. Why is this important? Because success in the job market, whether you wind up in business, zoology or any field in between, requires strong entrepreneurial and critical thinking skills.

Those skills aren't easily honed by sitting in a lecture hall.

Our emphasis on combining classroom learning with hands-on experience, will help you gain those critical skills. It’s an innovative approach to education that yields results. It’s also something rarely found at an undergraduate school.

Video Humboldt

Who Said College Can’t Be Fun?

Amy, along with professors from the physics, biology and music departments, shows us that in order to get the true Humboldt experience, you’ve got to mix fun with your education.

A Better World Starts in the Redwoods

Humboldt students are among the brightest and most unique students anywhere — and they’ve got a penchant for making the world a better place. Alex, Crystal and Saqib talk about how coming to Humboldt has changed their lives.

The Freshman Advantage

Humboldt State has something completely unique for Freshmen students: Freshmen Interest Groups (or FIGs) that will have you connecting with others who share your passions — from art, music and performance to social activism and outdoor adventures. Who knew surfing and camping were recommended freshmen activities?

Loving Humboldt’s Unique Setting

Water. It’s something close to the heart of Humboldt State. Whether it’s the rain that keeps the redwood forest so lush or the vast Pacific our Oceanography students explore using their own research vessel, HSU students can’t get enough of the H20.

Humboldt State: The Aerial View

Get the tree-top-view of Humboldt State. From the top of Founders Hall to inside the Redwood Bowl, check out HSU like you’ve never seen it before.

Go Humboldt. Go Further.

Student Kelly Bacon on the beach with a map

I was talking to some people from other colleges who said they had classes with 200 people! At HSU my biggest classes had 40 students at the most. Teachers recognize your face here. I would recommend this college to anyone.

— Kelly Bacon '05, Recreation Administration Major

Do you have my major?

HSU offers 49 baccalaureate degree majors, comprising 84 minors, 82 options / concentrations, 12 graduate programs, 21 credential programs and several certificates of study.

HSU students work within their community

See a video about our Service Learning Program (closed captioning coming soon): Windows Media or Real Media.

Average class size:

24 (undergraduate), eight (graduate)

Student/faculty ratio:

18.3

Number of students:

7,550

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Humboldt State University
1 Harpst Street
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 826-3011