The Top 10 Masters Programs in Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield, California is rapidly growing as a hub for graduate education. With a booming job market across sectors like healthcare, education, and renewable energy, demand for advanced degrees continues to rise in the region. Students are taking notice of Bakersfield‘s affordable tuition rates and credentialed programs tailored to in-demand fields.
This guide explores the top 10 masters programs in Bakersfield, offering an in-depth look at each school, degree options, highlights and more. We‘ll cover everything you need to select the right fit from campus culture to career support services.
Overview of Top Masters Programs in Bakersfield
The table below summarizes key details on Bakersfield‘s top masters programs:
| University | Key Program Areas | Degree Types | Delivery Format | Avg. Program Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California State University, Bakersfield | Business, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Education, Engineering, Healthcare, Psychology | MA, MS, MBA | In-person | 1-2 years |
| California University of Science and Medicine | Medicine | MD | In-person | 4 years |
| Fresno Pacific University, Bakersfield Campus | Business, Education, Leadership, Nursing, Psychology | MA, MBA | In-person/Online | 1-3 years |
| Bakersfield College | Vocational Education | MA | In-person/Online | 1-2 years |
| Point Loma Nazarene University, Bakersfield Campus | Business, Education | MBA, MA | In-person/Online | 1-2 years |
Below we explore each institution and featured graduate program in more depth.
California State University, Bakersfield
California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) offers over 50 masters programs spanning fields from business and computer science to criminal justice and psychology. With small classes led by credentialed faculty, CSUB prepares students for advancement in their chosen career.
MS in Computer Science
CSUB‘s MS in Computer Science balances theory and applied learning through advanced courses in systems architecture, machine learning, data mining and more. The 30-unit program can be completed full or part-time with some courses offered online. Key highlights include:
- Practical curriculum covering the latest programming languages and IT frameworks
- Options for an applied project or thesis capstone
- 100% of graduates from this program secure employment in fields like software engineering and data science
MA in Psychology – Counseling Option
For those interested in becoming licensed mental health counselors, CSUB offers a 60-unit MA in Psychology. The program includes 1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork and prepares students for state licensure exams. Key features include:
- Comprehensive counseling curriculum covering relationship dynamics, psychopathology fundamentals and evidence-based therapies
- On-campus counseling lab for skill development
- 96-97% pass rate on state licensing exams
Beyond academics, CSUB offers over 100 student organizations, DI athletics programs and modern residential halls anchoring a lively campus culture.
California University of Science and Medicine
The California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) offers an accelerated medical program enabling students to complete their MD in just three years of study. The program leverages a case-based curriculum and early clinical experience to prepare highly competent physicians. Key features include:
- Three-year MD program saving students over $60K in expenses
- Low 6:1 student-faculty ratio and small class sizes
- Over 20 residency partnerships with hospitals across California
The School of Medicine also features the latest simulation technology including virtual dissection tables, lifelike robotic manikins, and a standardized patient program. Graduates have matched with top medical centers including Cedars-Sinai and UCLA.
Fresno Pacific University, Bakersfield Campus
Fresno Pacific University‘s Bakersfield campus brings the school‘s 60+ years of academic excellence to the region with blended online and in-person masters programs. Popular offerings include:
MBA
Geared towards working professionals, FPU‘s MBA enables students to further specialize through nine concentration options from Finance to Entrepreneurship. The 30-36 credit program features:
- Accelerated 8-week terms
- Diverse faculty with Fortune 500 experience
- 100% of MBA graduates from the last five years secured employment or promotions
MA in Education
FPU‘s MA in Education prepares credentialed teachers for leadership positions with specialized tracks in Curriculum & Instruction and Special Education. The program emphasizes:
- Fieldwork tailored to a teacher‘s specialization
- Development of actionable improvement plans for schools
- Building inclusive classrooms that support all learners
Beyond the classroom, small class cohorts foster tight-knit student communities and career mentorship.
Bakersfield College
Bakersfield College meets local demand for career and technical education (CTE) through its MA program focused on developing top community college instructors. Key features include:
- Developing student-centered instruction for technical programs
- Designing competency-based CTE curriculums aligned to industry
- Tailored tracks in agriculture education, industrial arts, health sciences and more
The rigorous 30 credit program combines pedagogy and industry-aligned technical knowledge to produce qualified CTE instructors. Graduates go on to teach at community and technical colleges across the country.
Point Loma Nazarene University, Bakersfield Campus
Point Loma Nazarene University offers several masters programs at its Bakersfield campus located at Summit Bible College. The private Christian university is known for its holistic approach developing students‘ spiritual, intellectual and professional growth. Popular options include:
MBA
Built around a values-driven management framework, PLNU‘s MBA emphasizes business ethics and servant leadership. The 36-42 unit program features:
- Accelerated 5-week courses
- Specializations in Marketing, Accounting and Innovation/Entrepreneurship
- 400 hours of hands-on experience through internships or business consulting projects
MA in Education
PLNU‘s MA in Education cultivates teachers through professional growth plans personalized to educators‘ needs and interests. The program prides itself on developing leaders equipped to guide and inspire future generations.
Evaluating Bakersfield‘s Top Masters Programs
When researching masters programs in Bakersfield, prospective students should consider factors like cost, format, location and career outcomes.
Tuition + Fees
Tuition for the highlighted programs ranges from $7,000-$40,000 annually with private schools on the higher end. Most grad students in Bakersfield qualify for financial aid like scholarships, grants and federal loans.
Delivery Format
Students can pursue masters degrees through traditional in-person learning or flexible online and hybrid options. The best fit depends on learning preferences and other responsibilities.
Duration
Full-time students can complete masters programs in 1-3 years while working professionals may need 3-5 years for part-time study. Accelerated and fixed-length programs enable faster timelines.
Career Support
Robust career support typically includes alumni networks for mentoring, workshops to boost employability skills, and direct job/internship placements.
Why Choose Bakersfield for a Masters Degree?
Bakersfield outcompetes pricier California cities with its affordable tuition rates and distinguished programs catering to high-demand industries. The region expects strong job growth which, paired with Bakersfield‘s low cost of living, offers graduates an attractive career-to-lifestyle balance.
As the examples illustrate, graduates secure positions at top healthcare centers, tech firms, schools and government agencies. Whether staying local or venturing elsewhere, earning a masters degree in Bakersfield delivers earnings potential and dynamic career options.
