About Us
Central Connecticut State University is a regional, comprehensive public university dedicated to learning in the liberal arts and sciences and to education for the professions. Comprising five schools-Arts & Sciences, Business, Education & Professional Studies, Engineering & Technology, and Graduate Studies-CCSU offers undergraduate and graduate programs through the Master's and sixth-year levels and the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. Committed to offering Connecticut citizens access to distinctive academic programs of high quality, the University is also a responsive and creative intellectual and economic resource for the people and institutions of our state's Capitol Region. More than 85 percent of CCSU graduates remain in Connecticut, contributing to the intellectual, cultural, and economic health of the state.
CCSU is, above all else, a vibrant learning-centered community dedicated to teaching and to scholarship. Education at the undergraduate and graduate level balances academic challenge and personal support, leading students to become thoughtful, responsible, and successful citizens. A network of study-abroad opportunities, overseas inter-institutional arrangements, and other internationally focused educational programming prepares students to become "global citizens," responsive to a world of cultural differences and able to succeed in an increasingly international marketplace.
History:
Founded in 1849 as the New Britain Normal School-a teacher-training facility-CCSU is Connecticut's oldest publicly supported institution of higher education. It became the Teachers College of Connecticut in 1933, and after a period of extensive institutional growth it became the Central Connecticut State College in 1959. In recognition of the institution's continuous development in mission and aspiration, the present name and educational charter were conferred in 1983.
The University values the development of knowledge and its applications in an environment of intellectual integrity and open discourse. Faculty, students, and staff have a rich history of engaging in activities that range beyond campus to help our neighbors and our fellow citizens. Public service is a principal, valued, and expected part of CCSU's mission to serve Connecticut, and it is recognized as an important means to enhance students' intellectual, moral, civic, and professional growth.
As a public university, we receive support from the State of Connecticut. We have three designated Centers of Excellence and many nationally accredited programs. We take very seriously our commitment to provide access to higher education for all citizens in this State who can benefit from our offerings. Our high expectations for ourselves contribute to the fine quality and continuous improvement of our undergraduate and graduate programs. We believe that quality and access are compatible and simultaneously achievable; our objective is to provide the support needed for our students to reach their full potential.
We also believe that higher education should promote the personal and social growth of our students, as well as their intellectual achievement and professional competence. We provide various opportunities for students to engage in activities or to join organizations and clubs where they develop leadership and other social skills. We foster a welcoming environment in which all members of our diverse community receive encouragement and acquire self-confidence.
