Success Stories
We all have people and experiences that shape our lives in meaningful ways. The individuals featured on this page achieved significant milestones after completing one or more of Cal State Fullerton University Extension's degree or professional development programs. Through expert instruction, hands-on class projects, and valuable networking, these students have launched new careers, gained advanced skills, secured new roles, earned promotions—and more.
We’d love to hear your story. How has your career changed after taking courses through Cal State Fullerton’s University Extension?
Want to hear from our students?
Bachelor's
Adelia Jones HSS alum
“Without the online degree program at Cal State Fullerton, I wouldn’t be in the position
that I am right now, starting my nursing program.”
Certificate Programs
Alex Figge Human Resources Associate
"The real world experience shared by instructors helped make curriculum content interesting
and relatable."
PHP
Alex Argame Pre-Health Professions Program Graduate
“Alex Argame ‘20 worked as a Registered Nurse for 7 years before deciding he wanted
to attend medical school and pursue his passion for Interventional Radiology. Our
Pre-Health Professions Post-Baccalaureate program helped Alex bridge that 7-year gap
between undergraduate and medical school. He fulfilled all pre-medical prerequisites
through our program and was able to get accepted into the Kaiser Permanente Bernard
J. Tyson School of Medicine.”
Educator Courses and Programs
Amber Tejeda program graduate
“Transitional Kindergarten Teacher at Falcon Academy of Science and Technology, Brea,
California”
Bachelor's
Angela Dill HSS alum
“I’m a returning student and I have a full-time job and a family…so I really needed
a program that would work with my schedule and my life.”
Master's
Austin Nguyen AMACS students
“It felt especially rewarding to help build Lightwall and see it working end-to-end.”
Certificate Programs
Brandy C. Easley Senior Crime Analyst
Brandy always knew she wanted a career in law enforcement. "I was a criminal justice
major at CSUF, worked for a criminal attorney and in the courts."
PHP
Carlee Blakemore Pre-Health Professions Program Graduate
“After completing her Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate program, Carlee Blakemore ‘17
went on to finish medical school at UCLA. She was even featured in a video by UCLA
that documented her first and last year as a medical student. Carlee is now a resident
health care provider in Wisconsin.”
PHP
Carmen Cancino Pre-Health Professions Program Graduate
“Carmen Cancino’s path to the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago
was especially rocky. But bumps in the road never discouraged her; they just made
her a better doctor.”
PHP
Chanel Labasan Pre-Health Professions Program Graduate
“Recent graduate Chanel Labasan made the leap from a non-science background into the
medical field and plans to continue working with underserved communities and be an
advocate for mental health.”
Certificate Programs
Chloe Sciaccia Police Records Specialist
“The certificate program has filled me with resources that are easily accessible and
valuable to use. Additionally, the certificate program has impacted my personal life
as it has prepared me to pass an oral interview for a Crime Analyst position successfully.
The databases provided to the students throughout the courses were useful as they
gave a clear understanding of why they are important to a Crime Analyst, and how work
can be conducted through these websites and databases.”
Master's
Chongbei Wang AMSE alum
“It is a great chance to redefine yourself and lay the foundation for the rest of
your life.”
Educator Courses and Programs
Daniella Laset program graduate
“M.Ed, Chemistry and Physics teacher at La Salle College Preparatory, Pasadena, California”
Certificate Programs
Darrel Ortloff Human Resources Director, Cedars-Sinai Medical Care Foundation and Physician Medical
Groups & PIHRA North Orange County Chapter Treasurer
"The practical insights from experienced instructors and networking opportunities
also helped me apply best practices in my day-to-day work, ultimately strengthening
my ability to contribute as a well-rounded HR professional."
Bachelor's
David Holder BABA alum
“I apply everything that I learned in class to my job, and it really helped me understand
what I did right and what I did wrong.”
Bachelor's
Diane Viramontes Sociology alum
“The fact that it was fully online finally allowed me to finish something I had started
years ago.”
PHP
Elizabeth Shuman Pre-Health Professions Program Graduate
“For Elizabeth Shuman, now a student at UC San Francisco's School of Medicine, a bachelor’s
degree in music was the perfect foundation for EIP’s intensive Pre-Health Professions
Postbaccalaureate Program.”
Certificate Programs
Eric Program graduate
“Eric was working in the Entertainment Industry when he discovered his true calling
as a fiduciary. Read about why he chose this career path, what he enjoyed about our
program, and advice he has for new students.”
Master's
Erika Marquez Child Welfare concentration
“My time in Vietnam enriched my studies in social work by giving me a global perspective,
helping me better understand cultural differences, and challenging me to reflect on
my own biases.”
Master's
Erika Ochoa MSW Flex student
“The CSUF MSW Flex program was the perfect fit for me because it allows me to continue
my education while working in the field.”
PHP
Evan Chang Pre-Health Professions Program Graduate
“This program taught me professionalism to the next level. All eyes are on you. And
that’s not just for when you are applying to medical school, but more importantly
when you're out in the real world.”
Master's
Faheem Samol AMSE alum
“CSUF curriculum had a good mix of software management, design, and architecture courses
that would help me build upon my technical knowledge...”
Master's
Jason Jamilano Community Mental Health concentration
“...the program’s balance between clinical practice and advocacy work gives me flexibility
for my future career. And being local and affordable, it allows me to stay connected
to the community I want to serve long-term.”
Master's
Jason Choi AMSE alumni and CSUF adjunct professor
“The two most important things for me were to advance my career and deepen my understanding
of software engineering.”
PHP
Jason Levalle Pre-Health Professions Program Graduate
“Jason Levalle started out as a Health Science undergrad at CSULB. Our Pre-Health
Post-Baccalaureate program helped him pursue his newfound dream of becoming a physician.
He has now been accepted into the College of Medicine at the University of Arizona.”
OU
Jiaqi Zhang from China
“I've always longed to study in a multicultural academic environment, and the University
Semester Abroad program at CSUF provided me with the perfect opportunity.”
PHP
Joshua Perese Pre-Health Professions Program Graduate
“One of the great things about this program is that you are with people with similar
goals — we all want to get involved and help people. When you put people with those
similar mindsets into a room, great things can happen.”
Certificate Programs
Juanita Arreola Recruiter
"The instructors made it interesting. Most owned their own businesses or were HR advisors.
They’re in the field, and teaching based on those experiences."
PHP
Justin Haghverdian Pre-Health Professions Program Graduate
“UC Irvine Medical School student Justin Haghverdian had never traveled outside North
America until his mentor, Dr. Steve Mora, invited him on a medical mission to Peru.”
PHP
Kelly Bang Pre-Health Professions Program Graduate
“Our alumni are doing some amazing things during their time at med school. Kelly Bang
'15 is now attending Des Moines University studying osteopathic medicine. She founded
a mentorship program, matching osteopathic and podiatric med students with pre-med
students at surrounding universities.”
PHP
Keytiana Hempstead Pre-Health Professions Program Graduate
“Congratulations to Pre-Health Professions Postbaccalaureate student Keytiana Hempstead
for receiving the 2022 Miles D. McCarthy Health Professions Award! Keytiana has been
accepted into UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, where she plans to study ophthalmology.”
PHP
Lauren Park Pre-Health Professions Program Graduate
“Following graduation from UC Davis’s veterinary school, Lauren Park hopes to work
with small animals. I’ve always loved pets and being around animals. This is something
I’ve always wanted to do.”
OU
Liane Rudolf from Germany
“An international student from Germany, reflects on her transformative semester abroad
at Cal State Fullerton. Click to read more about her memorable journey, from embracing
a new academic structure to forming lasting friendships.”
Master's
Madhurima Gazula AMSE student
“...the curriculum at CSUF had excellent alignment with the industry trends and that
was what I needed to specialize and enter the industry.”
PHP
Manpreet Luthra Medical Student at University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Columbia
“Manpreet discovered his passion for medicine during his time in the United States
Army and is on his way to accomplishing his dream of becoming a trauma surgeon.”
PHP
Matthew Cosaert Pre-Health Professions Program Graduate
“Congratulations to Pre-Health Professions Postbaccalaureate student Matthew Cosaert
on receiving the 2021 Miles D. McCarthy Health Professionals Award! Matthew heads
to Loma Linda University School of Dentistry this fall. Upon completing dental school
he will serve in the U.S. Navy as part of the Health Professionals Scholarship program
before returning to service his local community with dental care.”
Master's
Mayuri Kumbhare AMSE student
“The coursework of the AMSE program matched perfectly with my interests.”
Bachelor's
Melisa Peralez BABA alum
“As I was applying for jobs, having the degree from Cal State Fullerton was a benefit,
and made it easier to demonstrate my capabilities and get interviews.”
Certificate Programs
Michael Lawson
"They provided timely instruction and guidance regarding courses, registration, and
activities, and facilitated an active network among the students and the professional
fiduciary community.”
Bachelor's
Michael Tran BABA alum
“I was able to present the formulas and concepts I learned in the class to my fellow
coworkers, as well as upper management. They applied it to the current and new spreadsheets,
and my peers and the company were able to reduce labor time.”
Certificate Programs
Michelle McBee Licensed Professional Fiduciary
"I don’t think I would have had the confidence to start a fiduciary business without
having had the CSUF classes and earning the certificate."
Certificate Programs
Mike Andrulis Program graduate
“Hear from Mike Andrulis, Fiduciary certificate program graduate, about how this program
helped his career success, how the instructors made a difficult topic manageable through
their guidance, and how his prior life experience helped him in the program.”
Certificate Programs
Mindy Duong program graduate
Hear from Mindy Duong, CIA certificate program graduate, about how this program fueled
her career success, and how it helped her decide her next steps professionally.
Bachelor's
Mohammad Qazi BABA alum
“I chose the BABA program because it worked perfectly with my full time job schedule.”
Master's
Nikita Dmello AMSE alum
“I found out that the curriculum at CSUF had excellent alignment with the industry
trends and that was what I needed to specialize and enter the industry.”
Certificate Programs
Pamela Farley Tustin Police Department
“The CSUF certificate program was instrumental in advancing my career. It facilitated
valuable networking with established analysts, allowing me to learn the trade directly
from seasoned professionals. The weekend-only class schedule was a major benefit,
as it allowed me to complete the coursework without disrupting my personal schedule.”
Certificate Programs
Pearl Escobar program alumni
“Meet Pearl Escobar, M.S. Environmental Studies and GIS certificate program graduate.
Learn about how this program contributed to her career growth and created a pathway
for her at San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority.”
PHP
Qianna Liu Pre-Health Professions Program Graduate
“Working at a local clinic, getting involved with the American Medical Student Association
and traveling to Kenya to volunteer at a hospital were are all important experiences
I had during the certificate program, which gave me insight about the health care
field. The Health Professions Advising office does a great job in making sure pre-med
students extend beyond just the academics.”
Educator Courses and Programs
Robert La Londe Program Alumnus
“Robert La Londe chose CSUF’s Teacher Induction Program for its Early Completion Option
(ECO), strong mentorship, and reflective structure, which aligned with his professional
goals. Through impactful projects he strengthened his teaching strategies and data-driven
approach. The program not only supported him in clearing his credential but also enhanced
his ability to meet student needs, foster engagement, and grow as a reflective educator.
Click below to read his interview.”
Certificate Programs
Rudy Ruano program alumni
“Balancing work, school, and life while advancing his career. How Rudy did it all
and soared.”
Master's
Suzen Pando-Bernal Child Welfare concentration
“I was particularly drawn to the smaller cohort model, which fosters meaningful relationships
and a close-knit learning environment.”
PHP
Thomas Joseph (T.J.) Buretta Pre-Health Professions Program Graduate
“Thomas Joseph (T.J.) Buretta, a student at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine,
doesn’t volunteer because it will make him a good doctor or a better person — though
both are probably true. He volunteers because it’s so much fun.”
PHP
Veronica Scott Pre-Health Professions Program Graduate
“Now a medical student at UC Riverside, former business economics student Veronica
Scott knew what she wanted would not involve business lunches, a briefcase or spreadsheets.”
Master's
Vikas Vinugna AMACS alumni
“The AMACS program has significantly strengthened my technical depth and clarified
my professional direction.”
Certificate Programs
Yesenia Ortiz HR participant
“Learn as much as you can and don't give up. You could lose everything in life, but
the knowledge you learn you will never lose.”
Master's
Zhuoran Li AMSE alum
“I landed this teaching job which I enjoy very much after I graduated and got promoted
several times since then.”
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Info Sessions
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