As an outgrowth of California's historically strong national aerospace programs, and its significant aerospace industry, several campuses have developed close research relationships with both NASA and US aerospace firms.

CSU Long Beach is carrying out research on mechanical and aerospace engineering and CSU Northridge is conducting research with NASA through the NASA-​PAIR Program. San José State has a long history of collaborating with NASA s​cientists on examining the role of human error in flight accidents and air transportation safety and offers a bachel​or's degree in aviation. Cal State LA won a grant from NASA to establish a University Research Center for the study of aerospace technology and space science enterprises and also offers a bachelor's degree in aviation administration.