Which university awarded Spielberg his bachelor's degree in 2002?

California State University, Long Beach awarded Spielberg his bachelor’s degree in 2002.

Spielberg first enrolled at what was then California State College, Long Beach, in 1965. He left before completing the program when his filmmaking career accelerated, including his work at Universal and the opportunities that followed his short film Amblin’. For decades, he was one of Hollywood’s most prominent college dropouts.

He returned to Cal State Long Beach in the early 2000s and completed remaining requirements through independent study. His degree was a Bachelor of Arts connected to film and electronic arts or film/video production, depending on how the program is described in contemporary accounts. He attended the university’s 2002 commencement ceremony.

The university’s association with Spielberg is sometimes confused with UCLA, USC, or New York University because all are prominent American film institutions. Spielberg did later become closely associated with USC through philanthropy, but USC did not award this bachelor’s degree. His connection to Long Beach also predates his professional breakthrough.