
333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos, CA 92096, USA


California State University-San Marcos was established in response to the growing demand for higher education in the late 20th century. Initially opening its doors in 1990, it was founded as part of the California State University system to serve a rapidly expanding population in northern San Diego County. The university began with a focus on providing accessible undergraduate and graduate programs tailored to the needs of the region.
Throughout its development, the institution emphasized creating a modern campus environment equipped to support a diverse student body. It expanded steadily by introducing various academic programs and investing in facilities that foster both learning and community engagement. This growth allowed it to evolve from a small campus into a comprehensive university offering a range of disciplines.
The university's foundation aligned with broader educational trends aimed at widening access to public higher education in California during the late 20th century. By targeting underserved communities and incorporating innovative educational approaches, California State University-San Marcos established itself as a vital institution for students seeking bachelor's, master's, and credential programs tailored to regional workforce needs.
California State University-San Marcos offers a diverse range of academic faculties and departments designed to cater to a variety of student interests and career goals. The university is structured to provide comprehensive education through its key colleges, each encompassing numerous departments that cover broad and specialized fields of study.
The College of Business Administration provides programs aimed at preparing students for leadership roles in the business world, encompassing areas like finance, marketing, and management. The College of Education focuses on training educators and professionals dedicated to advancing educational practices.
Students interested in health and science disciplines can explore the College of Health and Human Services, which includes departments emphasizing public health, nursing, and kinesiology. The College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences offers a wide array of studies in fields such as psychology, history, literature, and the arts, nurturing critical thinking and creative expression.
Engineering and technology fields are covered under the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), which aims to equip students with the technical expertise and problem-solving skills demanded by contemporary industries.
Additionally, the university features specialized programs in regional and cultural studies, promoting a deeper understanding of diverse communities and global perspectives.
California State University-San Marcos is situated at 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road in San Marcos, California. This location places the university in the western region of the city, offering accessibility to students living in or near the area. For travelers, the nearest major airport is San Diego International Airport, which serves as the primary gateway for those flying into the region. The university's placement within San Marcos provides a suburban environment that balances academic life with proximity to urban amenities.
California State University-San Marcos emphasizes providing a comprehensive, high-quality education that prepares students to succeed in diverse professional environments and civic life. The university's mission centers on fostering academic excellence, critical thinking, and inclusivity, ensuring that students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for their careers and communities.
The institution is committed to supporting a diverse student body, promoting equitable access to education, and encouraging lifelong learning. Through collaborative efforts within its academic programs and community partnerships, the university aspires to cultivate leaders who contribute thoughtfully and ethically to society. This vision underscores a dedication to innovation in teaching, research, and service that aligns with evolving societal needs.
Name of the institution
California State University-San MarcosLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
Suburb: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
10,000 - 19,999School type
Four-year collegeMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1989
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Accounting and Related Services
$59,252Anthropology
$27,084Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
$46,580Biology, General
$32,192Biotechnology
Data not availableBusiness Administration, Management and Operations
$45,186Business/Commerce, General
$38,582Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
$37,173Chemistry
Data not availableCommunication and Media Studies
$35,822Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Data not availableComputer and Information Sciences, General
Data not availableComputer Engineering
Data not availableComputer Science
$58,962Computer Systems Analysis
$57,393Criminology
$31,316Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Data not availableEcology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
Data not availableEconomics
$45,626English Language and Literature, General
$25,641Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
Data not availableFinance and Financial Management Services
$45,297Fire Protection
Data not availableHealth and Physical Education/Fitness
$29,198Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
Data not availableHistory
$19,478Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
$27,490International Business
$41,224International Relations and National Security Studies
$28,153International/Global Studies
Data not availableLiberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$23,647Management Information Systems and Services
$45,341Marketing
$42,327Mathematics
Data not availableMulti/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Data not availableMusic
Data not availableNatural Resources Conservation and Research
$31,705Physics
Data not availablePhysiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
Data not availablePolitical Science and Government
$32,978Psychology, General
$29,075Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$90,827Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
$28,598Social Sciences, General
$33,589Sociology
$30,004Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$29,138Visual and Performing Arts, General
$25,472