California State University-San Marcos

What is the history of California State University-San Marcos?

California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) was established in 1989 as the 20th campus of the California State University system. It opened for classes in 1990, initially using temporary facilities while its permanent campus was developed in San Marcos.

The university was created to expand access to public higher education in northern San Diego County and the surrounding region. Its growth from a new campus into a university with undergraduate and graduate programs helps explain its continuing emphasis on transfer access, regional partnerships and professionally oriented study. Prospective students may see the name written as California State University San Marcos or Cal State San Marcos; both refer to this campus, not to the separate San Diego State University campus.

What are the faculties and departments at California State University-San Marcos?

CSUSM organizes its academic programs across four colleges: the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences; the College of Business Administration; the College of Education, Health and Human Services; and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Students can pursue bachelor's degrees in fields such as psychology, communication, business, biology, computer science, engineering, nursing and education-related disciplines. Graduate offerings include selected master's degrees and professional preparation programs. The School of Nursing sits within the health and human services college; Extended Learning offers additional programs and alternative schedules. Degree availability, admission requirements and whether a program is offered online or in person vary by major.

For applicants comparing majors, the college structure is less important than the specific program's course sequence. Nursing, engineering, teaching and other professionally oriented paths can have prerequisites or separate progression requirements beyond general university admission.

What is the location of California State University-San Marcos?

CSUSM's main campus is in San Marcos, a city in northern San Diego County, California. Its suburban setting places students near communities throughout North County rather than in downtown San Diego.

The campus has access to the North County Transit District's SPRINTER rail service at the Cal State San Marcos station, as well as regional bus connections. Transit can be useful for some commuters, but travel time depends heavily on where a student lives and when classes meet. Driving students should account for parking charges and traffic when comparing living arrangements. San Diego International Airport is the main regional airport for longer-distance travel.

What is the mission and vision of California State University-San Marcos?

CSUSM describes its mission in terms of student-centered public education, learning, scholarship and service to its region. Its stated priorities include access, inclusion and preparing students to contribute to their communities and professions.

Those are institutional goals, not measured outcomes for every student. A prospective applicant can assess how they translate into practice by examining advising access, course availability, opportunities for undergraduate research and support within a particular major. CSUSM is a public university and has no religious affiliation.