Campus

California State University San Marcos is a rapidly growing, modern campus of new buildings, the latest computer technology, cutting-edge science labs, and a sense of excitement about the future.

San Marcos is located in north San Diego--the heart of coastal southern California--50 kilometers north of the city of San Diego and 150 kilometers south of Los Angeles. Just a short distance from the campus you will find California’s most beautiful beaches, mountains, and deserts where you can swim, surf, hike, bicycle, and ski. You are also within easy traveling distance of the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Disneyland, and Hollywood. The 120 hectare campus is in the small, safe suburban city of San Marcos with many shops and restaurants.

• In 2008, San Marcos had an enrollment of 9,500 students, with 200 international students from 35 countries and 250 full-time faculty, 98% of whom hold a Ph.D. degree.
• University classes are small and students receive individual attention.
• Classrooms and labs are new and equipped with modern technology.
• On-campus, apartment-style residence halls.
• Campus life includes more than 80 clubs and organizations, arts and lecture series, films, concerts and guest speakers.
• Public university offering a low-cost education.

Academic Programs

San Marcos offers undergraduate majors and minors in more than 40 areas of study, including:

• Anthropology (BA, Minor)
• Applied Physics (BA)
• Biochemistry (BS)
• Biological Sciences (BS, Minor)
• Biotechnology (BS)
• Business Administration (BS, Minor)
• Chemistry (BS, Minor)
• Communication (BA, Minor)
• Computer Science (BS, Minor)
• Criminology and Justice Studies (BA, Minor)
• Economics (BA, Minor)
• Film Studies (Minor)
• French (Minor)
• Global Studies (Minor)
• History (BA, Minor)
• Human Development (BA)
• Kinesiology (BS, Minor)
• Liberal Studies (BA)
• Literature and Writing (BA)
• Mass Media (BA)
• Mathematical Sciences (BS, Minor)
• Nursing (BS)
• Philosophy (Minor)
• Political Science (BA, Minor)
• Psychology (BA, Minor))
• Social Sciences (BA, Minor)
• Sociology (BA, Minor)
• Spanish (BA, Minor)
• Visual and Performing Arts (BA, Minor)
• Women’s Studies (BA)

Graduate Programs are also available in the following fields:

• Biological Sciences (MS)
• Business Administration (MBA)
• Computer Science (MS)
• Education (MA)
• History (MA)
• Literature and Writing (MA)
• Mathematical Sciences (MS)
• Psychology (MA)
• Sociological Practice (MA)
• Spanish (MA)

Admission Requirements

First Time Freshmen: Applicants must have the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma with a “B” average (3.0 GPA). Neither the SAT nor ACT exams are required, but applicants with less than a “B” average may be eligible for admission if these scores are reported.

Transfer students with 60 or more transferable credits: Applicants must have the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma and a GPA of 2.4 on all post-secondary transfer work. Transfer students from a school in the U.S. must complete the four CSU Basic Skills required courses (Oral Communication, Written Communication, Critical Thinking, and College Mathematics) with a grade of C or better.

Second Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must have the equivalent of a four-year bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.5 in the last 60 credit units attempted.

Graduate Students: See department website for admission requirements.

English Language Proficiency: Undergraduate applicants who have not attended schools at the secondary level or above for at least three years full-time where English is the principal language of instruction, must present a TOEFL score of 80 iBT, 213 CBT, or 550 PBT or above. IELTS of 6.0 also accepted..

American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI)

High-quality, intensive English programs for international students, professionals, and visitors include:

Semester Abroad

Semester-long and year-long programs for university students. Students who qualify may take university courses without applying to CSU San Marcos.

Language Travel American Culture Experience (ACE)

Two, three or four weeks of fun in the sun!

• California lifestyle—beaches, sun, and surf.
• Visit Disneyland, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and other local attractions.
• Open to escorted groups ages 15 and older and individuals at least 18 years of age.

Intensive Academic Preparation (IAP)

Develop the English and academic study skills to be successful in American colleges and universities. Full 16-week semester program in Fall and Spring, and 10 weeks in Summer.

• Conditional admission to California State University San Marcos is available.
• TOEFL is waived for students entering CSUSM who complete level 5 (of 6).
• Advanced level students may enroll in university courses for credit on a space-available basis.
• Home stay, on-campus and off-campus housing are available.