California State University San Marcos

**About CSUSM** [Academic Calendar](https://www.csusm.edu/academic_programs/calendars.html) [Campus Contacts](https://www.csusm.edu/contacts.html) [NewsCenter](http://news.csusm.edu/) [Sustainability](https://www.csusm.edu/sustainability/) Building on an innovative 30-year history, California State University San Marcos is a forward-focused institution, dedicated to preparing future leaders, building great communities and solving critical issues. Located on a 304-acre hillside overlooking the city of San Marcos, the University is just a short distance from some of Southern California’s best beaches and an hour from the U.S.-Mexico border. CSUSM enrollment is over 16,000 and the university is [fully accredited](https://www.csusm.edu/wasc/) by the [Western Association of Schools and Colleges](https://www.wascsenior.org/institutions/california-state-university-san-marcos). California State University San Marcos is located in [northern San Diego County](https://www.csusm.edu/admissions/where-is-san-marcos/index.html) and offers beautiful beaches, an hour drive to the mountains and desert, a downtown nightlife, world-class shopping, and more all within a [short trip from campus](https://www.csusm.edu/admissions/where-is-san-marcos/sights/index.html)! **Mission** At California State University San Marcos, our mission is [student success](https://www.csusm.edu/powerofcsusm/goals/definitions.html#StudentSuccess). As an engine of transformative knowledge, our community of dedicated teacher-scholars and staff holistically advance the academic, social, professional and personal development of students across the student life cycle, through education, innovation and [community partnerships](https://www.csusm.edu/powerofcsusm/goals/definitions.html#CommunityEngagement). **Vision** California State University San Marcos will be a national leader of [social mobility](https://www.csusm.edu/powerofcsusm/goals/definitions.html#SocialMobility), transforming lives, families and communities. As the first-choice university for first-generation students and future generations, we will drive [intellectual engagement](https://www.csusm.edu/powerofcsusm/goals/definitions.html#IntellectualEngagement), [innovation](https://www.csusm.edu/powerofcsusm/goals/definitions.html#Innovation) and [sustainability](https://www.csusm.edu/powerofcsusm/goals/definitions.html#Sustainability) for a diverse, global society. Our exemplary academic programs will respond to societal needs and prepare students to be tomorrow’s socially just leaders and change makers.