4 students walking and talking, one of them is holding a scooter as they walk past orange flowers

The Strength of Us

Become a compassionate leader ready to shape the future and gain a lifetime of value. Our inspiring coastal community will support your academic, professional, and personal success.

  • Samiya Terry
    Samiya Terry

    Finding a Family

    “You’re going to make lifelong friends here,” Terry said. “You’re going to find your people. Other colleges may say that, but here they truly mean it.

  • US News & World Report
    #1

    In the West for Social Mobility

    A life-changing education at one of the most affordable schools in the nation.

  • Diverse group of students at table with mural behind it
    Supportive & Welcoming

    An Inclusive Community

    A diverse community of learners that celebrates all backgrounds and life experiences.

Admissions Events

Experience our community for yourself. Schedule a campus tour, sign up for an open house, or attend another upcoming admissions event.

Student leading a campus tour in front of the Otter Student Union

Chrystina Utley ’25

Social Work

I’m more outgoing. I’m more comfortable. I’m capable of more than I thought.

Academic Excellence

A Transformative Education

Minutes from the coast. An hour from Silicon Valley. Moments away from inspiring learning spaces. Our degree programs and hands-on experiences are informed by our coastal location and rooted in mentorship from world-class faculty.

Looking for graduate programs?

All Programs

With more than 25 degree programs—and dozens of minors, concentrations, and certificates—you can personalize your Cal State Monterey Bay education to fit your goals.

Areas of Study
80+

Majors, Minors, and Concentrations

The combinations are seemingly endless. How will you customize your academic experience?

Climate Smart Agriculture
Hands-On-Learning

Internship Opportunities

Our proximity to the nation’s tech and agriculture hubs puts internships with renowned companies within reach.

Service Learning
53k +

Hours of Community Engagement (2019)

Class options vary each semester, but include experience in politics, community-based media, and ecological justice.

Business and Technology

Whether you want to lead a business or start your own, you’ll find an academic program that provides a foundation for success.

Students with Pebble Beach employee at Pebble Beach in Carmel
Major Spotlight

Sustainable Hospitality Management

69% of travelers seek sustainable travel options. Prepare to meet the needs of conscientious consumers with this exciting business major.

Overhead shot of students outside the business building
Featured Minor

Communication Design

Enhance your major with specialized skills and knowledge in areas like publication, animation, and web design.

Agribusiness Club
Get Involved

Clubs & Activities

Hone your leadership and tech skills in organizations focused on business technology, entrepreneurship, hospitality club, and game development.

Education and Human Development

Inspire the next generation of learners. Our education programs prepare you for teacher certification in a variety of grade levels and specializations.

Available Credentials

Available Credentials

  • Elementary School
  • High School
  • Special Education
  • Bilingual Authorization
Betsaida Rodriguez, a CSUMB student, standing and posing in front of a mural
Student Story

Meet Betsaida

Future teacher Betsaida Rodriguez wants elementary school students to embrace and maintain their bilingualism.

Health Sciences and Human Services

If you see yourself providing compassionate care to individuals or helping communities in need, we have options for you. Our programs also offer pathways to nursing and healthcare-focused graduate and professional schools.

Instructor in front of a large screen with a human skeleton on the screen teaching a group of 4 students
Major Spotlight

Kinesiology

Develop expertise in human movement, health, and wellness as you prepare for a variety of careers or graduate programs.

Minors and Concentrations

  • Community Health Education
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Environmental Health Policy 
  • Exercise Science
  • Health & Wellness
Jordan Janusz
Student Story

Meet Jordan

Kinesiology student, Jordan, currently works as a personal trainer and hopes to follow in the footsteps of his mentors and professors.

Math, Life and Physical Sciences

We can’t think of a better place to study the sciences than Cal State Monterey Bay. Take a (literal) deep dive into marine science, soil science, and other exciting areas of study.

Areas of Study

  • Biology
  • Environmental Studies 
  • Marine Science
  • Mechatronics Engineering
  • Plant & Soil Science
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics
Group of Marine Science students and instructor on the docks in Monterey and in front of a boat
Get Outside

Living Labratory

Nestled between scenic Monterey Bay and the Salinas Valley, minutes from the Pacific Ocean and close to inspiring natural landmarks, you’ll have access to extraordinary learning experiences.

Professor and student in campus greenhouse planting during class
Get Involved

Clubs and Activities

Get involved in student organizations dedicated to plant cultivation, stargazing, sustainability, or wildlife conservation.

Areas of Study

  • Psychology
  • Global Studies
  • Ethnic and Gender Studies
  • Humanities and Communication
  • Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures

Example Minors and Concentrations

  • ChicanX Studies
  • Japanese Culture and History
  • Creative Writing and Social Action
  • Journalism and Media Studies
  • Peace Studies
two students posing and smiling in front of a table for the International Otters Club
Get Involved

Clubs and Activities

Join one of our many affinity organizations and participate in a wide variety of cultural events and celebrations.

Creative and Performing Arts

From music to multimedia, Cal State Monterey Bay offers majors and minors with your creativity in mind.

Group of students with instructor holding a pottery ceramic head during a sculpting class
Major Spotlight

Visual and Public Art

From the studio to city streets, this major allows you to hone your craft and explore the ways art impacts the world around you.

Related Minors and Certificates

  • Music
  • Science Illustration
  • Communication Design
  • Cinematic Arts & Technology
  • Creative Writing & Social Action
Overhead shot of a group of students in filming studio working on a film project
Get Involved

Clubs and Activities

Get involved in clubs focused on anime, cinematic arts, or creative writing. Or perform live with Monte’s Music.

Find Your People.

Feel at Home.

The Raft. That’s what we call the Otter Community—and we’re stronger together. When you join Cal State Monterey Bay, you’ll be surrounded by diverse classmates, mentored by caring faculty, and supported by dedicated staff.

Discover the Student Experience
CSUMB female student face smiling

Melanie Alvarado

I really like the campus. Everyone's really friendly. I never met anyone with a negative energy; everyone's really happy to be here.

Next Steps: Get to Know Cal State Monterey Bay