Year-long learning across five terms
CSUMB runs on a five-term system that focuses on helping students achieve their dream of graduating in four years by making it easier than ever to take 30 units a year.
Having five academic terms gives students the flexibility to balance their academic and extracurricular activities without compromising their goals.
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Fall Term at California State University, Monterey Bay typically begins in late August and ends in mid-December, covering a period of approximately 16 weeks. During this time, students are encouraged to take a minimum of 15 units in order to maintain full-time status and make progress toward graduating in four years.
Fall is an exciting time for students, as they have the opportunity to explore a wide range of academic disciplines, participate in extracurricular activities, and connect with fellow students, faculty, and staff. Balancing all these opportunities and 15 units can be challenging, which is why CSU Monterey created enhanced Summer Terms to help spread students' workloads across the year.
Winter Term at CSU Monterey Bay typically begins in late December and ends in late January, covering a period of approximately five weeks. Winter is a shorter academic term compared to fall and spring, but it offers a unique opportunity for students to focus on specific coursework or accelerate their degree. Many students choose to take 1-2 courses to make progress toward graduating in four years.
Spring term at CSU Monterey Bay typically starts in mid to late January and ends in mid-May, covering a period of approximately 16 weeks. It is the final semester of the academic year and provides a chance for students to finish the academic year strong and make progress towards their academic goals.
During this time, students are encouraged to take a minimum of 15 units in order to maintain full-time status and make progress toward graduating in four years. Student's who would like to take less than 15 units during the Spring Term have the option to take Winter Term classes or enhanced Summer Term classes to stay on track toward completing their degree in four years.
Summer Term 1 at CSU Monterey Bay typically begins in early June and ends in late June, covering a period of approximately four weeks. Summer Term 1 is a shorter academic term compared to fall and spring, but it offers a unique opportunity for students to focus on specific coursework or accelerate their degree. Many students choose to take 1-2 courses to make progress toward graduating in four years.
Summer has opportunities for students to engage in experiential learning activities such as internships, research projects and study abroad programs. These programs can provide students with hands-on experience in their field of study or offer opportunities to explore new areas of interest.
Taking advantage of the enhanced Summer Terms 1 and 2 is easy, and about 30% of CSUMB students may be eligible for grants to pay for all or part of summer classes.
Summer Term 2 at CSU Monterey Bay typically begins in early July and ends in late July, covering a period of approximately four weeks. Summer Term 2 is a shorter academic term compared to fall and spring, but it offers a unique opportunity for students to focus on specific coursework or accelerate their degree. Many students choose to take 1-2 courses to make progress toward graduating in four years.
More than ever before, many students will qualify for special tuition assistance to pay for all or part of a summer class to help them keep on track for 30-to-Finish.