California State University, Monterey Bay institutional logo

California State University, Monterey Bay

Seaside, United States Founded 1994 World Rank #3208

Overview

Acronyms: CSUMB
Founded: 1994
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #3208
Rank in United States: #353
Colours: Bay blue, golden sand and valley green
Mascot: Monte Rey Otter
California State University, Monterey Bay institutional setting
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Founded in 1994, the California State University, Monterey Bay is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Seaside (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), California.

Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution. California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study.

This 30-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

CSUMB also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

California State University, Monterey Bay's street address and primary contact methods. Social channels often differentiate by purpose — admissions on one, alumni on another, events on a third.

Address: 100 Campus Center
Postal Code: 93955-8001
Phone: +1 (831) 582 3000
Fax: +1 (831) 582 3558
Social Media:

Academic Details

Academic statistics for California State University, Monterey Bay — including its student body and academic staff numbers. Read these alongside rankings; institution scale changes how rankings should be interpreted.

Total Students: 6,819
Student Enrollment: 7
Academic Staff Range: 400-499
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
California State University System (CSU) American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Browse the academic-unit structure of California State University, Monterey Bay. Multi-faculty programmes exist but are usually administered by a lead faculty that handles admissions and credentialing.

Unit 6 items
  • College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • College of Business
  • College of Education
  • College of Extended Education and International Programs
  • College of Health Sciences and Human Services
  • College of Science

Programs Offered

California State University, Monterey Bay's catalogue, searchable by name and grouped by level. Joint programmes with partner institutions appear here but carry dual-credentialing rules worth checking with both bodies.

Bachelor's Degree

29 programmes

There are 29 programmes to choose from at California State University, Monterey Bay for undergraduates. A bachelor's degree builds the broad disciplinary foundation most employers and postgraduate courses expect.

International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Psychology, General Psychology
Human Services, General Public Administration
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Marine Sciences Liberal Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Plant Sciences Agriculture
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts

Master's Degree

10 programmes

California State University, Monterey Bay's 10 programmes at this tier lead to a master's qualification, valued for the focused, research-informed depth they add beyond undergraduate study.

Marine Sciences Liberal Arts
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Public Administration Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Forestry & Natural Resources
Education, General Education & Teaching
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching

Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications

2 programmes

These 2 programmes cover California State University, Monterey Bay's associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation options — qualifications valued for fast, targeted, or pathway-oriented study.

Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design

How to apply to California State University, Monterey Bay

A practical five-step guide to applying to California State University, Monterey Bay, from programme research through submission and follow-up.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. California State University, Monterey Bay runs 41 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Before applying to California State University, Monterey Bay, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with California State University, Monterey Bay's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Lodge your application through the official website (csumb.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (831) 582 3000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about California State University, Monterey Bay

A short Q&A covering California State University, Monterey Bay's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.

When was California State University, Monterey Bay founded?

California State University, Monterey Bay was established in 1994 (approximately 32 years ago).

In which city is California State University, Monterey Bay?

California State University, Monterey Bay is based in Seaside, United States.

Is California State University, Monterey Bay public or private?

It is a public higher-education institution.

How many students study at California State University, Monterey Bay?

California State University, Monterey Bay has approximately 7,000-7,999 students.

What is California State University, Monterey Bay's ranking?

It ranks #3208 globally and #353 in United States.

How is California State University, Monterey Bay organised academically?

California State University, Monterey Bay is organised into 6 academic units across its disciplines.

Is California State University, Monterey Bay accredited?

The institution holds recognition from WASC Senior College and University Commission.

What is California State University, Monterey Bay's official website?

California State University, Monterey Bay's official website is csumb.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

When shortlisting in the United States, students often start with the top-ranked institutions. Below are the national leaders worth comparing against California State University, Monterey Bay, helpful for calibrating where California State University, Monterey Bay sits in the broader landscape.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)-affiliated universities form a network of comparable institutions — California State University, Monterey Bay sits among them. Network membership often signals shared values around academic quality and student support.

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Universities close to California State University, Monterey Bay typically fall within the same regional student-transit zones, where transit discounts and shared passes reduce living costs across the cluster.

Where Else to Study Liberal Arts

Programme-led research opportunities for Liberal Arts students differ. Research-active programmes give undergraduates access to active labs; teaching-only programmes do not.

Universities Often Compared with California State University, Monterey Bay

When students choose California State University, Monterey Bay, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.

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