California State University, San Marcos Academic Program

Academic
Globally Recognized
Delivery Method:
In-Person
Duration:
Multi Term, Single Term

About the Program

On a 304-acre campus in the foothills of northern San Diego County, California State University, San Marcos is a forward-looking institute dedicated to creating future leaders. It’s one of 34 public universities in the US recognized by the Carnegie Foundation in the Community Engagement Classification for both Curricular Engagement and Outreach & Partnerships. It’s also close to some of Southern California’s best beaches, with the US–Mexico border just an hour away.

State-of-the-art facilities with today’s finest equipment and technology

Beaches, mountains, and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park on your doorstep

Weekly one-to-one meetings with academic tutors and cultural liaisons

Make new friends at the university’s 100-plus student organizations

Fall 2024 Academic
Program dates:
Mid August - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
19,020

Program Advisor

Saffy Winter
SAFFY
Your Student Counselor is your study abroad ambassador and supporter. They join your application journey when you’ve confirmed you’re interested in studying abroad. At this point, they guide you through each stage of the application, notify you of the documents you need, let you know when your admission results are in, and walk you through the next steps, including class enrollment and organizing pre-arrival tests.
Schedule a Consultation

At a Glance

Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisite Level:
Advanced
GPA Requirements:
2.00
Academic Level:
Undergraduate
Academic Strengths:
Sociology, Business, Economics & Finance, Management, Marketing, Health Studies
Housing:
Homestay
Visa Required:
Maybe
Credits:
12 units

Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad

WHAT STUDENTS SAY

Moon Kyu

California State University, San Marcos was truly the best university in all respects. Everyone was friendly and the weather was so nice.

California State University, San Marcos SAF Alumni

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About the University

California State University, San Marcos

Founded in 1989, California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) opened its doors to students in fall of 1990 and became the 20th campus in California State University’s 23-campus family. Today, more than 14,000 students attend the 304-acre campus in the foothills of northern San Diego County. From here, it is a short distance from some of Southern California’s best beaches and an hour from the US–Mexico border. 

CSUSM is one of 34 public universities in the US recognized by the Carnegie Foundation in the Community Engagement Classification for both Curricular Engagement and Outreach & Partnerships.

Learn more at California State University San Marcos' official website.

 

Academics

California State University, San Marco's Academic Approach

CSUSM is a medium-sized university with most students studying in the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral, and Social Sciences. Three other colleges make up CSUSM and you can take courses across all colleges.

The hands-on student support services at CSUSM’s ALCI office include the university writing center, mathematics lab, faculty and volunteer mentoring program, peer monitoring and study groups, all available to you as a SAF Scholar.

The Global Connections student organization provides a haven for international students if you need guidance in your studies.

Courses

You register for your classes online in a pre-set window of time. You get an email from the university advisor telling you when you are able to register for classes.

Course & Departmental Restrictions

Some courses and departments have limited access, so you cannot enroll in the following courses prior to their arrival. If you choose, you can attend the course on your first day, check to see if there are any open seats, and obtain permission to join the class from the professor.

  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Insurance and Risk Management
  • International Business
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Management and Business Administration

Biological Sciences is on a space-available basis with priority given to degree-seeking students.

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Application Requirements

When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements set by the host university—and SAF is here to set you up for success.

The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
  • Language Proficiency
  • Academics & GPA
  • Application Documents & Materials

Language Test Score Requirements

To prove your language proficiency, you can use any of the following:

  • IELTS: 5.5 *Minimum 5.5 in writing and 5.0 in all other bands
  • TOEFL iBT: 61 *Minimum 19 in writing and 14 in all other bands
  • *TOEFL IBT Take Home Edition and IELTS Indicator are both accepted
  • *TOEFL ITP Digital Testing accepted but needs to be supplemented with a writing sample and a speaking test via Zoom. Minimum score: undergraduate 500, graduate 550

Learn More About Language Requirements

Language Pathway & Concurrent Programs

Interested in pursuing an Academic program but don't meet language requirements? Learn more about our Language Pathway and Concurrent programs that can assist you in meeting your academic goals. 

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talking students

Program Dates

When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.

The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.

Spring 2024 Academic

Program dates:
Mid January - Mid May
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
17,970

Spring 2024 Language Standalone + Summer 2024 Language Standalone

Program dates:
Early March - Early August
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
23,710

Fall 2024 Academic

Program dates:
Mid August - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
19,020

Fall 2024 Academic + Spring 2025 Academic

Program dates:
Mid August - Mid May
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
34,140

Housing Information

Housing_Homestay_010

Homestay

The SAF program fee covers a comfortable and friendly homestay with an English-speaking American family. 

*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.

About San Marcos

California State University San Marcos Content 13

Why San Marcos

In the San Diego County foothills, San Marcos is a dynamic city a short hop from some of Southern California’s best beaches. Like many of Califronia's cities, San Marcos a social, culturally rich town alive with the great outdoors—beaches, mountains, and deserts—where adventures hover around every corner, and the food is fantastic.

Learn more about San Marcos 

The Student Experience

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Learn Northern California Slang

Be prepared for your time at University of California, Berkeley by studying a bit of Northern California slang!

Informational
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Student Health & Safety

We champion health, safety, and security. As part of IES Abroad, the largest study abroad organization in the United States, we have set the standard for health and safety in study abroad for decades. We plan for the ‘what if’, so you can get on with the experience of a lifetime.
International Health Insurance

International health insurance included in the cost of your program

24/7 Emergency Phone Support

Total coverage to support you while traveling and in your new city

Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information prepared based on your destination

Health In Your Language

Highly trained multilingual staff to connect you to healthcare providers

Secure Housing

Quality, safe, secure housing within close proximity to your classes

Dedicated Expertise

Protection by a Dean of Students Office advocating for your interests

Orientation

On Arrival

Your SAF pre-departure process will arm you with all the information you need for a smooth arrival to your new campus, city, and country.

To Housing

Your SAF program will include a safe transfer from your arrival airport to your new study abroad housing. We'll even provide you with top tips to make the most of your new city!

Home Sweet Home

Your SAF Program Specialist will coordinate with you to ensure you have arrived safely and settled into your new secure housing.

Keeping You Safe

As you settle in, you will learn about the SAF emergency alert system, our 24/7 phone support, and any safety concerns relevant to you.

Get Social

Your new university and SAF will arrange social and cultural events so that you can meet other study abroad and local students. Make the most of your adventure!

Advising and Support

The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it. 

Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.

Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad

Commonly Asked Questions About Academic & Concurrent Programs

Student Blogs

Why Travel With SAF?

Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.

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