California State University, Monterey Bay in Seaside, CA

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Telephone:	+1 831-582-3000
Website:	csumb.edu
Address:	100 Campus Ctr, Seaside, CA, 93955
Categories:	Colleges & Universities

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Today

Today	8:00 am – 5:00 pm Closed now
Local time (Seaside)	2:40 AM Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Business hours

Monday	8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday	8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday	8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday	8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday	8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday	–
Sunday	–

Description

Specialties

California State University, Monterey Bay provides an exceptional education at an affordable price. We’re a small, residential campus of 5,000 students with an engaged faculty. Students receive individual attention, plus the many opportunities of a comprehensive university.

We offer 22 bachelor’s degrees, 7 master’s degrees and teaching credentials. Learn more at CSUMB.EDU/academics.

The heart of CSUMB — our ideals, aspirations and values — is outlined in our Vision Statement. The Vision includes our commitment to academic rigor and interdisciplinary learning, to social justice, respect and equal opportunities for all, to sustainability, multiculturalism and collaboration, and to accountability and service to others.

History

Established in 1994.

The CSU Monterey Bay campus is on the former Fort Ord Army Base, which has some perks. For example, the residence hall rooms are much bigger than average because they are in remodeled officers quarters. In keeping with our green philosophy, we’ve reused whenever possible, so you’ll find many bits and pieces of this history all over campus — unique and surprising reminders of Monterey Bay’s military past.

Meet the Manager

Dianne H.

Manager

Dr. Dianne Harrison assumed the presidency at California State University, Monterey Bay in June 2006.

During a 30-year career at Florida State University in Tallahassee, she served in various capacities starting as a faculty member, dean of social work, associate vice president for academic affairs, dean of graduate studies and vice president for academic quality and external programs.

She holds a Ph.D. in social work from Washington University in St. Louis and a master’s of social work and a bachelor’s in American Studies, both from the University of Alabama. Her academic and research areas of expertise include HIV prevention among women and minority populations and higher education issues related to social work and university leadership. A prolific researcher and writer, Dr. Harrison has published dozens of articles and two books.

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20 reviews of California State University, Monterey Bay

No registration required

J Falzon B.

Place rating: 4
Monterey, CA

No university is perfect. CSUMB has its flaws, it’s ups and downs, its drawbacks and advantages and its weirdness as well… But as a CHHS major (and senior), I must say that although this was my last choice college when I was in high school, I am a proud otter. The CHHS department has shaped me and created an amazing path for a strong and prepared future. I have also been a part of VAgina Monologues and have been able to find my voice as a feminist and as a victim. Yes CSUMB needs to be much more wise on how it spends its money (ex the great need for more emotional and mental support) but we aren’t the only university. Overall I am proud to be a CHHS major at CSUMB

David B.

Place rating: 5
Monterey, CA

I took two tours last month and, also went to the open house yesterday. The college seems very fun and cool. I plan to major in business and, the new building looks awsome. I just sent in my application yesterday so hoping to get into the school. I highly recomend this college if your considering a CSU its one of the best.

Danielle T.

Place rating: 1
Visalia, CA

They had the nerve to call and email me asking if I was interested in submitting an application this year. W O W

Bruce's A.

Place rating: 3
Cupertino, CA

I never have attended here, so I can’t go about judging the entire school based off my small experience here. However, my experience here was something very interesting. Interesting enough that I go about writting this review!
I was taken out to Monterey for dinner last night, and after a stroll up and down Canery Row, my lovely friend took me to her old school she once attended to study Japanese at. We drove through \ campus and she showed me where she studied at, the locations of the dormitories, and the library. She also went about showing me the remnants of what used to be Fort Ord.
We went late in the evening so it was dark, but let me tell you, a dark eerie feeling came over me as I gazed at the old study halls of what used to be a military base. The buildings on the main campus are all boarded up, probably to prevent injuries from happening. The buildings are realy old looking but very interesting. They really are like a time campsule from days past. Some places are also fenced off to prevent people from entering them. Some places are only viewable from the outside, though, such as the former stockade (prison), recently used for paintball and airsoft competitions, now house a concrete works and other industry. Several other abandoned locations which may have even been knocked down as of 2007, include the Doughboy Theater, an Olympic sized swimming pool, a bowling alley, and an incinerator. The old baracks are also lined up no a road from CSU-MB towards Imjin.
CSU-MB is very rich in American History, and from what I hear, a wonderful place to study as well. Whether you atend this college or not, I would very much recommend you check out these old facilities, they really are remarkable!

Geneva L.

Place rating: 4
Lake Tahoe

I stopped by here to check out the grad programs and did the self-guided tour. This California State University campus is located at the old Fort Ord near Marina. I’ve never been on a college campus where you can smell salty sea air and breathe the freshest lungfuls of air, ever! Totally beautiful campus. Parking was ample and I was quite impressed with the campus, layout, and new buildings. Staff at the advising center and welcome center were super helpful and made my visit successful. The library was quite spectacular. These are some lucky kids who go to college here!

Jess R.

Place rating: 2
Marina, CA

I love some of my teachers for my major.
But however the school told me AFTER I walked and graduated that I was missing an unit. They told me 8 month later. And they clame they told me 2 month after my graduation which was not ture. If I was missing an unit wouldn’t they told me when I was apply for graduation?
So thinking I accomplished my dreams, they decided to crush it like a bug.

Bobby F.

Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA

I’m a grad of 2010. Attending CSUMB was one of the best decisions of my life. The small class sizes, involved professors, location, and friendly student body (college parties) all added up to an amazing 4 years. Happy to say I left the university with a great career in the middle of a recession. Every time I go back to Monterey I like to stop by to visit, and pick up some Otter gear! Great memories.

Hao P.

Place rating: 5
Rosemead, CA

Participated in the 18^th commencement today as an MBA graduate. I love the campus. I find it really nice and quiet. I can’t say much about the undergrad programs, but my I enjoyed every part of my MBA curriculum. My philosophy is, I go to college to study and perhaps meet new people and make new friends. I could care less about the frat clubs or parties.

Irene S.

Place rating: 3
Castroville, CA

What had my teaching credential given me so far? I am still yet to find out. Again as I said, the education I received was pretty decent. But I received a false sense of security that right after I graduated I would be able to get a teaching job. I have still not got one after years of applying for jobs, it has been discouraging. I wonder if it was all money and time wasted or was it really worth it?
Pros:
–New university with innovative ways of looking at education
Cons:
–does not help with job placement

Shane C.

Place rating: 3
Aptos, CA

I have enjoyed myself here at points, yet loathed other days. The extra «learning outcomes» required has delayed my graduating by nearly a year. Most of the faculty and staff are incredibly helpful, and the campus is a mixture between state-of-the-art buildings and dilapidated barracks. Do your research before coming here to ensure it is a good fit.

Anonymous J.

Place rating: 5
Monterey, CA

For those that are reading these reviews I hope you pay attention to the fact that most of the reviews are very old. The school is nothing like it was in 2004 or earlier. Changes are being made every day to better students experiences as a whole. The environment is extremely beautiful and breath taking. Santa Cruz and Big Sur are a little over half an hour from the campus and are fun to explore on the weekends. The experience is what you make of it. There are many new beautiful buildings on campus as well as ones being added. The OE (Otter Express) is currently being rebuilt and there is going to be a new building built behind the library. Also, many of the abandoned buildings are being knocked down. There are only so many that are allowed to be demolished each year due to safety reasons. If I had read these reviews before making my decision I may have not attended the school. I’m glad that I didn’t read them because they definitely don’t give the school the credit that it deserves. I also forgot to mention that the school has a school beach and it is stunning!

Crystal M.

Place rating: 1
Simi Valley, CA

You would think because of the location in Monterey Bay it would be beautiful. Remember when you are going to college, you are spending most of your time at the school and in the dorms. The campus is horrible, formerly Fort Ord, and all of the abandonded buildings make you feel like you are in a deserted area that was bombed. All the windows are broken out of the numerous abandoned buildings and you can walk right into the deserted barracks and there is trash all over the place. You can tell students go to these deserted buildings and party and whatever else. Incredible they don’t have somebody to clean this stuff up. Very spooky and after visiting the school, I am not sending my daughter there.

Kristin H.

Place rating: 4
Los Angeles, CA

A well kept campus located in a giant fog pocket, what more could you ask for?! The NLT thing to do around these parts is attend class, drink, go to the plays, drink, and then travel outside the area and drink.

Rachel W.

Place rating: 3
Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

I can’t say anything about the school, because I attend remotely. But it seems to be a nice, laid out campus, repurposing the military base it was built on. Lovely brand new library!

Ruth T.

Place rating: 2
Monterey, CA

After my second trip to try to figure out how to be admitted here, I again feel a little defeated before I’ve even attended a single class.
First hurdle: Less than half of the students who apply are not accepted.
Second hurdle: I have to go to MPC to take a math placement test (so if I do poorly, the pre-algebra class I already passed at another college won’t count and I’ll have to take it again). sigh.
Third hurdle: I need a class above Alg. II probably statistics and since I will likely not do well on MPC’s math placement test — I have a lot of math in my future.
Fourth hurdle: CSUMB will not tell me which of the 72 credits I already have will transfer to their school until I apply.
Fifth hurdle: I can’t apply to CSUMB to find out which of my 72 credits previously earned from a university will count towards a B.S. degree until I fork over a lot of dough to MPC to take the required courses I need to be considered to be admitted to CSUMB.
Sixth hurdle: Assuming I’m accepted to CSUMB, I work full time and most of their classes are offered during the day — there are little to no online courses avail.
Seventh hurdle: CSUMB does not charge per class, yes, tuition is low, but if I want to take only one class because classes aren’t offered or are offered during a time which I can’t attend them — well, I still have to pay the large expense of a part time student to take only one class.
The first time I went to see an Admissions Counselor I fared much worse — she told me that most of my 72 units I earned from another university likely wouldn’t transfer and told me I really needed to attend MPC. So, in summary, an A.A.S. degree from a University with a 4.0 won’t get you admitted into CSUMB, it will get you a finger pointed to MPC. sigh.
And yes, the old military base is creepy and haunted. =) I lived on old Fort Ord for over a year, and it was pretty spooky.

Stephen Y.

Place rating: 5
Marina, CA

I love this school it is great!
Small and friendly people and teachers!
plus everyone loves to PARTY!
BEST SCHOOL EVER!
LEEEGO!!!

Traci A.

Place rating: 5
Patterson, CA

I love this school so much! Me and my mom went to visit and my expectations were not very high because of the reviews on here but it deserves more then what people are saying. They have brand new buildings that are just beautiful. Everyone is so welcoming and the campus is big and growing. The dorm rooms are the only thing left from the army base and they are very nice. They have there own individual bathrooms with a shower, sink, and toilet. The school has definitely upgraded and it is safe to say that it is a very nice school to go to.

Kim H.

Place rating: 4
Monterey, CA

A very welcome addition to the Monterey Peninsula. Quite a few educational institutions were given parcels of land to improve and use on the former Fort Ord. What a wonderful way to re-use this land. Thank You!

Jessica R.

Place rating: 2
Santa Clara, CA

The campus is so spread out and scary!
Can you say creepy old buildings. if you’re lost. thats it. You’re done!
The buildings that are new are very nice.
One complaint I have is that they need to clean their bathrooms more thoroughly and keep the toilet paper stocked. They bathrooms smelled like urine.

Lesley R.

Place rating: 2
Soquel, CA

Cabrillo College, Aptos, CA was my school directly before CSUMB so that is stiff competition even if Cabrillo is only a 2 year school (so far!). Cabrillo deserves 6 stars!
I went to CSU to get a Networking & Multimedia degree which is unheard of together. I am happy about that. But, the school has a bunch of whiners there (did you know that the sounds Sea Otters, which is the mascot of CSUMB, make is a WHINE? true — just ask them at the MB Aquarium) and the faculty lets them get away with it. I thought it was just a bunch of millennial’s (who are known for whining) and that was the reason — but, I think the school just built upon that. I had some awesome instructors — but, overall it is not nearly as good of a school as others seem to be.

California State University, Monterey Bay

Seaside, United States