Special Academic Opportunities

First-Year Programs

(760) 750-4186
www.csusm.edu/fyp

First-Year Programs designs, implements, and supports curricular offerings and initiatives to help first-year students achieve academic excellence and develop a deeper understanding of, and commitment to, long-term academic goals. The primary mission of First-Year Programs is to assist students with making a successful transition from the high school classroom to the academic world of higher education.

GEL 101 (Fall and Spring)

The main course offered in First-Year Programs is GEL 101  (The Student, The University, The Community). This is a comprehensive college success course open only to first-year students, and strongly recommended to be taken in the first semester. Examples of topics covered include time management, assessing personal learning styles, college level study/test taking skills, information literacy and technology for doing college-level research, academic and career planning, wellness, values and ethical decision making, campus life, and campus resources. The course fulfills the lower-division general education requirement in Area E “Lifelong Learning and Information Literacy.”

Students who complete a GEL course are more likely to graduate.

First-Year Learning Communities (Fall)

First-Year Programs coordinates a range of first-year learning communities in which first-year students enroll in at least two linked courses, one of which is a section of GEL 101 . Each first-year learning community addresses a unique theme, both in and outside of the classroom. Examples of first-year learning communities include:

• San Marcos Experience (SME): A civic-engagement learning community for students living on campus. Emphasis is on development of leadership skills, serving the community, and involvement in campus life.
• First-Year Business Learning Community (FYBLC): A learning community for students planning to major in Business Administration.
• Athlete Learning Community (ALC): A learning community for First-year student athletes.
• Global Learning Community (GLC): A learning community that emphasizes global and cultural diversity.
• Undeclared/Undecided Learning (ULC): A learning community with an emphasis on researching and choosing an academic major and career path for students who have not yet chosen a major.

Early Start (Summer)

Executive Order 1110 is requiring significant changes to our First-Year Programs summer course offerings. This section of the catalog will be updated when the relevant information is available.

Office of Internships

Telephone: (760) 750-7005
https://www.csusm.edu/careers/internships/

The Office of Internships, housed within the Career Center, supports the CSU goal of offering every CSU student an opportunity to be engaged in an active learning experience, for faculty to teach a high-impact practice and our community partners to be co-educators.

For-credit, academic internships are approved and supervised work experiences that meet specific student learning goals related to academic fields of study and are designed to provide students opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills while gaining valuable workplace experience. This work-learning partnership among a student, the University and a community/industry partner supports a student’s course of study and/or professional objectives. On-site work or projects are combined with reflective academic assignments to help students learn by doing. The internship program assists students in earning academic credit for their internship while gaining career-related work experience in business, government, nonprofit and educational settings. Additionally, internships offer industry partners the talents and energy of students and strengthens the link between the University and the business community.

Department of Service Learning

Telephone: (760) 750-4003
Craven Hall 6112, 6118, 6121
https://www.csusm.edu/ougs/slce/servicelearning/index.html

The Department of Service Learning supports the CSU’s commitment to high-impact practices by offering all students opportunities to engage in hands-on learning and experiential learning while collaborating with community partners as co-educators in promoting the common good.

Service Learning promotes active learning through participation in meaningful and planned service experiences in the community that are substantively related to course content. Through reflective activities, students enhance their understanding of course content, general knowledge, sense of civic responsibility, self-awareness, and commitment to the community. Service Learning provides opportunities for our students, faculty, and community partners by supporting community service opportunities that both meet the most pressing needs of our community and provides powerful learning opportunities for everyone involved.

Reserve Officer Training Corps

Air Force ROTC

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) provides students in all majors an excellent management and leadership training program. AFROTC offers two- and four-year programs designed to develop officers who have broad understanding and high growth potential. Cadets participate in dialogues, problem solving, and other activities designed to develop leaders and managers. All coursework is done at San Diego State University with the exception of field trips and one field training encampment conducted at military bases.

Two- to four-year scholarships are available on a competitive basis, but it is not mandatory to have a scholarship to participate in Air Force ROTC. Scholarships may be applied toward tuition and various laboratory, textbook, and incidental fees, plus a monthly nontaxable $150 allowance during the school year. As a freshman and sophomore, an AFROTC student takes one academic class and leadership laboratory once a week. In the freshman course, students receive an introduction to AFROTC and to the Air Force. In the sophomore course, students learn the history of the U.S. Air Force. The leadership laboratory includes physical activity. Students must attend a four-week field training (officer boot camp) in the summer between the sophomore and junior year (those students who have not completed all lower-division AFROTC courses with a grade of “C” or better in each course must attend a 5-week encampment).

Field training sharpens students’ leadership and followership abilities along with communication, organization, and time management skills. The last two years of AFROTC lead to a commission in the Air Force. At the beginning of their junior year, students not already on contract must decide whether to leave the program or sign a contract to serve in the Air Force. Those signing contracts receive AFROTC scholarships (if they had not already been receiving them).

Junior year academic requirements include a Leadership and Management course that meets for 2.5 hours per week and a leadership laboratory. Senior year academic requirements include a Preparation for Active Duty course that meets for 2.5 hours per week and a leadership laboratory.

In addition to academic classes and leadership laboratories, cadets receive officer training through a variety of other sources. Each semester, cadets visit an Air Force base to learn about life as an officer. Cadets are given a tour of the base and briefings on different careers, and are housed on Visiting Officer Quarters.

Other extra curricular training events include shadowing officers at an Air Force Base for two weeks in the summertime (stateside and overseas, parachuting, and combat survival training). Upon completion of the AFROTC program and all requirements for a bachelor’s degree, cadets are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the Air Force with a four year service commitment (10 for pilots, 6 for navigators).

For information about the agreement between Cal State San Marcos and San Diego State University, contact the Veterans Affairs Representative at (760) 750 4808. Additional information can be obtained from AFROTC Detachment 075 at (619) 594 5545. (www.det075.sdsu.edu).

Army ROTC

The Army ROTC program is designed to develop confident, competent, versatile and resilient leaders with the basic military science and leadership foundations necessary to lead small units in nearly any Operational Environment (OE) and to evolve into the Army’s future senior leaders. These attributes and core leader competencies are taught in the following six Army Learning Areas:

• The Army Profession
• Professional Competence
• Adaptability
• Teamwork
• Life Long Learning
• Comprehensive Fitness

The Army ROTC program consists of one course per semester, a weekly scheduled leadership laboratory, and one weekend field training event. The program also offers a series of optional activities including physical training, orienteering, rappelling, sports programs, and social activities.

CSUSM students can join the courses by enrolling at CSUSM Office of Registration and Records. Students matriculated at CSU, UC, or community college may enroll in the class using CSU Intrasystem form (on a space-available basis). There is no advance application needed for the freshmen and sophomore classes. Students need to contact the Department of Military Sciences at (760) 750-4874 to enroll in the Army ROTC program, and to receive information on lab schedule and other activities.

The four-year program is divided into two parts: the basic course and the advanced course. The basic course is usually taken in the freshman and sophomore years. No military commitment is incurred during this time, and students may withdraw at any time through the end of the second year. The design of the Basic Course is to enhance student interest in ROTC, Army, and the six Army learning areas while providing an overview of military resource programs designed to support Soldiers and their Family members. The Basic Course intent is to heighten student awareness of ROTC and the Army, thereby helping retain Cadets in the ROTC program.

By the end of the Basic Course, Cadets should possess a basic understanding of the unique aspects of the officer corps, fundamentals of leadership, critical thinking, and decision-making, the Army’s institutional values, and principles of individual fitness and a healthy lifestyle. The design of the lessons is to maximize Cadet participation, inspire intellectual curiosity, stimulate self-study, and encourage Cadets to become good representatives of the Army profession.

Cadet progress will be evaluated to manage the student’s growth throughout the ROTC program as well as to monitor each Cadet’s understanding of the content. Uniforms and Military equipment will be provided to contracted cadets. After completing the basic course, students who have demonstrated officer potential, have met physical and academic standards, and agree to contract are eligible to enroll in the advanced course. The Advanced Course is designed to be progressive and sequential; students learning leadership and doctrinal theory through individual preparation and classroom instruction. Students are then required to apply their knowledge outside the classroom during leadership labs and situational exercises in a field environment.

After earning their bachelor’s degree and completing advanced camp, students are commissioned Second Lieutenants in the US Army. The available options after commissioning are active duty for a minimum of three years, four years if a scholarship cadet, or three months active duty for training followed by part time participation in the US Army Reserve or US Army National Guard. Several special programs are available for students who have previous ROTC training or active military service. These programs allow for part or full placement credit for the basic course. In addition, a program is available for simultaneous participation in both Army ROTC and the Army Reserve or Army National Guard.

All students have the opportunity to apply and compete for two, three, four, and five-year scholarships (nursing). These scholarships cover all tuition, laboratory, and book fees, and provide a $300-500 monthly subsistence allowance during the school year. Scholarship applications are processed by the Department of Military Science at San Diego State University or through the CSUSM Army ROTC Office.

Navy ROTC

The Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Program was established to educate and train qualified young men and women for service as commissioned officers in the unrestricted line Naval Reserve or Marine Corps Reserve. As the largest single source of Navy and Marine Corps officers, the NROTC Scholarship Program fills a vital need in preparing mature young men and women for leadership and management positions in an increasingly technical Navy and Marine Corps.

Selected applicants for the NROTC Scholarship Program are awarded scholarships through a highly competitive national selection process, and receive full tuition, books stipend, educational fees, and other financial benefits at many of the country’s leading colleges and universities. Upon graduation, midshipmen are commissioned as officers in the unrestricted line Naval Reserve or Marine Corps Reserve.

If one does not earn a scholarship by the end of their sophomore year, one automatically applies for Advance Standing. Advance Standing, if granted, will provide the Midshipman with the $200 stipend every month during the school year for the remaining two years. Upon graduation, the Advanced Standing Midshipman receives the same commission as the Scholarship Midshipman. If the Midshipman has not been granted Advance Standing by the beginning of the junior year, he or she will be disenrolled from the ROTC program.

Students selected for the NROTC Scholarship Program make their own arrangements for college enrollment and room and board, and take the normal course load required by the college or university for degree completion. Additionally, Scholarship Midshipmen are required to follow specific academic guidelines.

Naval science courses are taken at San Diego State University and University of San Diego. For information about the agreement between Cal State San Marcos and San Diego State University, contact the Veterans Affairs Representative at (760) 750-4808. Additional information can be found at: http://www.sandiego.edu/nrotc/.

CSUSM at Temecula

(760) 750-8730 or (951) 676-9254

CSUSM at Temecula
43890 Margarita Road
Temecula, CA 92592
www.csusm.edu/temecula

California State University San Marcos at Temecula is a state-of-the-art off-campus instructional facility providing Riverside County residents convenient access to select upper-division and baccalaureate post-baccalaureate CSUSM certificates and degrees, as well as noncredit professional development certificates and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program. All credit courses and programs are offered by the colleges through Extended Learning and taught by CSUSM approved faculty. Full program information can be found at www.csusm.edu/temecula. The campus is a full-service campus and offers student advising.

Global Programs and Services

(760) 750-4090
Fax (760) 750-3284
www.csusm.edu/global

The mission of the Office of Global Programs and Services is to internationalize the San Marcos campus. To achieve this goal, Global Programs and Services works with faculty, students, and staff to encourage international exchanges, study abroad programs, and international student enrollment. The Office of Global Programs and Services is responsible for study abroad program development and advising, international student and scholar support, and the English language program of the American Language and Culture Institute.

International Students and Scholars

The Office of Global Programs and Services provides support services for international students (i.e., students on a non-immigrant student visa such as F-1 or J-1). The international student services provided by the Office of Global Programs and Services include advising on housing, registration, enrollment, visa regulations, health insurance requirements, health services, and other campus support services. All newly admitted international students should report to the international student advisor in Administrative Building 3200 and should then attend the international student orientation session at the beginning of the semester in which they first enroll.

Study Abroad

Students can choose from among many study abroad options around the world, including programs ranging in duration from a few weeks to an entire academic year. Programs are available to qualified students in every field of study. Options include campus summer programs, semester exchanges with university partner institutions abroad, summer and semester-long programs operated by other universities, the International Student Exchange Program, and the CSU system-wide International Programs (see description below).

All students considering study abroad as part of their educational experience should visit the Study Abroad Resource Center in the Office of Global Programs and Services and consult with the study abroad advisor. Students must complete the “Cal State San Marcos Credit Approval for Study Abroad” form, including signatures from their faculty advisor, before embarking on any study abroad program to guarantee the acceptance of study abroad credit. These forms are available from the Office of Global Programs and Services in ADM 3200.

International Student Exchange Program (ISEP)

California State University San Marcos is a proud member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP)–a network of over 300 post-secondary institutions in 50 countries cooperating to provide affordable international educational experiences for a diverse student population. Through ISEP, CSUSM students are able to take advantage of the opportunities for international study offered through their many programs. Please visit www.isep.org for additional details and contact the study abroad advisor to set up an advising appointment.

International Programs

Developing inter-cultural communication skills and international understanding among its students is a vital mission of the California State University (CSU). Since its inception in 1963, the CSU International Programs (CSU IP) has contributed to this effort by providing qualified students an affordable opportunity to continue their studies abroad for a full academic year in all programs and a semester option in some countries and programs. 

More than 20,000 CSU students have taken advantage of this unique study option. Also, through the CSU IP exchange partnerships, more than 5,000 international students have come to study at the CSU campuses.

International Programs participants earn resident academic credit at their home university while they pursue full-time study at a host university or study center abroad. CSU IP serves the needs of students in more than 100 designated academic majors. Affiliated with nearly 70 recognized universities and institutions of higher education in 18 countries, CSU IP also offers a wide selection of study abroad destinations and learning environments.

Australia

• Griffith University
• Macquarie University
• Queensland University of Technology
• University of Queensland
• Western Sydney University

Canada

Concordia University

Chile

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (Santiago)

China

Peking University (Beijing)

Denmark

Danish Institute for Study Abroad (This exchange is currently inactive.)

France

• Aix-Marseille Université
• CY Cergy Paris Université
• École Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay (ENS)
• ESSCA, Aix-en-Provence Campus (effective Spring 2024)
• Institut Catholique de Paris
• Institut Polytechniques des Sciences Avancées (IPSA)
• Institut Supérieur d’Electronique de Paris (ISEP)
• Science Politiques Saint-Germain-En-Laye
• Sorbonne Université
• Université d’Evry Val-d’Essonne (UEVE)
• Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ)
• Université Paris Cité
• Université Gustave Eiffel
• Université Panthéon-Assas
• Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne
• Université Paris 8 - Vincennes-Saint-Denis
• Université Paris Nanterre
• Université Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne (UPEC)
• Université Paris-Saclay
• Université Sorbonne Nouvelle (formerly Paris 3)
• Université Sorbonne Paris Nord

Germany

• Hochschule Biberach
• Hochschule der Medien Stuttgart
• Hochschule für Forstwirtschaft Rottenburg
• Hochschule Furtwangen
• Hochschule Konstanz
• Hochschule Mannheim
• Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Umwelt Nürtingen-Geislingen
• Hochschule Reutlingen
• Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten
• Hochschule Ulm
• Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
• Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg
• Pädagogische Hochschule Ludwigsburg
• Staatliche Hochschule für Musik Trossingen
• Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart
• Universität Freiburg
• Universität Heidelberg
• Universität Hohenheim
• Universität Konstanz
• Universität Mannheim
• Universität Stuttgart
• Universität Tübingen
• Universität Ulm

Ghana

University of Ghana

Israel

University of Haifa

Italy

• CSU Florence Study Center
• Accademia di Belle Arti Firenze

Japan

• Waseda University
• University of Tsukuba

Mexico

Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Campus Querétaro

South Africa

Nelson Mandela University

South Korea

• Yonsei University
• Korea University

Spain

• Universidad Complutense de Madrid
• Universidad de Granada

Sweden

Uppsala University

Taiwan

National Taiwan University

United Kingdom

• University of Bradford
• University of Bristol
• University of Hull
• Kingston University
• Swansea University
• University of Birmingham

Students participating in CSU IP pay CSU tuition and program fees, and are responsible for airfare, accommodations, meals and other personal expenses. Financial aid, with the exception of Federal Work-Study, is available to qualified students, and limited scholarship opportunities are also available. All programs require students maintain good academic and disciplinary standing; many programs are open to sophomores or graduate students. California Community College transfer students are eligible to apply (to select programs) directly from their community colleges. Students must possess a current cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or 3.0, depending on the program, and must fulfill all coursework prerequisites. 

Additional program information and application instructions can be found on the International Programs Website.

American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI)

(760) 750-3200
Fax (760) 750-3779
www.csusm.edu/alci

The American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI) offers intensive English Language Programs for international students who want to improve their English language proficiency. The Intensive Academic Preparation Program provides students with the language skills and study skills necessary to succeed in American colleges and universities. This program is offered on a year-round basis. The ALCI also offers short-term programs such as TEFL Intensive for International Teachers of English and American Culture and Communication and a Teching English as a Foreign/Second Language certificate. In all of the ALCI programs, students have the opportunity to gain an understanding of American culture while meeting people from many other countries.