California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), is a small public university in the California State University system on the site of the former Fort Ord, on the Central Coast of California. Founded in 1994, CSUMB educates and serves the diverse population of California and its immediate Tri-County region, especially the working class and historically undereducated and low-income populations. Ideally situated between the Salinas Valley and Monterey Bay, CSUMB's 1,387-acre campus brings together promising students and accomplished faculty in the heart of a premiere California location.

Academics
Most CSUMB majors integrate several traditional fields of study. This gives students the breadth of knowledge and depth of skills, which are highly valued by employers.

The Academic Affairs administrative division at CSUMB is comprised of four colleges, each of which includes several academic units that deliver degrees, minors, and other academic offerings. At the university currently there is available a total of 18 undergraduate degrees with over 30 included concentrations, more than 20 minors, seven graduate degrees, and several teacher certification options.

Majors for students to choose from include Biology; Business Administration; Collaborative Health & Human Services; Computer Science & IT; Environmental Science, Technology & Policy; Global Studies; Human Communication; Information Technology & Communication Design; Integrated Studies; Kinesiology; Liberal Studies; Mathematics; Music; Psychology; Social & Behavioral Sciences; Teledramatic Arts; Visual & Public Art; World Languages & Cultures.

Extended Education at CSUMB provides courses, which meet the needs of the community at large. This includes university professional development courses in business, education, technology, and other fields aimed at improving students’ job skills, opening doors to new careers, and extending lifelong learning opportunities. Enrollment at CSUMB Extended Education is open to everyone on a fee-per-course basis; there is no university application required. The classes run during summer, fall, winter and spring. Certain programs are available completely online.

Financial Aid includes federal, state, and local funds provided to help students meet partially or fully their university tuition and other academic expenses. Financial Aid at CSUMB consists of grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.