CSU Monterey Bay's story isn't a long one by any means, but it's certainly full of accomplishments. California State University, Monterey Bay was founded in 1994 as a co-educational, liberal arts institution. A little over a decade later, it's come a long way ... The College has identified seven core academic values based on the Vision. These provide a common focus for academic programming, enrollment efforts, budgeting, fundraising, and general operations. They are:
     • Applied, active, and project-based learning activities
     • Interdisciplinarity
     • Multicultural and global perspectives
     • Technological sophistication
     • Service learning
     • Ethical reflection and practice
     • Collaboration

In the real world, a narrow skillset won't get you very far. Today's interconnected society needs professionals who can examine problems from multiple perspectives and generate creative solutions. A broader knowledge base allows you to think on your feet and apply relevant information, no matter what discipline it comes from. CSUMB's academic programs don't just cross interdisciplinary boundaries -- they trample all over them -- for an active learning experience. It's making the connection between the classroom and the real world to see the big picture. The faculty aren't just talking heads at the front of your classroom. They're business leaders. Internationally-renowned scientists. Acclaimed musicians. Celebrated artists. You'll benefit from their firsthand insights and experience in the field.

A lot of the learning that goes on at CSUMB is in the real world. You may find yourself out on the bay in a research boat or in Salinas helping the community revitalize its Chinatown district. Or maybe you'll be meeting with a local business owner to develop a new marketing plan, or setting up the exhibit you designed for the National Steinbeck Center. At CSUMB, you apply your education in ways that really matter, that make a difference in reality.

The Global Studies major promotes a well-informed understanding and appreciation of the diversity of peoples, natural environments, cultures, economies and political systems of the world. It directly contributes to your development as a cross-culturally competent citizen, and prepares you for an active and creative leadership role in an increasingly globalized society.

Students develop knowledge of diverse worldviews, ideologies, principles, environmental sustainability, social change, economics, politics, culture, identity, ethnicity, race, class, gender, nationality, citizenship, peace ethics and social justice. Students gain skills in the gathering and evaluation of global affairs information, critical analysis of complex and controversial global issues, social research, communication, intercultural relations, foreign language, community service and social action.

Integrated Studies (ISSM) offers highly motivated, self-directed students the opportunity to develop an individualized, interdisciplinary course of study. ISSM students must demonstrate that the knowledge, skills and abilities they need for their academic and career goals can only be achieved by combining courses, learning outcomes, and other learning experiences. Past examples include Global Communication and Analysis, Global Women's Studies, International Women's Health, Alternative Media Production, Environmental Arts Education, Marine Mammal Training for Conservation Education and Business for Global Community Development.

Unlike many higher education institutions that seek to promote an ethic of service through extra-curricular student programs and work-study efforts, CSUMB has made its commitment to community service an educational goal, placing service learning squarely at the heart of its academic program. Each academic year, 50% of CSUMB students are enrolled in over 40 service learning courses, contributing thousands of hours to local schools, agencies and non-profit organizations in the Monterey Bay region. The program generates new leaders to work in schools, nonprofits, public agencies, and volunteer organizations as community educators and social-change agents.

CSUMB's ongoing commitment to sustainability, including:
• Use of electric and hybrid vehicles in operations of the campus
• Refitting existing buildings for better energy use
• Saving water through a combination of use of artificial turf on the ball fields, waterless urinals and an irrigation system capable of adjusting sprinklers based upon the actual evapo-transpiration rates of our landscape
• During the peak-growing season most of the produce used is from local farmers.

CSUMB works with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program ensuring that the only seafood served is sustainable. The college restaurant helps promote a local bakery by offering only their products, and serves coffee from a local roastery.