SWC News Center
School Ties: SWC and CSU San Marcos Bring Bachelor Degrees to Chula Vista
By: Stephanie Kingston - June 9, 2025
In a significant move to enhance higher education access in South County, Southwestern College (SWC) and California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) announced a partnership to offer bachelor's degree programs directly in Chula Vista. This collaboration addresses the longstanding gap in local access to four-year degrees, providing students with opportunities to pursue higher education without leaving their community.
The new degree pathway program will be based at the recently established University Center on SWC’s Chula Vista campus. This initiative is part of a broader effort to expand educational opportunities and support regional workforce development.
“This partnership marks a turning point for South County,” said Dr. Mark Sanchez, Superintendent/President of Southwestern College. “Together we are not only expanding access to high-quality, affordable bachelor degrees, we are preparing our students to step directly into high-demand careers that power our regional economy.”
Joseph Leon, an incoming CSUSM student, exemplifies the program’s potential. After completing two associate degrees at SWC, he is set to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security through CSUSM beginning fall 2025. Although the University Center at SWC will open in fall 2026, after Leon transfers, his journey reflects the kind of pathway the center will make more accessible for future students. Balancing his studies with a part-time job in the Chula Vista Police Department’s crime lab, Leon represents the type of local student the center is designed to serve; those seeking to stay closer to home, family, and work.
“I’m proud to be part of a college like Southwestern that’s always seeking new opportunities for students like me. It means a lot to see institutions like CSU San Marcos reaching out and supporting students in South County,” said Leon.
The fields of study offered through this partnership were selected based on the 2023 Workforce and Education Needs Assessment, conducted by the San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center in collaboration with SWC and the City of Chula Vista, with state funding provided by Assemblymember David Alvarez.
“As we push toward establishing a new university campus in Chula Vista, we must find creative solutions in the meantime to expand access to four-year bachelor’s degrees for our students,” said Assemblymember Alvarez. “Together with San Diego State University and UC San Diego, these partnerships are part of a broader vision to close opportunity gaps, reduce student debt, and build a thriving local workforce. When students can study close to home, they are more likely to graduate and give back to their communities.”
Beginning in Fall of 2026, CSUSM students will be able to pursue bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, and Cyber Security at the newly established CSUSM @ SWC program. In Fall 2027, the program will expand to include Human Development with an emphasis on Wellness Coaching and Bilingual Speech Language Pathology.
Ellen Neufeldt, President of CSUSM, expressed the university's commitment to student success through this partnership. “At CSUSM, our mission has always been centered on access and student success, and this partnership with SWC is a powerful extension of that commitment.”