May 29, 2025 – Southwestern College in Chula Vista is the only public higher education institution in southern San Diego County, which is home to more than 600,000 people. The two-year community college primarily offers associate degrees and certificates. 

CSUSM @ SWC will launch programs in Business Administration, Computer Information Systems and Cyber Security in fall 2026. Programs in Human Development with an emphasis on Wellness Coaching and Bilingual Speech Language Pathology will launch in fall 2027.

The fields were selected based on results of the 2023 Workforce and Education Needs Assessment conducted by the Policy & Innovation Center, Southwestern College and the City of Chula Vista. The report named business, healthcare and technology as among the highest-priority fields for new bachelor’s degree programs in South County. 

“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’s degrees, we are preparing our students to step directly into high-demand careers that power our regional economy. We are proud to welcome CSU San Marcos to South County.”

In a press release, Cal State San Marcos said expanding access to four-year degree programs in South County is important for strengthening economic competitiveness in the region. 

“At Cal State San Marcos, our mission has always been centered on access and student success – and this partnership with Southwestern College is a powerful extension of that commitment,” said Dr. Ellen Neufeldt, President of CSUSM. “By creating seamless pathways to higher education, we are not only expanding economic opportunity in South County, we are advancing social mobility for generations of students, families and communities.”