Marymount California University was established in 1968 by the RHSM as Marymount Palos Verdes College. It was split from the original Marymount College in Westwood, Los Angeles; this Marymount later merged with St. Joseph's College and then Loyola University to form Loyola Marymount University. At the time, the college was a two-year institution of higher education. In 1975, responsibility for the College was transferred to a lay board of trustees. In 1986, the college changed its name from Marymount Palos Verdes College to Marymount College. In summer 2011, Marymount opened its Waterfront Campus in downtown San Pedro, Los Angeles. In spring 2013, Marymount changed its name from Marymount College to Marymount California University to reflect "an ongoing transformation of the 45-year-old institution of higher education to a multi-campus institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs." In fall 2013, Marymount opened its Lakeside Campus in the community of Lucerne in rural Lake County, in Northern California. In February 2018, the university appointed trustee Brian Marcotte its new president. It was not immediately clear why the previous president, Lucas Lamadrid, left the position although the local newspaperDaily Breeze reported "allegations of inappropriate behavior, exorbitant spending and discriminatory conduct."
Campuses
The Oceanview Campus encompasses 26-acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island in Rancho Palos Verdes. Residential Community include The Villas located in adjacent San Pedro, a community of fully furnished, two-story townhomes that can accommodate 400 students and staff. In the center of the community is a swimming pool, fitness center, outdoor covered pavilion, beach volleyball court, basketball court and a soon to be completed outdoor kitchen. Free Shuttle Service is available for all enrolled students, faculty and staff between all of our Southern California campuses, as well as a number of other sites around the community.
Academics
Marymount California University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Marymount California University offers the following undergraduate degree programs:
Marymount California University teams, nicknamed the Mariners, are part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and compete in the California Pacific Conference. Men's and women's sports include baseball, cross country, eSports, golf, soccer, softball, surfing, tennis, track and women's indoor/beach volleyball.
