California State University San Marcos encourages and welcomes students to continue or advance their studies achieving Master's and/or doctoral degrees that will prepare them for academic careers in higher education or for advanced positions in business, industry, and the public sector. Cal State San Marcos offers innovative graduate programs that integrate the latest technologies and most recent research in each field of study.

The mission of the Office of Graduate Studies and Research is to support faculty and students to foster and sustain an environment of academic excellence through a strong commitment to promote graduate education, research, creative activity, and collaborative initiatives, such as centers, institutes, and faculty-student research.