MiraCosta College is a public community college serving coastal Northern San Diego County in California with two campuses, one in eastern Oceanside and the other in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and many satellite locations, including the Community Learning Center in western Oceanside.

[citation needed] By 1959, enrollment in Oceanside-Carlsbad Junior College had grown to 500 full-time students in classrooms on 30 acres (12 ha) adjacent to Oceanside High School.

The name MiraCosta (Spanish for "behold the coast") refers to the panoramic ocean and coastal mountain views from the campus.

The property was purchased for $575,000 and was part of a parcel owned by renowned ice skater Sonja Henie.

[citation needed] The district once again expanded in 1976 to include all of the North County coastal communities from Camp Pendleton to Del Mar.

Across the street from the biotechnology facility, a remodeled Horticulture Complex was dedicated in August 2007, housing a greenhouse, laboratories, and classrooms specifically designed to give students a "hands on" learning experience in the art and science of cultivating plants.

Dr. Richart served just under three years, and after her departure in June 2007, MiraCosta had two interim superintendent/presidents, John Hendrickson and Susan Cota.

[citation needed] Controversy erupted in 2007 regarding fraud over illegal sale of palm trees.

Subsequent investigations, lawsuits and resignations involved former president Dr. Victoria Muñoz Richart, former horticultural department director and instructor Alleen Texiera, and the board of trustees.

MiraCosta also offers over 50 different certificates for students interested in short-term training in a specific career area.

[8] The degree program will prepare students for work within the biotechnology industry in the unique environment of biological production where science thrives in partnership with quality and compliance.

The school colors are blue, green, and white, and the college's team name is the Spartans.