The primary Malibu-area campus is nestled among several ridges that overlook the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway, outside of the actual boundaries of the City of Malibu (although its mailing address is "Malibu"). Most buildings were constructed in a typical 1980s-style reinterpretation of classic Californian and Mediterranean architecture (red tile roofs, white stuccoed walls, large tinted windows).

Driving up the main campus entrance road is a memorable experience, as it ascends a steep well-groomed grassy slope past a huge stylized cross. But it is also quite dangerous for those going downhill.

The West Los Angeles campus is located in Howard Hughes Center next to Interstate 405.