California Polytechnic State University, also known as “Cal Poly,” is one of the most respected polytechnic institutions in the U.S. Known for a “Learn by Doing” philosophy, Cal Poly offers a range of degrees and majors designed to prepare students for success with hands-on learning and industry engagement.
Cal Poly offers more than 150 undergraduate majors and minors and over 50 graduate programs across six academic colleges, including in-demand STEM-focused programs, to prepare for your future career.[1]
Cal Poly’s Academic Structure
There are three Cal Poly universities: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. All three are part of the California State University (CSU) system.
Cal Poly’s academic programs are organized across individual colleges with specialized departments and degree programs:
- College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
- College of Architecture and Environmental Design
- Orfalea College of Business
- College of Engineering
- College of Liberal Arts
- Bailey College of Science and Mathematics
Collectively, these colleges offer over 150 undergraduate majors and more than 50 graduate programs.
Undergraduate Majors at Cal Poly
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES)
One of the largest colleges of its kind, CAFES combines science, technology, and sustainability to address modern agricultural challenges. Students often conduct fieldwork on the university’s 6,000-acre farm, vineyards, and production facilities.
Majors include:[2]
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Communication
- Agricultural Science
- Agricultural Systems Management
- Animal Science
- Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering
- Dairy Science
- Environmental Earth and Soil Sciences
- Environmental Management and Protection
- Food Science
- Forest and Fire Sciences
- Nutrition
- Plant Sciences
- Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration
- Wine and Viticulture
College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED)
CAED is recognized nationally for its studio-based curriculum with programs that allow students to design, build, and test solutions for real clients. Many courses culminate in full-scale construction projects or community planning proposals.
Majors include:[3]
- Architectural Engineering
- Architecture
- City and Regional Planning
- Construction Management
- Landscape Architecture
Orfalea College of Business (OCOB)
OCOB blends business theory with entrepreneurial action with team-based projects and partnerships with leading companies in California and across the country.
Majors include:[4]
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Industrial Technology and Packaging
College of Engineering (CENG)
One of the most prestigious undergraduate engineering programs nationwide, CENG offers ABET-accredited programs. Graduates of CENG are recruited by aerospace, tech, civil infrastructure, and manufacturing companies.
Majors include:[5]
- Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- General Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Software Engineering
Bailey College of Science and Mathematics (BCSM)
BCSM offers deep education in the natural sciences, data analytics, and mathematics. Many students conduct research alongside faculty, often publishing work before graduation.
Majors include:[6]
- Biochemistry
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Kinesiology
- Liberal Studies
- Marine Sciences
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Physics
- Public Health
- Statistics
Students in the program have access to state-of-the-art labs, a marine science facility, and field research at sites along the Central Coast.
The School of Education is also part of Baily College and offers multiple and single-subject credential programs and master’s programs in the education field.
College of Liberal Arts (CLA)
CLA brings together creativity, communication, and critical thinking in the liberal arts programs. Many students combine liberal arts majors with technical minors to create interdisciplinary skill sets.
Majors include:[7]
- Anthropology and Geography
- Art and Design
- Child Development
- Communication Studies
- Comparative Ethnic Studies
- English
- Graphic Communication
- History
- Interdisciplinary Studies in Liberal Arts
- Journalism
- Music
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Theatre Arts
Beyond formal majors, CLA offers other degree programs and minors like Interdisciplinary Studies, Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies, Science, Technology and Society Minors Program, Western Intellectual Tradition, and Women’s, Gender and Queer Studies.
Cal Poly’s STEM-Focused Programs
If you’re set on a STEM-focused education, Cal Poly ranks among the nation’s top polytechnic universities. Its engineering college alone offers 12 ABET-accredited programs, and its science programs include innovative fields like data science and environmental engineering.
True to the polytechnic education, Cal Poly combines rigorous technical education with the “Learn by Doing” approach that immerses students in real-world problem-solving from their first year forward. Each course combines deep theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience that ensures students leave prepared for the workforce.
Examples of “Learn by Doing” at Cal Poly include:
- Aerospace engineering students designing and launching satellites
- Computer science majors developing mobile apps for local businesses
- Environmental engineering students testing water systems for rural communities
- Biology majors conducting coastal marine research on kelp forest ecosystems
Graduate Programs at Cal Poly
Cal Poly offers over 50 graduate programs, including master’s degrees, teaching credentials, and blended bachelor’s/master’s options. Graduate students often work on applied research projects sponsored by industry partners or public agencies.
Notable graduate programs include:[8]
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Business Analytics
- City and Regional Planning
- Nutrition
- Public Policy
There are graduate certificate programs available:
- Fire Protection Engineering Science
- Fire Protection Engineering Applications
- Business Analytics
- Cal Poly EPoCE Tech Bootcamps
- Quarter Plus (accelerated program)
There’s also the option of a blended program, or 4+1 program, that provides an accelerated path to a graduate degree while you’re earning your bachelor’s. Some of the eligible programs include:
- Food Science, BMS
- Nutrition, BMS
- Architectural Engineering, BS+MS
- Architecture, BARCH+MSARCH
- Aerospace Engineering, BMS
- Biomedical Engineering, BMS
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, BMS
- Computer Science, BMS
- Electrical Engineering, BMS
- Engineering Management, BMS
- Industrial Engineering, BMS
- Mechanical Engineering, BMS
- English, BMA
- Public Policy, BAMPP
- Mathematics, BMS
- Polymers and Coatings, BMS
- Statistics, BMS
The School of Education also offers several graduate programs:
- Bilingual Authorization
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Leadership and Administration
- Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs
- Multiple Subject Credential Program
- Single Subject Credential Program
- Special Education with a Mild/Moderate Disabilities Credential Program
Graduate students have strong faculty mentorship because of small class sizes, and they build industry connections for high job placement after graduation.
Industry Partnerships and Career Outcomes
Cal Poly’s flagship school location in San Luis Obispo is midway between Los Angeles and the Bay Area, putting it within reach of major tech, agriculture, aerospace, and media industries. The university maintains partnerships with companies like Apple, Amazon, Northrop Grumman, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, and SpaceX.[9]
According to career services data:[10]
- 86% of graduates are positively engaged within nine months of graduation, meaning they are employed, attending graduate school, or serving in the military.
- Of these graduates, 68% are working full time, 4% are working part time, and 13% are attending graduate school.
- 95% found jobs related to their major.
- The median starting salary for all majors was $77,750.
- 46% of students gained employment before graduation, 14% within three months, 27% within six months, and 12% within nine months.
Plan for Cal Poly Admissions
With its commitment to experiential learning through labs, studios, internships, and other hands-on experiences, Cal Poly is a highly sought-after school that prepares students for their future careers. If you have your sights set on one of Cal Poly’s competitive programs, InGenius Prep offers intensive college admissions prep to gain a competitive edge on your applications. Schedule your free consultation today!