Our core philosophy

Since 1901

Learn by Doing means that we don’t see a difference between the education we provide and the “real world.” Here, experiences are part of the curriculum. That’s because knowledge is inextricably linked to the world around us. To learn is to do. To do is to learn. At Cal Poly, each fuels the other.

Discover Learn by Doing

Biological sciences student works in the gene expression laboratory

California Impact

Cal Poly students, faculty and staff are constantly playing an active part in helping solve some of California’s — and the world’s — most complex challenges.

firefighters pulled off to the side of the road with smoke from a wildfire seen in the distance.

Averting the Next Blaze

A new research institute aims to put a stop to destructive wildfires at the wildland-urban interface.

Learn More About the Effort

A New Trajectory

Cal Poly’s 12th cubesat reaches orbit in a novel way — from a 747 flying at 35,000 feet.

Read Their Story

Celebrate and Empower

A new podcast created by a Cal Poly business student tells the personal stories of young people of color.

Find Out More

Six Colleges, One Unifying Philosophy.

Cal Poly's six academic colleges offer more than 150 undergraduate majors and minors as well as over 50 graduate programs. Regardless of college, all of our programs emphasize hands-on learning and real-world experience in their curriculum.