Get to Know Us
Your choice of college is an important decision. We want to help you make an informed one.
Learn by Doing — putting knowledge into action— is everything at Cal Poly. We did it first, and we do it best. Since 1901, it has been at the center of what our students experience here, and it's what they say makes their time at Cal Poly so valuable.
how You'll learn
Learn by Doing sets us apart from other colleges and universities. In classes, projects, labs and other academic pursuits, you'll actively engage through hands-on, real-world experiences building both your knowledge and your skill and transforming you into a proactive, whole-systems thinker.
Real World Impact
Learn by Doing readies students to make an immediate impact in their careers. From day one on campus, you play an active role in helping to answer humanity’s most enduring questions and solve California’s — and the world’s — most pressing challenges.
Ensuring Climate Resiliency
Follow their progress
Predicting Space Weather
Explore Earth’s exosphere
Saving Mothers’ Lives
See what's nexthow You'll live
Exploring every angle is essential to who we are. That applies not only to your classwork, but also to the perspectives of people we meet and the activities we do. We want to give you the opportunity to explore this diverse world, embrace new ideas, make new friends and discover new interests.
Housing and Dining
Along with becoming a part of an active and supportive community, living on campus will give you easy access to all of the delicious options in our brand-new dining complex.
Clubs and Organizations
You have passions that fuel and enhance your life. We have over 400 student clubs and organizations to help you indulge them.
Athletics and Recreation
From competitive sports to our world-class rec center to access to the great outdoors, there are many opportunities to play as hard as you work.
The world is diverse. We want to make sure our campus reflects that and is a safe space for you to be yourself and connect with others.
where You Can go
All the hands-on opportunities you’ll have throughout your years at Cal Poly will add up to a level of experience that will be unmatched by your peers — and in high demand by employers. Learn by Doing makes sure that when you graduate, you’ll be a resourceful and innovative professional, prepared to take the lead in discovering solutions yourself.
I thought that Learn by Doing was merely a catchy motto. I learned that it is what sets our students apart. Cal Poly helped me learn to network, build relationships and effectively communicate. After my second year, I became a Global Security intern for Tesla and after my third year, a Finance intern at Apple. These opportunities presented themselves because of the relationships and skills Learn by Doing taught me.
There's More to Know
Here are a few places to explore next.
In-person or Online
Visit Us
Here are many ways to explore our campus and a bit about where you can expect your journey to lead.
Social Media
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