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Undergraduate Education

an Undergraduate Focus

The undergraduate experience at Cal Poly is different than most other universities. Undergraduates are our main focus and have the same opportunities graduate students do elsewhere, including participating in research, publishing papers, working with industry and more. Our Learn by Doing philosophy helps you experience education on a whole new level. And that is valuable.

Hands-on experience

We believe hands-on experiences are a crucial part of your education. Learn by Doing allows you to gain knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios —something that will prove to be valuable as you enter the workforce or pursue graduate school. 

Learn by Doing

Cal Poly Health Ambassador reading health education literature

Applied Research

We encourage our undergraduates to participate in research and find solutions to some of our world's biggest problems. Our newly formed Office of Undergraduate Research can help you find opportunities in your field and across California. 

Research 

An undergraduate student does scientific research in the field

Our Colleges

Cal Poly’s six academic colleges offer more than 60 majors for you to consider. By choosing your major when you apply, you will maximize your experience in your chosen field and make sure you are career ready on Day One.

Explore Our Majors

Cal Poly's six academic colleges offer more than 60 majors for you to consider.

We require students to declare a major as part of the application process in order to maximize their experience in their chosen field from Day One. While changing your major may be possible, we recommend you explore majors thoroughly before making your choice.

Honors Program

The Honors Program allows you to participate in projects and activities that enhance your academic and leadership skills. It provides you access to honors classes and reserved housing and studying spaces, as well as receive recognition upon graduation.

Blended Degree Programs

Blended programs (often referred to as 4+1 programs) allow you to obtain bachelor's and master's degrees at the same time. This can help you get an early start on the master's portion of your education, reduce your costs to complete your degrees and graduate at a faster pace. 

College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

College of Architecture and Environmental Design

College of Liberal Arts

College of Science and Mathematics

Mathematics, BMS

Polymers and Coatings, MS (in coordination with a chemistry or biochemistry BS)