California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93407

http://www.calpoly.edu/

The south side of the Cal Poly campus
The south side of the Cal Poly campus
[source]

School Description

Provided by California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Cal Poly is a nationally ranked, four-year, comprehensive public university located in San Luis Obispo California. The emphasis of the University is a "learn by doing" educational experience for its more than 18,000+ students. Many students seek admission to Cal Poly not only because of its excellent academic reputation, but also because the 6,000-acre main campus is nestled in the foothills of San Luis Obispo, just minutes from California's Central Coast beaches.

Cal Poly fosters teaching, scholarship, and service in a learn-by-doing environment where students and faculty are partners in discovery. As a polytechnic university, Cal Poly promotes the application of theory to practice. As a comprehensive institution, Cal Poly provides a balanced education in the arts, sciences, and technology, while encouraging cross-disciplinary and co-curricular experiences. As an academic community, Cal Poly values free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.

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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

From Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

California Polytechnic State University, also officially recognized as Cal Poly, is a nationally ranked, highly selective public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, USA. Cal Poly is one of the 23 general purpose campuses of the California State University system (CSU) and is the second largest land-holding university in California.

Comprising seven distinct colleges, Cal Poly offers a full spectrum of degrees. Specifically, the university's engineering, architecture, and agriculture colleges consistently place at the top of United States national academic rankings. In U.S. News & World Report's 2008 America's Best Colleges report, Cal Poly ranked as the #1 Public Master's University in the Western United States for the 15th consecutive year. Many students apply for admission to Cal Poly, yielding in 2008 an acceptance rate of 33%. Cal Poly has over 117,000 living alumni and, in fall 2007, 19,777 students currently enrolled.

Cal Poly is a member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges. Cal Poly is known (as its motto suggests) for its "learn by doing" philosophy. Cal Poly is one of four California State Universities that participate in the Big West Conference in athletics.

History

Name

The university's full, official name is California Polytechnic State University. In common with many other polytechnic institutions, however, the university has also sanctioned an elided version of its full name for official use: "Cal Poly" (or the lengthier "Cal Poly San Luis Obispo" when it is necessary to make a distinction between Cal Poly on the Central Coast and its similarly-named, sister CSU campus in Pomona). The athletic department is also officially sanctioned to use the initials "CP." Though not official, "Cal Poly SLO," "Poly," "CPSU," "SLO" and "CPSLO" are also commonly used to refer to the university. While Cal Poly is part of the California State University, it is improper to refer to the campus with names such as "CSU San Luis Obispo" or "Cal State SLO", because Cal Poly officially retains the name it held before its acquisition by the CSU system (see also CSU Campus Naming Conventions).

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Read the full entry on Wikipedia

Quick Facts

Chance of Admission:
Location:
Southwest
Setting:
Large Town Setting
Type:
Public
Size:
Very Large (+10,000 Undergrad)
Mascot:
Mustangs
Nickname:
Cal Poly

Students & Campus Life

Undergraduate Enrollment:
17,257
On Campus Housing:
Available
Full Time Students:
98%
Athletic Programs:
Available
> More Students & Campus Life

Expenses

Average Tuition:
$ 14,415
Students Receiving Aid:
43%
> More Expenses & Financial Aid

Admissions

Application Fee:
$ 55
Selectivity:
Most Selective
> More Admissions

Degree Programs at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Bachelor's Level Programs

  • Agriculture and Natural Resources

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    • Agriculture Business See more schools with programs in Agriculture Business
      • General Agricultural Business and Management
        A general program that focuses on modern business and economic principles involved in the organization, operation, and management of agricultural enterprises.
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    • Agriculture Technology See more schools with programs in Agriculture Technology
      • General Agricultural Mechanization
        A program that generally prepares individuals to sell, select, and service agricultural or agribusiness technical equipment and facilities, including computers, specialized software, power units, machinery, equipment structures, and utilities. Includes instruction in agricultural power systems; planning and selecting materials for the construction of support facilities; mechanical practices associated with irrigation and water conservation; erosion control; and agricultural data processing systems.
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    • Animal Science See more schools with programs in Animal Science
      • Dairy Science
        A program that focuses on the application of biological and chemical principles to the production and management of dairy animals and the production and handling of dairy products. Includes instruction in animal sciences, nutrition sciences, food science and technology, biochemistry, and related aspects of human and animal health and safety.
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      • General Animal Sciences
        A general program that focuses on the scientific principles that underlie the breeding and husbandry of agricultural animals, and the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural animal products. Includes instruction in the animal sciences, animal husbandry and production, and agricultural and food products processing.
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      • Poultry Science
        A program that focuses on the application of biological and chemical principles to the production and management of poultry animals and the production and handling of poultry products. Includes instruction in avian sciences, nutrition sciences, food science and technology, biochemistry, hatchery design, and related aspects of human and animal health and safety.
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    • Crop Science See more schools with programs in Crop Science
      • Agronomy and Crop Science
        Agronomy focuses on the relationship of crops to the soil. Students in an agronomy program study the growth and behavior of agricultural crops, the development of new plant varieties, and the scientific management of soils and nutrients for maximum plant nutrition, health, and productivity.
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      • Horticultural Science
        A program that focuses on the scientific principles related to the cultivation of garden and ornamental plants, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and landscape and nursery crops. Includes instruction in specific types of plants, such as citrus; breeding horticultural varieties; physiology of horticultural species; and the scientific management of horticultural plant development and production through the life cycle.
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      • Plant Protection & Integrated Pest Management
        A program that focuses on the application of scientific principles to the control of animal and weed infestation of domesticated plant populations, including agricultural crops; the prevention/reduction of attendant economic loss; and the control of environmental pollution and degradation related to pest infestation and pest control measures. Includes instruction in entomology, applicable animal sciences, plant pathology and physiology, weed science, crop science, and environmental toxicology.
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      • Soil Science and Agronomy
        A program that generally focuses on the scientific classification of soils, soil properties, and their relationship to agricultural crops. Includes instruction in soil chemistry, soil physics, soil biology, soil fertility, morphogenesis, mineralogy, hydrology, agronomy, and soil conservation and management.
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    • Food Science See more schools with programs in Food Science
      • Food Science
        A program that focuses on the application of biological, chemical, and physical principles to the study of converting raw agricultural products into processed forms suitable for direct human consumption, and the storage of such products. Includes instruction in applicable aspects of the agricultural sciences, human physiology and nutrition, food chemistry, agricultural products processing, food additives, food preparation and packaging, food storage and shipment, and related aspects of human health and safety including toxicology and pathology.
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    • Horticulture See more schools with programs in Horticulture
      • Ornamental Horticulture
        A program that focuses on domesticated plants and plant materials used for decorative and recreational applications and prepares individuals to breed, grow, and utilize ornamental plant varieties for commercial and aesthetic purposes. Includes instruction in applicable plant science subjects, the environmental design and artistic aspects of horticultural product usage, and the management of horticultural operations.
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    • Natural Resources and Conservation See more schools with programs in Natural Resources and Conservation
      • General Forestry
        A program that generally prepares individuals to manage and develop forest areas for economic, recreational, and ecological purposes. Includes instruction in forest-related sciences, mapping, statistics, harvesting and production technology, natural resources management and economics, wildlife sciences, administration, and public relations.
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      • Other Natural Resources Management and Policy
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  • Arts & Humanities

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    • Architecture See more schools with programs in Architecture
      • Architecture (BArch, BA/BS, MArch, MA/MS, PhD)
        These four, six, or eight year programs allow individuals to practice architecture and conduct research in architecture. Topics covered include architectural design, history, and theory; building structures and environmental systems; project and site planning; construction; professional responsibilities and standards; and related cultural, social, economic, and environmental issues.
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      • City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
        Students of regional planning apply the principles of planning, analysis, and architecture to the development and improvement of urban areas and surrounding regions, and learn to function as professional planners. Students of this program learn the principles of architecture; master plan development; service, communications, and transportation systems design; community and commercial development; zoning; land use planning; applied economics; policy analysis; applicable laws and regulations; and professional responsibilities and managerial duties.
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      • Landscape Architecture (BS, BSLA, BLA, MSLA, MLA, PhD)
        A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of landscape architecture and research in various aspects of the field. Includes instruction in geology and hydrology; soils, groundcovers, and horticultural elements; project and site planning; landscape design, history, and theory; environmental design; applicable law and regulations; and professional responsibilities and standards.
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    • English Language and Literature See more schools with programs in English Language and Literature
      • English Language and Literature
        A general program that focuses on the English language, including its history, structure and related communications skills; and the literature and culture of English-speaking peoples.
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      • Speech and Rhetorical Studies
        A program that focuses on human interpersonal communication from the scientific/behavioral and humanistic perspectives. Includes instruction in the theory and physiology of speech, the history of discourse, the structure and analysis of argument and types of public speech, the social role of speech, oral interpretation of literature, interpersonal interactions, and the relation of speech to nonverbal and other forms of message exchanges.
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    • Film and Theater See more schools with programs in Film and Theater
      • Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts
        A program that focuses on the general study of dramatic works and their performance. Includes instruction in major works of dramatic literature, dramatic styles and types, and the principles of organizing and producing full live or filmed productions.
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    • Foreign Languages See more schools with programs in Foreign Languages
      • Foreign Languages and Literatures
        A general program that focuses on one or more modern foreign languages that is not specific as to the name of the language(s) studied; that is otherwise undifferentiated; or that introduces students to language studies at the basic/elementary level.
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    • General Studies See more schools with programs in General Studies
      • Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
        A program that is a structured combination of the arts, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities, emphasizing breadth of study. Includes instruction in independently designed, individualized, or regular programs.
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    • History See more schools with programs in History
      • History
        A program that focuses on the general study and interpretation of the past, including the gathering, recording, synthesizing and criticizing of evidence and theories about past events. Includes instruction in historiography; historical research methods; studies of specific periods, issues and cultures; and applications to areas such as historic preservation, public policy, and records administration.
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    • Music See more schools with programs in Music
      • General Music
        A general program that focuses on the introductory study and appreciation of music and the performing arts. Includes instruction in music, dance, and other performing arts media.
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    • Philosophy See more schools with programs in Philosophy
      • General Philosophy
        A program that focuses on ideas and their logical structure, including arguments and investigations about abstract and real phenomena. Includes instruction in logic, ethics, aesthetics, epistemology, metaphysics, symbolism, and history of philosophy, and applications to the theoretical foundations and methods of other disciplines.
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    • Visual Arts See more schools with programs in Visual Arts
      • Art/Art Studies
        Art and Art Studies is a general, introductory program that focuses on the study and appreciation of the visual arts. Students of these two or four year programs receive instruction in art, photography, and other visual communications media.
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  • Business

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    • General Business See more schools with programs in General Business
      • Business Administration and Management
        Generally, this program prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control a firm or organization. To aid them in taking a leading role in business, individuals in this program study management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
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    • Management See more schools with programs in Management
      • Business/Managerial Operations
        Generally, this program prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control a firm or organization. To aid them in taking a leading role in business, individuals in this program study management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
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  • Communication & Media

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    • General Journalism
      A program that focuses on the theory and practice of gathering, processing, and delivering news and that prepares individuals to be professional print journalists, news editors, and news managers. Includes instruction in news writing and editing; reporting; photojournalism; layout and graphic design; journalism law and policy; professional standards and ethics; research methods; and journalism history and criticism.
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    • Graphics & Multimedia See more schools with programs in Graphics & Multimedia
      • General Graphic Communications
        A program that generally prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills in the manufacture and distribution or transmission of graphic communications products. Includes instruction in the prepress, press, and postpress phases of production operations and processes such as offset lithography, flexography, gravure, letterpress, screen printing, foil stamping, digital imaging, and other reproduction methods.
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  • Education

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    • Teacher Training See more schools with programs in Teacher Training
      • Agricultural Teacher Education
        Agricultural Teacher Education programs prepare individuals to teach vocational agricultural programs at various educational levels.
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      • Early Childhood Education
        A program that prepares individuals to teach students ranging in age from infancy through eight years (grade three), depending on the school system or state regulations. Includes preparation to teach all relevant subject matter.
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  • Engineering

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    • Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
      Individuals in this program apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development, and operational evaluation of aircraft, space vehicles, and their systems. Students of Aerospace Engineering also learn about applied research on flight characteristics and the development of systems and procedures for the launching, guidance, and control of air and space vehicles.
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    • Agricultural/Biological Engineering and Bioengineering
      This engineering program applies mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development, and operation of systems used in the production of agricultural products. The Agricultural Engineer is concerned with improving the productivity of agricultural methods and developing improved agricultural biological systems.
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    • Architectural Engineering
      Architectural Engineers apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development, and evaluation of methods used to construct buildings.
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    • Computer Software Engineering
      A program that prepares individuals to apply scientific and mathematical principles to the design, analysis, verification, validation, implementation, and maintenance of computer software systems using a variety of computer languages. Includes instruction in discrete mathematics, probability and statistics, computer science, managerial science, and applications to complex computer systems.
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    • Construction Engineering
      A program that prepares individuals to apply scientific, mathematical, and management principles to the planning, design, and building of facilities and structures. Includes instruction in civil engineering, structural principles, site analysis, computer-assisted design, geology, evaluation and testing, materials, contracting, project management, graphic communications, and applicable laws and regulations.
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    • Electrical, Electronics and Communi­cations Engineering
      A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of electrical, electronic and related communications systems and their components, including electrical power generation systems; and the analysis of problems such as superconductor, wave propagation, energy storage and retrieval, and reception and amplification.
      See more schools with programs in Electrical, Electronics and Communi­cations Engineering
    • Engineering Science
      A program with a general focuses on the general application of various combinations of mathematical and scientific principles to the analysis and evaluation of engineering problems, including applied research in human behavior, statistics, biology, chemistry, the earth and planetary sciences, atmospherics and meteorology, and computer applications.
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    • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
      A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of systems for controlling contained living environments and for monitoring and controlling factors in the external natural environment, including pollution control, waste and hazardous material disposal, health and safety protection, conservation, life support, and requirements for protection of special materials and related work environments.
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    • General Civil Engineering
      A program that generally prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of structural, load-bearing, material moving, transportation, water resource, and material control systems; and environmental safety measures.
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    • General Computer Engineering
      A program that generally prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of computer hardware and software systems and related equipment and facilities; and the analysis of specific problems of computer applications to various tasks.
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    • Industrial Engineering
      A program that prepares individuals to apply scientific and mathematical principles to the design, improvement, and installation of integrated systems of people, material, information, and energy. Includes instruction in applied mathematics, physical sciences, the social sciences, engineering analysis, systems design, computer applications, and forecasting and evaluation methodology.
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    • Manufacturing Engineering
      A program that prepares individuals to apply scientific and mathematical principles to the design, development, and implementation of manufacturing systems. Includes instruction in materials science and engineering, manufacturing processes, process engineering, assembly and product engineering, manufacturing systems design, and manufacturing competitiveness.
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    • Mechanical Engineering
      A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of physical systems used in manufacturing and end-product systems used for specific uses, including machine tools, jigs and other manufacturing equipment; stationary power units and appliances; engines; self-propelled vehicles; housings and containers; hydraulic and electric systems for controlling movement; and the integration of computers and remote control with operating systems.
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    • Metallurgical Engineering
      A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and metallurgical principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of metal components of structural, load-bearing, power, transmission, and moving systems; and the analysis of engineering problems such as stress, creep, failure, alloy behavior, environmental fluctuations, stability, electromagnetic and thermodynamic characteristics, optimal manufacturing processes, and related design considerations.
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  • Family and Consumer Science Professions

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    • Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services See more schools with programs in Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
      • Human Development and Family Studies
        A general program that focuses on basic human developmental and behavioral characteristics of the individual within the context of the family. Includes instruction in the conditions that influence human growth and development; strategies that promote growth and development across the life span; and the study of family systems.
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  • Fitness, Recreation and Leisure Studies

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    • Parks, Recreation and Leisure See more schools with programs in Parks, Recreation and Leisure
      • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
        A program that focuses on the principles underlying recreational and leisure activities, and the practices involved in providing indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and services for the general public.
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    • Physical Fitness See more schools with programs in Physical Fitness
      • Health and Physical Education
        A general program that focuses on activities and principles that promote physical fitness, achieve and maintain athletic prowess, and accomplish related research and service goals. Includes instruction in human movement studies, motivation studies, rules and practice of specific sports, exercise and fitness principles and techniques, basic athletic injury prevention and treatment, and organizing and leading fitness and sports programs.
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  • Health & Medical Services

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    • Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services See more schools with programs in Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
      • Dietetics/Dietitian (RD)
        A program that prepares individuals to integrate and apply the principles of the food and nutrition sciences, human behavior, and the biomedical sciences to design and manage effective nutrition programs in a variety of settings. Includes instruction in human nutrition; nutrient metabolism; the role of foods and nutrition in health promotion and disease prevention; planning and directing food service activities; diet and nutrition analysis and planning; supervision of food storage and preparation; client education; and professional standards and regulations.
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  • Life Science

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    • Biology See more schools with programs in Biology
      • Biochemistry
        Study the chemistry of living systems in these four, six, or eight year programs. Students of biochemistry learn the intricacies of the chemistry of living systems and their chemical pathways and information transfer systems. This program includes instruction in bio-organic chemistry, protein chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, bioseparations, regulatory biochemistry, enzymology, hormonal chemistry, calorimetry, and research methods and equipment operation.
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      • Biology/Biological Sciences
        Students in this program study general biology at an introductory level. This major provides students with a broad overview of biology and includes instruction in general biology and programs covering a variety of biological specializations.
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      • Ecology
        A program that focuses on the scientific study of the relationships and interactions of small-scale biological systems, such as organisms, to each other, to complex and whole systems, and to the physical and other non-biological aspects of their environments. Includes instruction in biogeochemistry; landscape and/or marine/aquatic dynamics; decomposition; global and regional elemental budgets; biotic and abiotic regulation of nutrient cycles; ecophysiology; ecosystem resilience, disturbance, and succession; community and habitat dynamics; organismal interactions (co-evolution, competition, predation); paleoecology, and evolutionary ecology.
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      • Microbiology
        A program that focuses on the scientific study of unicellular organisms and colonies, and subcellular genetic matter and their ecological interactions with human beings and other life. Includes instruction in microbial genetics, cell biology, cell physiology, virology, pathogenic microbiology, environmental microbiology, immunology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, and laboratory methods including microscopy.
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  • Mathematics and Statistics

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    • General Mathematics
      A general program that focuses on the analysis of quantities, magnitudes, forms, and their relationships, using symbolic logic and language. Includes instruction in algebra, calculus, functional analysis, geometry, number theory, logic, topology and other mathematical specializations.
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    • Statistics
      A general program that focuses on the relationships between groups of measurements, and similarities and differences, using probability theory and techniques derived from it. Includes instruction in the principles in probability theory, binomial distribution, regression analysis, standard deviation, stochastic processes, Monte Carlo method, Bayesian statistics, non-parametric statistics, sampling theory, and statistical techniques.
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  • Natural Sciences

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    • Chemistry See more schools with programs in Chemistry
      • General Chemistry
        A general program that focuses on the scientific study of the composition and behavior of matter, including its micro- and macro-structure, the processes of chemical change, and the theoretical description and laboratory simulation of these phenomena.
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    • Geology See more schools with programs in Geology
    • Physics See more schools with programs in Physics
      • General Physical Sciences
        A program that focuses on the major topics, concepts, processes, and interrelationships of physical phenomena as studied in any combination of physical science disciplines.
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      • General Physics
        A general program that focuses on the scientific study of matter and energy, and the formulation and testing of the laws governing the behavior of the matter-energy continuum. Includes instruction in classical and modern physics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, mechanics, wave properties, nuclear processes, relativity and quantum theory, quantitative methods, and laboratory methods.
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  • Social Sciences

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    • General Social Sciences
      A program that focuses on the general study of human social behavior and social institutions using any of the methodologies common to the social sciences and/or history, or an undifferentiated program of study in the social sciences.
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    • Economics See more schools with programs in Economics
      • General Economics
        A general program that focuses on the systematic study of the production, conservation and allocation of resources in conditions of scarcity, together with the organizational frameworks related to these processes. Includes instruction in economic theory, micro- and macroeconomics, comparative economic systems, money and banking systems, international economics, quantitative analytical methods, and applications to specific industries and public policy issues.
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    • International Relations and Affairs See more schools with programs in International Relations and Affairs
      • General Political Science and Government
        A general program that focuses on the systematic study of political institutions and behavior. Includes instruction in political philosophy, political theory, comparative government and politics, political parties and interest groups, public opinion, political research methods, studies of the government and politics of specific countries, and studies 0f specific political institutions and processes.
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    • Psychology See more schools with programs in Psychology
      • General Psychology
        A general program that focuses on the scientific study of individual and collective behavior, the physical and environmental bases of behavior, and the analysis and treatment of behavior problems and disorders. Includes instruction in the principles of the various subfields of psychology, research methods, and psychological assessment and testing methods.
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  • Technology

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    • Information Systems Operation and Management See more schools with programs in Information Systems Operation and Management
      • General Computer Science
        A general program that focuses on computers, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific perspective. Includes instruction in the principles of computational science, and computing theory; computer hardware design; computer development and programming; and applications to a variety of end-use situations.
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Master's Level Programs

  • Agriculture and Natural Resources

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    • Agriculture Business See more schools with programs in Agriculture Business
      • Agriculture
        Core skills taught in this four year program include agricultural research and production. Students in this program are prepared to apply these core skills to find solutions to practical agricultural problems. This major includes instruction in basic animal, plant, and soil science; animal husbandry and plant cultivation; soil conservation; and agricultural operations such as farming, ranching, and agricultural business.
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      • General Agricultural Business and Management
        A general program that focuses on modern business and economic principles involved in the organization, operation, and management of agricultural enterprises.
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    • Natural Resources and Conservation See more schools with programs in Natural Resources and Conservation
      • General Forestry
        A program that generally prepares individuals to manage and develop forest areas for economic, recreational, and ecological purposes. Includes instruction in forest-related sciences, mapping, statistics, harvesting and production technology, natural resources management and economics, wildlife sciences, administration, and public relations.
        See more schools with programs in General Forestry
  • Arts & Humanities

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    • Architecture See more schools with programs in Architecture
      • Architecture (BArch, BA/BS, MArch, MA/MS, PhD)
        These four, six, or eight year programs allow individuals to practice architecture and conduct research in architecture. Topics covered include architectural design, history, and theory; building structures and environmental systems; project and site planning; construction; professional responsibilities and standards; and related cultural, social, economic, and environmental issues.
        See more schools with programs in Architecture (BArch, BA/BS, MArch, MA/MS, PhD)
      • City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
        Students of regional planning apply the principles of planning, analysis, and architecture to the development and improvement of urban areas and surrounding regions, and learn to function as professional planners. Students of this program learn the principles of architecture; master plan development; service, communications, and transportation systems design; community and commercial development; zoning; land use planning; applied economics; policy analysis; applicable laws and regulations; and professional responsibilities and managerial duties.
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    • English Language and Literature See more schools with programs in English Language and Literature
      • English Language and Literature
        A general program that focuses on the English language, including its history, structure and related communications skills; and the literature and culture of English-speaking peoples.
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  • Business

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    • General Business See more schools with programs in General Business
      • Business Administration and Management
        Generally, this program prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control a firm or organization. To aid them in taking a leading role in business, individuals in this program study management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
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  • Education

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    • General Education See more schools with programs in General Education
      • General Education
        A program that focuses on the general theory and practice of learning and teaching; the basic principles of educational psychology; the art of teaching; the planning and administration of educational activities; school safety and health issues; and the social foundations of education.
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    • Teacher Training See more schools with programs in Teacher Training
  • Engineering

    See more schools with programs in Engineering
    • Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
      Individuals in this program apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development, and operational evaluation of aircraft, space vehicles, and their systems. Students of Aerospace Engineering also learn about applied research on flight characteristics and the development of systems and procedures for the launching, guidance, and control of air and space vehicles.
      See more schools with programs in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
    • Electrical, Electronics and Communi­cations Engineering
      A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of electrical, electronic and related communications systems and their components, including electrical power generation systems; and the analysis of problems such as superconductor, wave propagation, energy storage and retrieval, and reception and amplification.
      See more schools with programs in Electrical, Electronics and Communi­cations Engineering
    • General Civil Engineering
      A program that generally prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of structural, load-bearing, material moving, transportation, water resource, and material control systems; and environmental safety measures.
      See more schools with programs in General Civil Engineering
    • General Engineering
      A program that generally prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to solve a wide variety of practical problems in industry, social organization, public works, and commerce.
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    • Industrial Engineering
      A program that prepares individuals to apply scientific and mathematical principles to the design, improvement, and installation of integrated systems of people, material, information, and energy. Includes instruction in applied mathematics, physical sciences, the social sciences, engineering analysis, systems design, computer applications, and forecasting and evaluation methodology.
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    • Mechanical Engineering
      A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of physical systems used in manufacturing and end-product systems used for specific uses, including machine tools, jigs and other manufacturing equipment; stationary power units and appliances; engines; self-propelled vehicles; housings and containers; hydraulic and electric systems for controlling movement; and the integration of computers and remote control with operating systems.
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  • Fitness, Recreation and Leisure Studies

    See more schools with programs in Fitness, Recreation and Leisure Studies
    • Physical Fitness See more schools with programs in Physical Fitness
      • Health and Physical Education
        A general program that focuses on activities and principles that promote physical fitness, achieve and maintain athletic prowess, and accomplish related research and service goals. Includes instruction in human movement studies, motivation studies, rules and practice of specific sports, exercise and fitness principles and techniques, basic athletic injury prevention and treatment, and organizing and leading fitness and sports programs.
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  • Life Science

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    • Biology See more schools with programs in Biology
      • Biology/Biological Sciences
        Students in this program study general biology at an introductory level. This major provides students with a broad overview of biology and includes instruction in general biology and programs covering a variety of biological specializations.
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  • Social Sciences

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    • Psychology See more schools with programs in Psychology
      • General Psychology
        A general program that focuses on the scientific study of individual and collective behavior, the physical and environmental bases of behavior, and the analysis and treatment of behavior problems and disorders. Includes instruction in the principles of the various subfields of psychology, research methods, and psychological assessment and testing methods.
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  • Technology

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    • Information Systems Operation and Management See more schools with programs in Information Systems Operation and Management
      • General Computer Science
        A general program that focuses on computers, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific perspective. Includes instruction in the principles of computational science, and computing theory; computer hardware design; computer development and programming; and applications to a variety of end-use situations.
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Students

General

Full-Time vs. Part-Time
Full-Time 98%
Part-Time 2%
Men vs. Women
Men 59%
Women 41%
Race/Ethnicity
Caucasian 64%
Other 15%
Asian 11%
Hispanic 9%
African-American 1%

Geography

In State vs. Out-of-State
In-State 91%
Out-of-State 9%
Top States for Incoming Freshman
California 91%
Washington 1%
Arizona 0%
Colorado 0%
Oregon 0%
Percent of Students International: 1%

Housing

On-Campus Housing Available: Yes
Percent of Students Living On-Campus: 21%
Freshman Students Required to Live on Campus: No

Athletics

Member of: NAA, NCAA
Sports Include: Football (Other)
Basketball (Big West Conference)
Baseball (Big West Conference)
Track (Big West Conference)
Tuition & Fees (undergraduate) In-State Out-of-State  
Published Tuition and Fees:
$ 4,245 $ 14,415  
Average Tuition for Full-Time Undergrads:
$ 0 $ 10,170  
Required Fees for Full-Time Undergrads:
$ 4,245 $ 4,245  
Financial Aid Avg. Amount Received % of Students Receiving Aid  
Federal Grants:
$ 3,241 11%  
State and Local Grants:
$ 2,234 25%  
Institutional Grants:
$ 3,016 16%  
Student Loans:
$ 3,006 27%  
Any Aid:
  43%  

Selectivity (Undergraduate Only)

Acceptance Rate: 14% (Most Selective)
Test Scores  
SAT Scores:  
% of Students Submitting SAT Scores: 98%
Bottom 25th Percentile: Verbal: 540, Math: 580
Top 75th Percentile: Verbal: 640, Math: 680
ACT Scores:  
% of Students Submitting ACT Scores: 42%
Bottom 25th Percentile: Composite: 24, Verbal: 22, Math: 25
Top 75th Percentile: Composite: 28, Verbal: 28, Math: 29

Application Requirements (Undergraduate Only)

Application Fee: $ 55.00
Formal Demonstration of Competencies: Not Required
High School Diploma or Equivalent: Required
High School GPA: Required
High School Rank: Not Required
High School Record: Required
Recommendations: Not Required
TOEFL: Required
Test Scores: Required

College Advice

Yahoo

Question: Cal Poly SLO?

What is the probability that i will get into Cal poly SLO with a GPA of 3.6 when i took my ACT i did somewhat good i guess i got a 19, but i still havent taken my SATs but am planning too... i am in two clubs, but play no sports.... its because im planning to apply there 2008 for the landscape architecture... THANX IN ADVANCE!!!
30 months ago

Best Answer

Your GPA is solid, I would maybe add an activity or two, it all helps and work on getting a good SAT score. I like your major that sounds like a fun one, and I also think that it will help you when applying since it is not one that everyone will trying to be getting in with at Cal Poly. Good luck.

Question: UCSD or Cal Poly SLO?

I have to choose between UCSD or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo... Both amazing schools and I feel so lucky to choose between the two... I am a transfer majoring in Political Science. Pros UCSD - #3 in the nation for my major, Challenge, Will learn so much, closer to home, wide range of class choices, better study abroad program (I like it more, not necisarily better) Cal poly - Very fun, great education but not as much for my major, classes wont be too difficult, Hot girls (bonus) I know who I would live with, can be more of a leader in clubs, smaller school. Cons UCSD - Might take 3 years instead of 2, people there are not as social, will be so dang hard, no idea who would live with, all I would do is probobly read and study the whole time, large school. Cal Poly - Not as much of a challenge, farther from home, not as many class choices, not as reputable for major... I don't know what I should do, both campuses are beautiful and they are both totally opposites but great opposites
33 months ago

Best Answer

You are right about UCSD having one of the best Poli Sci department. When people think of Cal Poly, they usually picture engineering, not Poli Sci. What is one more year compared to rest of your life? This is once a lifetime opportunity. Since the CSU system is based on teaching and not research, you will get more individual attention, which I would list first as the pro for Cal Poly. You want to pick the school mainly based on academics because no matter which school you choose, if you look to have fun, you will have fun and you will find plenty of people that are willing to go along.

Question: Hey all, I've been accepted into 4 UC's- Irvine, Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Davis...?

I'm having a hard time deciding where I want to go. I'm really rooting for Davis because it is the only UC that offers Nutriton Science and Exercise Biology majors. I know after college I want to pursue a career in sport medicine or sports nutrition. I understand UCSD is a fantastic and very presitigious university, and I've been told its a huge honor to be accepted. However a vast majority of their majors focus on physics, engineering, math, and computer science. Not exactly my cup of tea. So if i turned down that offer and attended davis, which isnt exactly at the top, would it be a silly decison?? I'm a San Diego native so it'd be ahuge transition for me. How does Davis rank academically?? What about the campus life? I'd appreciate the oppinions!! :)
34 months ago

Best Answer

Err, SD is ranked higher than Davis, but it's not that huge a jump really. If you like Davis a lot better and has the majors you want that SD doesn't, go there. SD is ranked higher, but it's more of an incremental increase. Berkeley and UCLA trump SD by the same amount that SD trumps Davis so it's not like SD is the best thing since sliced bread. Davis will be a HUGE transition for you. In my opinion, nowhere in the entire US (including Hawaii and Puerto Rico) have as nice weather as San Diego. Davis is this little cow town that gets 110+ in the summer and below 30 in the winter. You can have fun at both places though. Since you're from SD, you'll do a lot better than others cuz you have friends and stuff outside of school. Frankly, I found UC San Diego far more boring than Davis, despite UCSD being in a much better city.

Question: Which college should i go to in California?

so far i've been admitted to UC Riverside, UC Santa Cruz, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Pomona, San Diego State University and San Jose State University? I want to do engineering. I know that Cal Poly SLO is best for engineering but it seems like it is in the middle of nowhere. Thats why im thinking SDSU. What would you pick
34 months ago

Best Answer

go to poly... if you want to learn something go there. As far as the other ones goes.. they arn't as good in engineering. It is not in the middle of nowhere. In fact, they have dorms too if you want to check it out. forget SDSU and UC Santa Cruz, they don't have as good of an engineer program there, you will regret going to them and not going to poly.

Question: Cal Poly-SLO Can you change majors after acceptance?

I fully intended to enter Cal Poly as an English major for Fall 2007, however, after learning about economics in school lately, I have been doubting which major I should choose. I heard majoring in English is very difficult, but I English is one of my strengths, but I am beginning to love studying Economics... help! How difficult, if even possible, is it to change majors at Cal Poly? I heard it's nearly impossible...
35 months ago

Best Answer

I checked out the CalPoly website to try to find the information you needed, and you are correct -- it is very difficult (but not impossible) to change majors after you have been admitted. Here's why. As an intended English major, you were admitted to the College of Liberal Arts. Economics majors study in the College of Business. Cal Poly makes switching from one college to another very difficult. It looks like you're going to have to go in as an English major, and fulfill those requirements for at least three quarters. You will also have to take Economics and calculus classes, and you'll have to do very well in them in order to even apply to switch to an Economics major. They also make it clear that you'll have to make an appointment at the Advising Center in order to determine whether you will be eligible to change your major. Looks like it's going to be tough. Best wishes to you.

Question: What college major combines business and technology?

What college major combines business and technology? I will be attending Ohio State next fall and as of now I am undeclared for my major. I have interests in business (finance, accounting, econ, etc) and computers (design, technology, programming, networking). Although I do not want to major in anything related to engineering because I am not extremely good with science and I just would rather have an office type job in a large city than be an engineer. What major do you recommend?
37 months ago

Best Answer

My sister did her degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She currently uses her degree to manage both IT and Business Unit direct reports. Her understanding of the Oracle DB (she's a certified super-user)and actual business operations (finance, marketing, strategy, etc.) allows her to manage global reporting for various business units at a leading california software company. She is about 26 and makes 80K. Hope this helps...

Question: Difference between Two Cal Poly CSUs?

What's the different of Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly Luis Obispo? Which one is better? I am admitted to Cal Poly Pomona, should I feel happy about it?
37 months ago

Best Answer

Congratulations on your acceptance to Cal Poly Pomona! In my opinion, in today's college admissions world, every acceptance is one to feel happy and excited about! Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo have some similarities and differences. They are pretty close in size (San Luis Obispo is slightly larger) and both offer solid programs in engineering, business, and many other fields of study. San Luis Obispo is more difficult to get into, but it is not exactly easy to get into Cal Poly Pomona, especially for certain majors. Another key difference is their location. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is located in a small city along the central coast. The closest "large" city is Santa Barabara. Pomona is located fairly close to Los Angeles. This might give Pomona students a bit of an edge when it comes to lining up internships. I think which one is "better" really boils down to your intended major. A higher percentage of students major in engineering at San Luis Obispo, and it has a stronger reputation for engineering. However, Pomona's engineering programs are not bad in any way. Both are fully accredited by the American Board of Engineering Training (ABET), and fine for engineering. Beyond engineering, however, you'd really have to look closely at individual departments, because both schools have their strengths. If you're considering both schools, I'd suggest that you visit both to see which one feels more "like you." They do have somewhat different feels, and one might appeal to you more than the other. Hope this helps - Congratulations again on your acceptance! Carolyn Lawrence, www.AdmissionsAdvice.com

Question: Ok what are your opinions of Cal Poly -SLO vs the UC's?

For Engineering. If you are a cal poly grad explicate your Bias. Diddo for UC grads. If you are not from california, have you heard of Cal Poly or California Polytechnic State University? How would you rank Cal Poly Versus the UC's. State whether you went to college and which institution you have attended. Also include what your major was. Thanks
38 months ago

Best Answer

It depends on the specific engineering program. Many UC's have weaker programs than Cal Poly SLO. Many, MANY employers in California are biased in FAVOR of Cal Poly SLO. I've known several partners in architectural and civil engineering firms, say, who claim that they will hire Cal Poly grads over anyone else as soon as they walk through the door. It has something to do with the practical reputation of SLO's programs-- probably mythical at this point. If your interests are more in research or an advanced degree, UC is the way to go. But job prospects are excellent+ for Cal Poly grads coming out of the gate. And it's quite a bit cheaper. Interestingly enough, SLO's reputation has not rubbed off on Pomona, which is unfortunate, because that school is well regarded.

Photos

  • The south side of the Cal Poly campus
    The south side of the Cal Poly campus [source]
  • The Agricultural Sciences Building
    The Agricultural Sciences Building [source]
  • Engineering West
    Engineering West [source]
  • Cal Poly Performing Arts Center
    Cal Poly Performing Arts Center [source]
  • The Dexter Lawn
    The Dexter Lawn [source]
  • Image:Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Seal.png
    Image:Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Seal.png [source]
  • [source]
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
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