The students and faculty of the College
of Liberal Arts explore humanity's past, anticipate its
future, and help to chart the course in between. Discovering
meaning in the human experience is the mission of liberal
arts everywhere. The uniqueness of this College is a second
mission specific to the polytechnic context of Cal Poly
– to mediate the claims of vision and pragmatism,
timeless truths, and timely imperatives.
The College of Liberal Arts indeed is
unique. It is the most selective liberal arts college
in the CSU system and one of the most selective in the
nation, with outstanding students. This College's
traditional liberal arts responsibilities include developing
students' powers of rational analysis, expressive clarity,
and independent judgment as well as enlarging their knowledge
of the social, political and artistic legacies of their
own cultures. It houses diverse but complementary programs
in the arts, humanities, social sciences, communications,
and interdisciplinary studies, many of which, like Graphic
Communication, Art and Design, and Psychology and Child
Development, implement Cal Poly's learn-by-doing philosophy
in technologically sophisticated labs and studios. Additionally,
students in the Theatre/Dance and Music majors benefit not only
from rich curricula but also from workshops by artists
who visit the Performing Arts Center on campus. The Liberal
Studies program, which prepares students for teaching
in the elementary schools, has emphases on science and
integrative approaches to American history that distinguish
it from other programs in the state. Students in all programs,
especially those in fields like English, Communication Studies,
and Journalism, are encouraged to take minors or certificates
in applied programs like technical or agricultural
communication. Philosophy, History, and Ethnic Studies
have implemented intensive research and/or internship
experiences that function as capstones to students' learning
in these majors.
This blend of broad instruction in
the liberal arts with pre-professional experiences and
simulations serves our students well; this mix reflects
the ongoing advice of department advisory councils and
the college Advisory Board, which all consist of alumni
and friends. University data indicate that 96-97% of our
graduates find work and go to graduate school here or elsewhere after Cal Poly. And they continue down the path of success
years later, editing large urban papers, anchoring news
stations, running graphic and printing firms, counseling
youths and adults, teaching at all levels, counseling
in local and federal courts, representing agencies, conducting
sales, and doing so much more in their local communities.
