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Academics

Reshaping the Liberal Arts

With a focus on human experience and expression, our distinctively polytechnic programs infuse Learn by Doing throughout the humanities, communications, arts and social sciences. Our model of applied, experiential and interdisciplinary learning fuels 19 world-class majors and four graduate programs.

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Majors

Build a strong foundation in the liberal arts while developing the communication, critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills to make an impact.

Explore our Majors

Two students with paintbrushes work on producing the set for their winter production of Clue: The Musical.

Minors

Build on your degree with a focused area of study that adds depth, perspective and flexibility to your academic and career goals.

Stand out with a minor

Student reading a book at the Santa Barbara Mission for a History Class

Graduate Programs

Deepen your expertise through advanced study, hands-on learning and close faculty mentorship in a focused academic community.

Liberal Arts Graduate Degrees

Learn by Doing

Academic Pathways

Across undergraduate majors, minors and graduate programs, students put the liberal arts into practice. 

  • Undergraduate majors build depth through research, creative work, applied projects and community-based learning. 
  • Minors help students connect new fields of study to their primary discipline, adding perspective and practical skills.
  • Graduate programs deepen that work through advanced scholarship, faculty mentorship and applied inquiry that prepares students to lead, contribute and create.
  • Certificates build focused professional skills in writing, language and communication.
Student backstage of a Cal Poly theatre production