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Cal Poly CLA News

The latest online edition of CLA's Impact Magazine

About Our Departments and Programs

The College of Liberal Arts offers diverse degrees focused on humanities, social sciences, communications and performing arts. Click on each department/program below for contact info and a summary of majors, minors and grad programs offered within each area.

Art and Design

 

Art and Design
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Contact

Dexter Building
(No. 34), Room 169

805-756-1148
artdesign@calpoly.edu

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Cal Poly’s Art and Design Department prepares students to explore the world in unexpected ways, to develop a discriminating eye, and to take calculated risks through dynamic visual expression in a range of media. With 17,000 square feet dedicated to making art, students have space to pursue concentrations in graphic design, photography and studio art.

Degrees:

Major: B.F.A., Art and Design, with concentrations in:

> Graphic Design
> Photography and Video
> Studio Art

Minors: Art history, Photography, Studio art

 

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Art and Design Flyer

 

Communication Studies

 

Communication Studies
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Contact

Faculty Office Building
(No. 47), Rm. 33

805-756-2553
comsdept@calpoly.edu

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Cal Poly’s Communication Studies Department helps students to understand the process of human communication and grasp its historical context and contemporary relevance in a global society. Students learn the theory and practice of communication in a variety of contexts, developing their critical reasoning, speaking and writing skills, and appreciation of how culture influences their lives.

Degrees:

Major: B.A., Communication Studies

Minor: Communication Studies

 

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Communication Studies Flyer

 

English

 

English
visit the website

Contact

Faculty Office Building
(No. 47), Rm. 32

805-756-2596
english@calpoly.edu

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The Cal Poly English Department boasts one of the top programs in the nation for return on investment, and one of the best undergraduate writing programs in the West. Students study literature, language and rhetoric in an effort to understand the human condition and explore literature’s contribution to culture and society.

Degrees:

Major: B.A., English, with optional emphasis in Creative Writing or Literature

Minors: English, Linguistics

Certificates: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Technical and Professional Communication Program

Graduate: M.A., English (Literature-based)

 

View Fact Sheet

English Flyer

 

Ethnic Studies

 

Ethnic Studies
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Contact

Math and Science Building
(No. 38), Room 136

805-756-1707
ethnicstudies@calpoly.edu

Ethnicity. Race. Culture. Gender. Cal Poly’s Ethnic Studies Department works at the intersection of these fundamental social forces. By exploring these issues, students are able to understand the factors that shape social and occupational identities, preparing them to work, collaborate and interact in an increasingly heterogeneous and complex world.

Degrees:

Major: B.A., Comparative Ethnic Studies

Minors: Ethnic Studies, Indigenous Studies in Natural Resources and the Environment

 

View Fact Sheet

Ethnic Studies Flyer

 

Graphic Communication

 

Graphic Communication
visit the website

Contact

Graphic Arts Building
(No. 26), Room 201

805-756-1108
grc@calpoly.edu

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Cal Poly boasts one the nation’s premier graphic communication departments, where students experience the history and tradition of printing, learn fundamental design principles, and use modern tools and technology. Students have access to more than 33,000 square feet of lab space and equipment largely donated by industry partners, which gives them unparalleled hands-on experience.

Degrees:

Major: B.S., Graphic Communication, with concentrations in:

> Design Reproduction Technology
> UX/UI
> Graphics for Packaging
> Graphic Communication Management
> Individualized Course of Study

Minor: Graphic Communication



 

 

View Fact Sheet

Graphic Communication Flyer

 

History

 

History
visit the website

Contact

Faculty Office Building
(No. 47), Room 27

805-756-2543
hist@calpoly.edu

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In Cal Poly’s History Department, students explore history as a living tradition as well as a vibrant field of study. History deepens students’ understanding of different peoples and cultures, examining ideas of race, gender, class and cultural diversity. Students use research and critical tools to explore and articulate multiple perspectives on the present and future.

Degrees:

Major: B.A., History

Minors: Asian Studies, History

Graduate: M.A., History

 

View Fact Sheet

History Flyer

 

Interdisciplinary Studies

 

Interdisciplinary Studies in Liberal Arts
visit the website

Contact

Faculty Office Building
(No. 47), Rm. 36L

805-756-2740
is@calpoly.edu

Students are often interested in a social issue or research question that doesn't fall easily into just one discipline. This major offers students the flexibility to combine their diverse interest areas into one degree program. Emphasis areas include arts and the human experience; ethics, law and justice; global studies; health, culture and society; science, technology and society; social sustainability; and technology and human expression.

Degrees:

Major: B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies

Minors: See Science, Technology and Society Minors Program listed below for interdisciplinary minor options.

 

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Interdisciplinary Studies Flyer

 

Journalism

 

Journalism
visit the website

Contact

Graphic Arts Building
(No. 26), Room 228

805-756-2508
jour@calpoly.edu​

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Cal Poly’s Journalism Department is one of California’s most innovative undergraduate journalism programs, among the first in the country to take an integrated approach to student media, mirroring developments in the industry. The department embodies a polytechnic university philosophy, offering a technology-rich, student-focused environment that fosters student curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Degrees: 

Major: B.S., Journalism

 

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Journalism Flyer

 

Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies

 

Liberal Arts and Engineering
visit the website

Contact

Faculty Office Building
(No. 47), Room 34G

805-756-1132
laes@calpoly.edu​

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Offered jointly by the colleges of Liberal Arts and Engineering, the Liberal Arts & Engineering Studies (LAES) Program embraces an interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial culture. Students focus their educational paths in alignment with their career goals, blending science, technology and the liberal arts to forge their own paths.

Degrees:

Major: B.S., Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies

 

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Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies Flyer

 

Music

 

Music
visit the website

Contact

Davidson Music Center
(No. 45), Room 129

805-756-2406 
music@calpoly.edu​

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The Cal Poly Music Department teaches students to reach beyond technical and instrumental mastery to understand the unique power of music across cultures. The music program gives students a foundation in music theory, history and performance, and provides on and off campus performance opportunities throughout the year.

Degrees:

Major: B.A., Music

Minor: Music

 

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Music Flyer

 

Philosophy

 

Philosophy
visit the website

Contact

Faculty Office Building
(No. 47), Room 37

805-756-2041
phil@calpoly.edu​

The Cal Poly Philosophy Department boasts one of the largest programs in the California State University system. Graduates typically score very well on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), as the philosophy program cultivates exceptional critical thinking and communication skills.

Degrees: 

Major: B.A., Philosophy, with optional concentrationsE: 

> Ethics and Society

> Ethics of Science and Technology

> Ethics and Society

Minors: Philosophy, Religious Studies

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Philosophy Flyer

 

Political Science

 

Political Science
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Contact

Faculty Office Building
(No. 47), Room 14

805-756-2984 
politicalscience@calpoly.edu​

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Cal Poly’s Political Science Department grounds students in policy and politics in the United States and across the world to develop informed, active citizens. Majors gain critical thinking, communication and analytical skills applicable to multiple career paths, as well as the knowledge to make a difference in the world.

Degrees:

Major: B.A., Political Science, with concentrations:

> American Politics
> Global Politics
> Pre-Law 
> Individualized Course of Study

Minors: Global Politics, Law and Society, Political Science

Graduate: MPP, Master of Public Policy

 

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Political Science Flyer

 

Psychology and Child Development

 

Psychology and Child Development
visit the website

Contact

Faculty Office Building
(No. 47), Room 24

805-756-2033 
psycd@calpoly.edu​

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Cal Poly Psychology & Child Development students explore the complex issues of human development and relationships to improve the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. The department offers students concentration options that fit their interests, ranging from child and adolescent development to a broader approach to psychological theory and research.

Degrees: 

Majors: B.S., Child Development; B.S., Psychology

Minors: Psychology, Child Development, Gerontology

Graduate: M.S., Psychology

 








 

 

Science, Technology and Society Minors Program 

 

Science, Technology and Society Minors Program
visit the website

Contact

Faculty Office Building
(No. 47), Room 36L

805-756-2740 
sts@calpoly.edu​

The Science, Technology and Society Minors Program equips students with the skills to tackle complex global challenges like climate change, cyber-warfare, health inequalities, and the future of interactive and collaborative storytelling. Students will create a customized course path and portfolio of hands-on projects that are based on their passions and goals. 

Degrees:

Minors:
> Ethics, Public Policy, Science and Technology (EPPST)
> Gender, Race, Culture, Science and Technology (GRCST)
> Media Arts, Society and Technology (MAST)
> Science and Risk Communication (SRC)

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
visit the website

Contact

Faculty Office Building
(No. 47), Room 13

805-756-2260
socialsciences@calpoly.edu​

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The Social Sciences Department exemplifies Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing educational approach, teaching students, from day one, how to bridge their education with the real world. Anthropology/geography and sociology majors receive training in applied technical skills including social data collection and research design and are encouraged to critically investigate contemporary issues.

Degrees:

Majors: B.S., Anthropology and Geography, with concentrations:
> Cross-Cultural Studies and International Development 
> Environmental Studies and Sustainability
> Human Ecology 
> Individualized Course of Study 
> Teaching

B.A., Sociology, with concentrations

> Criminal Justice
> Organizations
> Social Services
> Individualized Course of Study

Minors: Anthropology/Geography, Latin American Studies, Sociology

 

 

Theatre and Dance

 

Theatre and Dance
visit the website

Contact

Davidson Music Center
(No. 45), Room 103

805-756-1465
thtrdanc@calpoly.edu​

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The Theatre & Dance Department provides students with programs of study that integrate practical production work with theater and dance principles, theory and historical development. Students in the department gain experience in all aspects of production and performance from writing, lighting and design, to choreography and on-stage presence.

Degrees:

Major: B.A., Theatre Arts

Minors:
Dance, Theatre Arts

 

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Theatre Arts Flyer

 

Women's, Gender and Queer Studies 

 

Women's and Gender Studies
visit the website

Contact

Faculty Office Building
(No. 47), Room 25H

805-756-1525
wgs@calpoly.edu​

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Women’s, Gender and Queer Studies students explore the complex intersections of gender and sexuality with race, class and other social factors, and how they shape and are influenced by politics, ethics, the economy and law.

Women’s, gender and queer studies is an inherently interdisciplinary field that promotes scholarly inquiry, education and activism focused on power and social inequalities. Faculty and students from across campus participate in projects that contribute to local, national and transnational conversations on the current and future shape of society.

Degrees:

Minors: Women's and Gender Studies, Queer Studies

 

View Fact Sheet

Women's Gender and Queer Studies Flyer

 

World Languages and Cultures

 

Modern Languages and Literature
visit the website

Contact

Faculty Office Building
(No. 47), Room 28

805-756-1205
wlc@calpoly.edu

The World Languages and Cultures Department (formerly Modern Languages and Literatures) provides students with the tools to understand different cultures and people on their own terms. Offering instruction in Spanish, French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese and Italian, the department gives students skills and confidence to succeed in a global context.

Degrees: 

Major: B.A., Spanish

Minors: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish

 

View Fact Sheet

Spanish Flyer

 

 

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