Skip to main content

Explore Liberal Arts at Cal Poly

Why Study Liberal Arts at Cal Poly?

The College of Liberal Arts prepares students to think critically, communicate clearly and engage creatively with the world. Through hands-on learning and interdisciplinary study, students gain skills that adapt across careers and industries.

Our Programs

Student in recording studio

Learn by Doing in The CLA

Experience is part of the curriculum. Students learn by creating, performing, leading and producing work that mirrors professional practice and prepares them for what comes next.

About the CLA

Professor Michael Haungs (ET Studios Director of Computing, MOCAP & VR) works with students during a practice/demonstration session of their MOCAP suit and software for the Theater department in preparation for their work this quarter creating a motion-captured animation for use in their Winter musical production of Percy Jackson.

Liberal Arts Undergraduate Degrees

Graduate Programs

M.A. English

View M.A. English

M.A. History

View M.A. History

Master of Public Policy

View Masters of Public Policy

M.S. Psychology

View M.S. Psychology

CLA Centers

Kerri Conlon - Letters of Mina Harker

University Art Gallery

A place to experience art, ask questions and see the world differently. The University Art Gallery invites students and visitors to engage with creativity in all its forms.

Visit The Art Gallery

Center for Expressive Technologies

Center for Expressive Technologies

The Center for Expressive Technologies reimagines how technology can enable human expression and bring about collective good.

Visit CET

Brock Center for Agricultural Communication

Brock Center for Agricultural Communication

An interdisciplinary institute of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and the College of Liberal Arts

Visit the Center

Scholarships

CLA students have access to a variety of scholarship opportunities, including awards connected to specific majors and departments.

Learn more about Cal Poly scholarships

Group of people acting in a play.

Summer Springboard at Cal Poly

Explore a major. Discover Cal Poly. Enjoy an unforgettable summer.
Summer Springboard @ Cal Poly is the perfect way to immerse yourself in a subject and experience what life would be like as a Cal Poly student.

Learn more

Cal Poly Learn by Doing logo

Stay in the Dormitories

Our residential students will spend two weeks living on campus and experiencing Cal Poly’s dining hall.

light bulb icon

Take Courses

Students engage in academic workshops each weekday morning and spend afternoons in College Readiness Workshops and recreational activities.

user with checkmark icon

Be Immersed

Summer Springboard was founded to give college-bound teens a supportive environment where they can explore their personal and academic passions

Take The Next Step

Is Cal Poly right for you? Take the next step to find out.

Visit Apply