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Cal Poly Graduate Education

Cal Poly&#8217;s M.S. in Mathematics immerses students in both pure and applied math. Faculty research interests include areas such as analysis of PDEs, ODEs and dynamical systems, climate and fluid modeling, discrete mathematics, topology, geometry, operator theory, abstract algebra, and mathematics education. Master&#8217;s degree recipients will find themselves with a rigorous background in mathematics and the ability to solve a variety of problems, both practical and theoretical. Graduates typically work in industry, teach at the community college level, or enroll in mathematics Ph.D. programs. Students have the opportunity to teach during most terms to help defray the cost of tuition and engage in paid summer research projects. Students must pass two qualifying exams in undergraduate algebra and analysis for which there is a support courses in the fall to help prepare students for these exams.



The Applied Mathematics Specialization is a hybrid program of pure and applied mathematics, emphasizing marketable skills. Students who complete a master’s degree at Cal Poly are well-prepared for jobs in industry, further graduate work at a Ph.D. institution, or teaching at a community college.

Students writing equations on a glass board while collaborating in a study space.

Applied Mathematics

Master of Science in Transportation and Engineering Management program provides advanced instruction in business and management fundamentals, coupled with specialized preparation for career advancement in the participant’s chosen specialization:



The Specialization in Developed and delivered in close collaboration with business and industry, the Transportation Specialization provides a mix of cutting-edge theory and creative real-world applications to prepare students to succeed in a challenging and changing global market, with a particular focus on mid-career professionals in maritime and related fields who wish to further their education and employment opportunities, while facilitating their transition from sea to shore.&nbsp;

Group of students gathered around a table reviewing maps and planning documents during a classroom discussion.

Transportation

Master of Science in Transportation and Engineering Management program provides advanced instruction in business and management fundamentals, coupled with specialized preparation for career advancement in the participant’s chosen specialization:



The Specialization&nbsp;in Humanitarian and Disaster Relief reflect a growing emphasis on social responsibility in the undergraduate curriculum. Theses areas are fundamentally logistics based, and are an essential part of the mission and work done by a maritime institution.&nbsp;

Instructor guiding a student operating navigation and control equipment inside a ship’s bridge.

Humanitarian/Disaster Management

Master of Science in Transportation and Engineering Management program provides advanced instruction in business and management fundamentals, coupled with specialized preparation for career advancement in the participant’s chosen specialization:



The Specialization&nbsp;in Engineering Management prepares students to integrate critical thinking and best practices in a manner that enables them to face real-world challenges with poise, and to contribute to the body of knowledge and practice in their industry.

Faculty member and students review a small satellite prototype in a collaborative engineering lab.

Engineering Management

The Masters in City and Regional Planning is an applied, comprehensive, and professionally-based program that cultivates talent, leadership, innovation and action-oriented research in the place-making education of civic minded and diverse students. The program provides an applied, comprehensive, professional planning education with community, regional, and global awareness. The MCRP program is structured to meet the needs of those who have earned baccalaureate degrees in a variety of disciplines including, but not limited to, environmental studies, economics, business, geography, architecture, landscape architecture, civil engineering, political science, environmental or urban studies, natural resources management, and ecology. The program prepares planners to develop communities and regions that are socially, ecologically and economically sustainable. 



The Landscape and Urban Design specialization provides students with advanced study in design, analysis, and ecological and preservation planning of the environment. Students pursuing the specialization are prepared for professional positions in urban design and landscape and preservation planning at local and regional levels. The specialization includes urban design and landscape architecture theory and practice, analysis of cultural and natural landscapes, and interpretation and visualization of data.

Student reviews a campus site plan with hand-drawn circulation and design notes during a planning studio session.

Landscape and Urban Design

The specialization in Regenerative Medicine is a unique program in which students work at the interface between Biomedical Engineering and Stem-Cell Biology and is associated with the <a href="https://www.cirm.ca.gov/">California Initiative for Regenerative Medicine</a> (CIRM).  Applicants who are selected and matriculated into this program receive one year of coursework and a project experience to prepare and maximize student education and value in a subsequent paid 9 month internship at a partner Institution that is an active participant in the Regenerative Medicine consortium. This program prepares students for careers in regenerative medicine and related fields. Specifically, our graduates are prepared for immediate employment in regenerative medicine, biotechnology, or medical technology companies, as well as research specialists/laboratory managers at universities or research institutes. Program graduates are also well-prepared to matriculate into bioengineering doctoral programs or graduate programs in the health professions.

Student operating laboratory imaging equipment while viewing results on a laptop.

Regenerative Medicine

The Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to lead before, during, and after disasters. Grounded in research and real-world application, the program emphasizes policy creation, program evaluation, and the ability to serve communities through effective emergency management strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Program Highlights</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Research-Based Framework&nbsp;– Built on the widely accepted Disaster Cycle (mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery), with concepts fully integrated across courses.</li>



<li>Decision-Making Focus&nbsp;– Reflects Lindell and Perry’s Protective Action Decision Model, emphasizing disaster communication, household risk assessment, and decision-making.</li>



<li>Policy &amp; Evaluation&nbsp;– Prepares professionals to engage in the political process, influence public policy, and apply data-driven evaluation to improve community outcomes.</li>



<li>Flexible Online Learning&nbsp;– All courses are delivered asynchronously on Canvas, available 24/7 to fit around careers, service, and family commitments.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Program Structure</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Three semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer) — can be completed in as little as 12 months</li>



<li>Coursework includes emergency management administration, policy, and program evaluation through applied, hands-on learning</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who Should Enroll?</h2>



This program is designed for:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Working professionals in emergency management, public safety, disaster relief, and business continuity</li>



<li>Active-duty military personnel and first responders</li>



<li>Government and nonprofit administrators in disaster response and recovery</li>



<li>Professionals seeking to enter the growing field of emergency management</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What is a Graduate Certificate?</h2>



A Graduate Certificate is a credit-bearing academic program that provides focused study in high-demand fields. Designed to strengthen professional knowledge with academic theory and expertise, certificates offer a flexible way to advance your career, expand opportunities, or quickly respond to emerging industry needs. Students who complete the program will be awarded a Graduate Certificate by the Office of Graduate Studies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to Apply</h2>



Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution. To apply, submit:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Online Graduate Certificate Application (Cal Poly Maritime Academy) + $70 fee</li>



<li>Statement of Purpose (career goals + research interests)</li>



<li>Resume or CV (education, work, service)</li>



<li>Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions*</li>



<li>For international students: WES evaluation of transcripts + TOEFL (minimum 90 iBT / 240 CBT / 575 PBT) if English is not your native language</li>
</ul>



*Former Cal Poly Maritime Academy students do not need to resubmit transcripts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Admissions Timeline</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Rolling admissions: Apply anytime; start the next semester once accepted</li>



<li>Decision notification: Within ~2 weeks of a complete application</li>
</ul>

Person wearing a black cap and sunglasses putting on an orange life jacket in a wooden storage room with yellow gear.

Emergency Management (Graduate Certificate)

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Objective</h2>



The educational objective of the Fire Protection Engineering Applications graduate certificate program is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to solve fire protection engineering problems and develop fire safety design solutions in a variety of professional settings.



Upon completing the requirements for the graduate certificate, students should be able to:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Identify relevant fire safety codes, standards, and regulations; comprehend the fire safety performance objectives and criteria associated with these documents; and apply these fire safety objectives and criteria to a broad range of applications.</li>



<li>Understand how people interact with fire conditions in buildings and calculate evacuation times through the application of fundamental principles of people movement and the use of state-of-the-art computer-based evacuation models.</li>



<li>Design fire detecion and alarm systems, fire suppression systems, structural fire protection systems, and egress systems to achieve specified performance objectives.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Required Courses</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>FPE S521 Egress Analysis and Design</li>



<li>FPE S522 Fire Detection, Alarm and Communication Systems</li>



<li>FPE S523 Water-based Fire Suppression Systems</li>



<li>FPE S524 Structural Fire Protection</li>
</ul>

Small building engulfed in flames during a controlled burn test as firefighters observe nearby.

Fire Protection Engineering Applications (Graduate Certificate)

<div class="wp-block-group full-width yellow has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained">
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Objective</h2>



The educational objective of the Fire Protection Engineering Science graduate certificate program is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to solve fire protection engineering problems and develop fire safety design solutions in a variety of professional settings.
</div>



Upon completing the requirements for the graduate certificate, students should be able to:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Apply concepts associated with the thermal sciences, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer, to the analysis of fire protection engineering problems.</li>



<li>Analyze the flammability characteristics of different materials, interpret the results of standard and non-standard fire test methods, and evaluate the fire hazards associated with different materials in a range of anticipated settings.</li>



<li>Analyze the dynamics of fires in and around buildings and other structures through the application of fundamental principles and the use of state-of-the-art computer-based fire simulation models.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>computer-based fire simulation models.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Required Courses</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>FPE S501 Fundamental Thermal Scienes</li>



<li>FPE S502 Fire Dynamics</li>



<li>FPE S503 Flammability Assessment methods</li>



<li>FPE S504 Fire Modeling</li>
</ul>

Four people stand outside in casual clothes, two holding water bottles, with buildings and hills in the background.

Fire Protection Engineering Science (Graduate Certificate)

This program is available to students with backgrounds in civil, environmental, and agricultural engineering. The program of study includes water, water transmission, water treatment, and water management. It produces students who can design infrastructure and manage water resources with an interdisciplinary approach for agriculture, industry, and municipalities. Students may elect to take elective courses to reinforce these areas or examine other areas such as water treatment, urban water planning, groundwater and surface water hydrology, etc. Graduates from this program can be found at engineering consulting and design firms, irrigation districts (engineers and managers), municipal water agencies, state water resources departments, and federal agencies (e.g., U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, National Resources Conservation Service).

Students observing water flow beneath a small bridge at a concrete channel during a field site visit.

Water Engineering

The Transportation Planning Program is an interdisciplinary concurrent degree program linking the Masters in City and Regional Planning and the Masters of Science in Engineering with a specialization in Transportation Planning. It is an interdisciplinary program between the College of Engineering and the College of Architecture and Environmental Design. Participation in the program requires enrollment in both Colleges. The program combines the elements of transportation planning with city and regional planning to address a need for professionals who understand the technology of transportation planning and the importance of transportation within the urban environment. The applied aspects of the curriculum enable students to integrate knowledge and skills in hands-on projects that benefit communities. The required master&#8217;s project enables students to integrate their work through directed study applied to special areas of their choosing.

Transportation Planning

The Masters of Science in Statistics program is designed to provide advanced training to students preparing for careers in statistics and data analysis. The program consists of coursework that lays the conceptual and methodological foundations of the discipline, as well as consulting and research experiences. The program is intended for students with an undergraduate major or minor degree in Statistics.

Student presenting statistical data on a projected graph to classmates in a classroom.

Statistics

By becoming a teacher, clinician, or professional in special education, students have an opportunity improve the quality of life not only of the children/youth with disabilities but also their families. Students have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills that will contribute to success as a day class teacher, resource specialist, inclusion specialist, autism specialist, or clinician. Cal Poly&#8217;s Special Education program provides California with dedicated teachers who are collaborative, competent, caring, and creative. The program prepares candidates to earn a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential in mild/moderate disabilities while concurrently allowing them to probe more deeply regarding one mild/moderate disability such as autism. The M.S. SPED is a cohort-based (all students progress through the program together taking courses in a prescribed sequence) program beginning each fall term. Cohorts are limited each year to 20 candidates.

Students reviewing instructional materials on a laptop with a presentation about literacy for students with disabilities displayed on a screen.

Special Education

With a year of coursework and project experience followed by a paid full-time 10-month internship, we prepare graduates of the Regenerative Medicine specialty for careers in research and development, biologics manufacturing, and translational research, as well as to matriculate into doctoral programs. Qur program was founded by faculty from Biomedical Engineering, Biological Sciences, and Animal Science &#8211; drawing on our complementary skills to build a comprehensive training program that serves students in these three graduate programs. To strengthen the interdisciplinary nature of our program, we have matriculated students from a broad range of undergraduate degrees. In addition to those listed above, students have also come from biochemistry, chemical engineering, environmental sciences, among others.

The M.S. in Quantitative Economics delivers structured thinking about empirical problems and incentives. The program integrates econometrics, machine learning, experimentation, and the hands-on analysis of real-world data, guided by Economic Theory. This intensive program is ideal for those looking to obtain advanced skills for careers in the private and public sectors or ramp up quantitative skills for PhD programs. The full-time, ten-month M.S. in Quantitative Economics program prepares students for careers working in big data environments. Students enjoy small classes, with courses taught by nationally recognized scholars dedicated to student success who provide the mentorship necessary to gain mastery of key economics-based quantitative and consulting tools and understand the role of economic analysis in a tech driven environment in both private and public organizations. Our graduates go on to secure jobs as Economists, Analytic Consultants, Data Analysts and Data Scientists in Consulting, Finance, Banking, Technology, Governmental Organizations, and Academia.

Professor writing equations on a whiteboard while teaching students in a computer lab.

Quantitative Economics

The Master&#8217;s in Public Policy degree from Cal Poly equips students with the professional and analytical tools necessary to have an impact on future policy decisions in the state and nation. The program prepares students for leadership roles in the public and private sectors, nonprofit management, and consulting by developing expertise in multiple types of analysis, communication, and leadership. Graduates have a wide range of job opportunities available to them, including traditional government service employment, consultants for the myriad of businesses and industries that are subject to government regulations, as well as domestic and international nonprofit organizations. MPP students utilize numerous skills throughout the policymaking process, from policy research to budget analysis to implementation. With the numerous and varied ways that public policy impinges on social, economic, and political life, employers are increasingly looking to hire students with MPP degrees.

Student presenting research findings on a poster board in a classroom.

Public Policy

The M.S. in Psychology fulfills the educational requirements for California&#8217;s Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) license. The program&#8217;s mission is to provide the state with highly competent master&#8217;s-level clinicians trained to counsel individuals, couples, families, and groups in a multicultural society. Graduates find employment with County Behavioral Health, Drug and Alcohol Services, Social Services, schools, employee assistance programs, hospitals, community mental health centers, and private practice. Some graduates also secure teaching positions at Community Colleges and Universities. Program curriculum and training prepares graduates for eventual doctoral study in clinical or counseling psychology, if so desired. The cornerstone of this graduate program is the counseling practicum. After students complete core coursework, they develop their clinical skills and identity as therapists working in the SLO Counseling Service at Cal Poly. Students apply their knowledge of psychological assessment, diagnosis, and counseling theory and practice by working with clients in the campus community and SLO County.

Counselor speaking with two students seated in a comfortable office setting.

Psychology

The M.S. in Polymers and Coatings Science allows students to gain a technical background in polymers and coatings science through lecture and laboratory courses. Students undertake a rigorous industrial internship that develops advanced skills through directed study in areas related to their internship work. The program is designed to prepare students for challenging careers in the polymers and coatings industry. The program also provides excellent background for doctoral studies in areas related to polymers and coatings science. This program is unique in California and relies on the close relationship between the department and the polymers and coatings industry for its success.

Students working together in a materials science lab analyzing equipment results.

Polymers and Coatings Science

Approximately one-third of the world&#8217;s food crops are destroyed each year by insects, rodents, disease and other pest organisms. Students in this specialization undertake the challenge of finding ways to reduce these losses. For students with undergraduate preparation in plant agriculture, plant science, biological sciences, and/or ecology. Current research is focused on pest biology, tritrophic interactions, invasive species, biological control and plant disease management. Projects provide the opportunity to conduct field and/or laboratory experiments with corporate stakeholders for career enhancement while also providing a deeper understanding of crop production principles, ecology, biotechnology, pesticide toxicology, and environmental science. Students develop more diverse or specialized skill sets for post-graduate employment and/or opportunity to obtain required coursework for state licensing via coursework and research. The PPS specialization requires a thesis.

Two researchers examining crops in a field with irrigation lines and hills in the background.

Plant Protection Science

Graduates are prepared for further education in dietetic internships, professional schools, allied health professions, or doctoral studies in a number of academic areas including nutritional science, education, community/international nutrition or public health nutrition. Students may select one of three emphasis areas: Molecular Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, or Health and Wellness. The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows students to work with faculty from several departments and to choose a Thesis research topic from a broad range of themes including human nutrition, animal nutrition, kinesiology, public health, business, or social sciences.

Individual undergoing metabolic testing while connected to monitoring equipment in a lab.

Nutrition

The M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Cal Poly is designed to prepare students to work in research or product design. With a base of knowledge in systems-level foundation, students can select an area of emphasis based on their specific area of technological interest including biomechanics, stress analysis, thermos-fluid sciences, and robotics. Students develop competency in advanced mathematics, formulate system level solutions to problems, and develop effective communication and project management skills. Career opportunities can be found in automotive, computers, electronics, aviation, defense, HVAC, petroleum, food production, space exploration, and wind energy.

Close-up of a robotic hand prototype being adjusted by a student.

Mechanical Engineering

Cal Poly&#8217;s M.S. in Mathematics immerses students in both pure and applied math. Faculty research interests include areas such as analysis of PDEs, ODEs and dynamical systems, climate and fluid modeling, discrete mathematics, topology, geometry, operator theory, abstract algebra, and mathematics education. Master&#8217;s degree recipients will find themselves with a rigorous background in mathematics and the ability to solve a variety of problems, both practical and theoretical. Graduates typically work in industry, teach at the community college level, or enroll in mathematics Ph.D. programs. Students have the opportunity to teach during most terms to help defray the cost of tuition and engage in paid summer research projects. Students must pass two qualifying exams in undergraduate algebra and analysis for which there is a support courses in the fall to help prepare students for these exams.

Mathematics

This degree will provide graduates with a solid foundation in irrigation theory and design, combined with a pragmatic approach to water management. Professors work closely with students to develop and complete an appropriate course of study. Graduates hold positions such as water conservation specialists, manufacturing representatives, farm managers, and irrigation system designers. The Cal Poly irrigation teaching program is widely recognized and respected throughout the agricultural community and irrigation industry worldwide.

Group of students examining large irrigation pipes and drainage systems at an outdoor site.

Irrigation

The M.S. in Industrial Engineering is designed to prepare students for a successful career in industry as well as the option to further their study at the doctoral level. Building on Cal Poly&#8217;s strength in Learn by Doing and project-based engineering education, students work closely with industry to solve real-world problems. Students sharpen both technical knowledge and non-technical skills like project management and communication which are key to success in any professional field.

Person in protective gear pouring molten metal from a crucible in a manufacturing lab.

Industrial Engineering

The M.A. in History is tailored to students who want to pursue careers in public history, education, museums, and local or state government. The 2-year program takes students deeper into particular cultures and eras while honing their skills in historical research and analysis. The program develops students&#8217; critical thinking and their understanding of the rich diversity of human experience. Graduate seminars include topics on American, European, Latin American, Asian, Middle Eastern and Comparative history. To finish their master&#8217;s degree at Cal Poly, students undertake either original historical research, by writing a thesis, or deepen their expertise in two historical fields of their choice, through the comprehensive exams option. Graduates find employment in secondary education, community college instruction, doctoral programs, public history and research positions in private companies.

Campus plaza at dusk featuring illuminated columns and a horse statue surrounded by palm trees.

History

The Master of Science in Higher Education Counseling / Student Affairs (HECSA) program prepares students for careers working as counselors and student affairs professionals in a variety of higher education and non-profit settings. The program meets student affairs competency standards created by the American College Personnel Association and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (ACPA &amp; NASPA, 2015). Completion of the degree also meets the educational requirements for those seeking positions as counselors in the California community college system.The HECSA program has no specific undergraduate major requirement but embraces students from a wide variety of educational and professional backgrounds. Students attending full-time complete the 72-unit program in two to three years. A major strength of the program is its extensive internship program, with opportunities throughout the program for &#8220;real world&#8221; work experience. The program enjoys a large and supportive network of alums employed in higher education and non-profit settings throughout California and the United States.&#8221;

Three professionals seated at a table in discussion with a laptop and notes in an office setting.

Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs

The M.S. in Food Science is designed to prepare individuals with advanced knowledge and skills in food science. Content knowledge includes expertise in food chemistry and food safety, as well as product and process development. The program prepares graduates for advancement, specialization, and leadership in food science careers and governmental agencies such as FDA or USDA. Within the program, students will be able to select one of several emphasis areas: Food Chemistry, Food Microbiology/Food Safety, Sensory/ Product Development, Sustainability, Dairy Food Science, and Meat Science. A unique feature of the program is a required course which focuses on sustainability in the food system. To our knowledge, this program is the only one in the nation where such a requirement has been implemented.

Scientist in lab coat and safety glasses placing sample containers into a laboratory centrifuge.

Food Science

The M.S. in Fire Protection Engineering is directed toward the identification, analysis and mitigation of fire hazards and risks across a broad spectrum of applications, including buildings, consumer products, industrial processes, transportation vehicles, infrastructure facilities and the wild land-urban interface. Students are taught to use the latest engineering and construction technologies to design systems that control fires, alert people to danger, and provide a means for escape. Students learn to evaluate buildings to identify fire risks and the means to prevent or mitigate them; conduct fire safety research on consumer products and construction materials; investigate fires to discover how fires start and spread; investigate why protective measures fail and how those measures could be designed more effectively.

Fire Protection Engineering

The M.S. in Environmental Sciences and Management degree is an interdisciplinary degree designed to provide core knowledge in research methods and planning, environmental science, and environmental management, while providing for sub-disciplinary environmental specialization through directed electives. Primary topics of sub-disciplinary studies are environmental management, forestry science, earth science, and soil science. The program prepares students for a broad range of careers in science, research, and environmental management. The program is open to students from any undergraduate major who have demonstrated high academic achievement. The program requires completion of a core curriculum (research skills, sciences, management) and directed electives for a total of 45 units. Students admitted to the program are expected to begin their studies in the fall term as a cohort, but students with prerequisite coursework deficiencies may be admitted in other terms.

Students and instructor conducting outdoor field research using monitoring equipment in a grassy landscape.

Environmental Sciences and Management

This specialization is intended for students with undergraduate preparation in horticulture and/or plant science. Current research is focused primarily on applied plant physiology, nursery and potted plant production, sustainable landscape development and maintenance, and integrated pest management. The EHS specialization requires a thesis.

Two researchers examine a large flowering plant inside a greenhouse, taking notes and measurements.

Environmental Horticultural Science

Students in the Master of Arts in English explore and research texts and their contexts, in intimate cohorts and with award-winning, nationally- and internationally-recognized faculty. Designed to provide a comprehensive experience of the field of English Studies, the M.A. offers courses in American, British, and World Anglophone literatures; literatures in translation; composition and rhetoric; technical and professional writing; linguistics; and literary theory and criticism. Students in their second year have the opportunity to teach first-year writing courses, and all students undertake a capstone &#8220;portfolio&#8221; project. Graduates are well prepared to either continue their studies at the Ph.D. level or enter a variety of career paths including creative writing, professional writing, professional editing, marketing, public relations, and education.

Open book with pages fanned out, symbolizing reading and literary study.

English

The M.S. in Engineering Management program is designed to inspire and educate a new generation of technical leaders with analytical knowledge, business insight, advanced communication and project management skills. The program equips students to design and implement data-driven, innovative, and effective solutions for improving processes and systems in industry and society. Emphasizing Learn-by-Doing and a project-based engineering education approach, students typically work closely with industry to solve real-world problems. Many recent graduates have landed positions in high-tech companies such as Cisco and Workday; aerospace industry leaders such as ViaSat, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Parker Aerospace; manufacturing companies such as Tesla Motors, Boston Scientific, and Johnson &amp; Johnson; and consulting companies such as Deloitte to design and improve business operations.

The M.S. in Electrical Engineering provides an opportunity for students to expand their expertise in these strategic areas: electric power systems, radio frequency and microwave design, signal processing, computational intelligence, and machine learning, and computer system on a chip design. The program provides job-entry education for the more complex areas of engineering, such as development, innovative design, systems analysis and design; updating and upgrading opportunities for practicing engineers; and graduate preparation for further studies at the doctoral level. It takes 45 units of study to complete the MS degree with the culminating experience being a thesis or a comprehensive exam.

Students use pliers and multimeters to test and assemble electronic components on a workbench.

Electrical Engineering

The M.S. in Educational Leadership and Administration prepares educational leaders who foster a norm of ethical behavior, moral integrity, and social responsibility in an interdependent and rapidly changing world. Leaders from many fields including K-12, higher education, sports administration, and nonprofit organizations will benefit from this fast and flexible program. It is instructed by faculty composed of scholar-practitioners who bring real- world experience and nationally recognized scholarship to the teaching and learning experience. The program emphasizes 1) applied theories of educational leadership, 2) mastery of practical skills required for effective leadership, and 3) competence in research methods necessary for understanding and assessing learning organizations. Designed to meet the needs of working professionals the program can be completed over an 11-month period.

Speaker presents on diversity and inclusion while holding a microphone during a campus leadership event.

Educational Leadership and Administration

This specialization is intended for students with an academic background in food science, nutrition, dairy science, microbiology, chemistry, engineering, or biochemistry. Students have the opportunity to work on research projects at the Cal Poly Dairy Products Technology Center and interact with multidisciplinary teams of scientists from around the world. Cal Poly has one of the most up-to-date dairy product technology training facilities at an academic institution in the United States.

Students wearing hairnets and gloves mix curds in a large stainless steel vat during a dairy processing lab.

Dairy Products Technology

The M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction program is designed to support school-based educators in developing advanced knowledge and skills with research-based practices necessary to promote PK-16 students&#8217; development of the multiple literacies needed to meet the demands of the 21st century. The program emphasizes the creation of a professional learning community with a common goal of advancing teaching practice to foster student learning. A culminating action research project involving the study of a problem of teaching practice is required. Hybrid and online course delivery are offered to accommodate the schedule of working professionals. Admission requires a teaching credential (by start of program) OR two years of PK-16 teaching experience along with access to an educational setting for conducting action research.

Teacher leans over a desk helping a student review a printed assignment in a classroom.

Curriculum and Instruction

This specialization is intended for students with undergraduate preparation in plant agriculture and/or plant science. Current research is focused primarily on applied fruit crop physiology, vegetable breeding and physiology, sustainable fruit and vegetable production, viticulture, plant pathology, integrated pest management and post-harvest technology including sustainable packaging    and packaging safety. The Crop Science specialization requires a thesis.

Students inspect rows of tomato plants growing in a greenhouse during a crop science lab.

Crop Science

The M.S. program in Computer Science offers students the opportunity to prepare for careers in several areas of emphasis including software engineering, computer architecture, programming languages, theory of computing, operating systems, database systems, distributed computing, computer networks, artificial intelligence, computer graphics, and human computer interaction. Applicants must have successfully completed introductory and upper-division Computer Science coursework in the amount equivalent to a Computer Science minor. The program is designed for maximum flexibility to allow students to concentrate in one or more areas of study.

Two students collaborate at a laptop with electronic components connected, testing a hardware interface.

Computer Science

The M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering provides students with additional education for more complex areas of engineering, such as research and development, innovative design, and systems analysis. The program provides a more advanced foundation in the engineering skills needed to plan, design, construct, and maintain infrastructure at municipal and industrial facilities. Students can also focus on the inter-relationship of people, materials, and processes in a complex and changing environment. Topics of study include air and water pollution prevention and control, alternative energy and climate solutions, hydraulic and hydrologic modeling, nanotechnology applications, risk and safety analyses, seismic behavior, structural analysis, and sustainable infrastructure.

Student uses a pipette to transfer liquid into a flask while an instructor observes in a laboratory setting.

Civil and Environmental Engineering

The Masters in City and Regional Planning is an applied, comprehensive, and professionally-based program that cultivates talent, leadership, innovation and action-oriented research in the place-making education of civic minded and diverse students. The program provides an applied, comprehensive, professional planning education with community, regional, and global awareness. The MCRP program is structured to meet the needs of those who have earned baccalaureate degrees in a variety of disciplines including, but not limited to, environmental studies, economics, business, geography, architecture, landscape architecture, civil engineering, political science, environmental or urban studies, natural resources management, and ecology. The program prepares planners to develop communities and regions that are socially, ecologically and economically sustainable.

City and Regional Planning

Business analytics is the application of data science to business decision-making. More than ever, organizations need data-savvy leaders with strategies and approaches informed by data. The M.S. in Business Analytics is an accelerated, interdisciplinary and industry-relevant program that teaches both the analytical mindset and the cutting-edge technical skills needed for success in today&#8217;s data analytics marketplace. The 10-month program offers students an incredible opportunity to advance their professional careers in the fast-growing data analytics field. This comprehensive program encompasses statistics, machine learning, econometrics, marketing analytics, and data management. Students also work collaboratively on real-world industry projects, providing them valuable experience working for a client in a team. The emphasis on advanced statistical modeling, data visualization and communication means that students learn to ask the right questions to create actionable intelligence.

Business Analytics

The Masters of Business Administration at the Cal Poly Orfalea College of Business produces business leaders who are equally adept at navigating the technical and the people aspects of business. In an intellectually stimulating and supportive environment, we foster thoughtful, independent and responsible leaders. The MBA program offers students a technically sound business foundation along with experiential learning, helping maximize skill development and individual potential. Employers recognize our graduates for their forward-looking managerial skillset coupled with a &#8216;can do&#8217; attitude. The professionalism and situational readiness emphasized in the program paves the way for a seamless transition from the world of Learn by Doing &#8211; Cal Poly&#8217;s signature teaching philosophy &#8211; to the world of doing business.

Two college students walk and talk on campus steps, carrying backpacks between classes.

Business Administration

Students in this specialization have the opportunity to focus their studies on the application of bio-resources and agricultural systems. Graduates are prepared to enter a career in production agriculture, consulting, regulatory compliance, equipment sales and technical support. Specific research topics include agricultural and food processing waste management, renewable energy, California production agriculture and food systems, precision agriculture, and automation and mechanization in agriculture. The multidisciplinary nature of these programs allows students to select electives in departments across the university with adviser approval.

Student drives a green tractor pulling agricultural equipment across a field in a bioresource and agricultural systems lab.

BioResource and Agricultural Systems

The M.S. in Biomedical Engineering is well-suited for those individuals who desire to explore the application of engineering to human health. It provides a rigorous, hands-on educational experience, providing graduates with a advanced education in engineering fundamentals coupled with applied human physiology. In addition to the M.S. in Biomedical Engineering degree, we also offer a unique, interdisciplinary Specialization in Regenerative Medicine. Both programs prepare graduates for the many diverse career opportunities that are part of the global health community, including biomechanics, bioinstrumentation, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and micro/nano-systems engineering, and diagnostics technologies.

Gloved hands operate a laboratory instrument dispensing liquid into a multi-well plate during a biomedical engineering experiment.

Biomedical Engineering

The M.S. in Biological Sciences is designed to strengthen the student&#8217;s academic understanding and improve competence for fields that require advanced training beyond the bachelor&#8217;s degree. This leads to careers in industry and/or civil service, teaching biological sciences at the elementary, secondary, and community college levels. Students who graduate with a master&#8217;s in Biological Sciences from Cal Poly often pursue graduate work at the doctoral level or obtain professional employment in one of the following fields: environmental consulting, teaching, research (e.g., lab manager, research specialist), biotechnology and related industries. The program also offers a unique, interdisciplinary specialization in regenerative medicine.

Students collect and examine marine organisms from ocean sampling equipment on a dockside lab table.

Biological Sciences

The Master of Science in Architectural Engineering is a two-year program for students with a bachelor of science in civil, architectural or structural engineering with an emphasis in structures. The program was developed for those individuals interested in strengthening their understanding of structural behavior, becoming more familiar with the relationship between structures, architecture, and construction, plus becoming familiar with current design and analysis trends in the structural engineering profession. The program is ideal for continuing engineering students and for individuals who have graduated and wish to re-enter academia after gaining valuable work experience.

Student observes a concrete cylinder being compressed in a materials testing machine during an engineering lab.

Architectural Engineering

Courses in animal husbandry date back to Cal Poly&#8217;s very first classes offered in 1903. Today, the specialization offers students the opportunity to apply the principles of animal biology, molecular biology and other life sciences to a variety of species including farm animals, exotic animals, laboratory animals, as well as their own pets. This degree provides students with an interdisciplinary, science-based curriculum, in which students develop basic scientific knowledge, apply that knowledge to a research project, then write and defend a thesis.

Students examine a mounted bovine skull model labeled with muscle groups during an animal science lab.

Animal Science

The Master of Agricultural Education program prepares candidates for positions as teachers of agricultural education in public schools, specifically high school agricultural educators. Students learn educational training for those seeking careers at community college, extension services and educational program coordinators. The degree is a non-thesis, terminal program that provides practitioners with opportunities for professional development. At least one year of successful high school or community college teaching is required for completion of this degree program.

Instructor works one-on-one with a middle school student at a classroom lab table reviewing a worksheet.

Agricultural Education

The M.S. in Aerospace Engineering promotes an understanding and mastery of core aerospace engineering knowledge, built on a foundation of advanced mathematics and science. Students develop technical skills that can be applied with an awareness of ethical responsibilities, societal benefits, and the advancement of modern technology. It prepares students for engineering work across the full spectrum of aerospace fields, including aircraft and spacecraft development, research, and operations.

Student pushes a small experimental aircraft with open canopy on a runway during a hands-on aerospace engineering lab.

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Fire Protection Engineering

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