Learn by Doing — putting knowledge into action— is everything at Cal Poly. We did it first, and we do it best. Since 1901, it has been at the center of what our students experience here, and it's what they say makes their time at Cal Poly so valuable.
Learn by Doing sets us apart from other colleges and universities. In classes, projects, labs and other academic pursuits, you'll actively engage through hands-on, real-world experiences building both your knowledge and your skill and transforming you into a proactive, whole-systems thinker. Learn by Doing readies students to make an immediate impact in their careers. From day one on campus, you play an active role in helping to answer humanity’s most enduring questions and solve California’s — and the world’s — most pressing challenges. Student and faculty researchers collaborate with local stakeholders on climate-smart solutions to support a strong and sustainable “blue economy” in California. Close to 50 students worked on ExoCube 2, our 12th CubeSat, which rocketed to space aboard Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne. Cal Poly co-developed the first CubeSat in 1999. A former student’s senior project to treat postpartum hemorrhaging — the world’s leading direct cause of maternal death —receives clearance by the Food and Drug Administration. Exploring every angle is essential to who we are. That applies not only to your classwork, but also to the perspectives of people we meet and the activities we do. We want to give you the opportunity to explore this diverse world, embrace new ideas, make new friends and discover new interests. Along with becoming a part of an active and supportive community, living on campus will give you easy access to all of the delicious options in our brand-new dining complex. You have passions that fuel and enhance your life. We have over 400 student clubs and organizations to help you indulge them. From competitive sports to our world-class rec center to access to the great outdoors, there are many opportunities to play as hard as you work. The world is diverse. We want to make sure our campus reflects that and is a safe space for you to be yourself and connect with others. All the hands-on opportunities you’ll have throughout your years at Cal Poly will add up to a level of experience that will be unmatched by your peers — and in high demand by employers. Learn by Doing makes sure that when you graduate, you’ll be a resourceful and innovative professional, prepared to take the lead in discovering solutions yourself. I thought that Learn by Doing was merely a catchy motto. I learned that it is what sets our students apart. Cal Poly helped me learn to network, build relationships and effectively communicate. After my second year, I became a Global Security intern for Tesla and after my third year, a Finance intern at Apple. These opportunities presented themselves because of the relationships and skills Learn by Doing taught me. Here are a few places to explore next. 1
In-person or Online Here are many ways to explore our campus and a bit about where you can expect your journey to lead. 2
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The application for the 2024-2025 school year is open. Choose your status and learn more about what it takes to become a Mustang.Get to Know Us
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