
As you consider Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's College of Architecture and Environmental Design, you're likely thinking about the hands-on learning experience that will prepare you for a career in this field.
The college is known for its emphasis on project-based learning, where students work on real-world projects from the start of their freshman year.
This approach allows students to apply theoretical concepts to practical problems, developing problem-solving skills and creativity.
By the time you graduate, you'll have completed multiple projects that showcase your skills to potential employers.
The college also offers a range of programs, including architecture, landscape architecture, and environmental design, so you can choose the path that best fits your interests and goals.
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College Information
The College of Architecture and Environmental Design at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a unique blend of five built-environment professional majors.
These five departments - Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Building Construction Management, Environmental Design, and Architectural Engineering - are clustered together to create a rich learning experience for students.
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By sharing educational experiences and studio projects, students can gain direct experience with other fields and understand how their future profession integrates into the larger world of environmental design.
Our programs have high rankings, and major employers hail our graduates as among the best in the nation, citing that they are ready to take on challenges immediately and promote to leadership positions quickly.
Students take classes with other majors and receive instruction in other departments, fostering connections with the arts and sciences, humanities, and polytechnic professions.
We strive to prepare all our majors to work globally on innovative teams at the leading edge in creating sustainable and meaningful places.
Our majors are built around educational experiences heavily focused on using rigorous, time-intensive design studios and project labs, which are bolstered by a core component of course knowledge in the materials, technology, and contemporary challenges of the built environment professions.
You can select one first choice major on your application to Cal Poly, and if your interests span more than one major in the college, you also have the option to identify a second choice major.
We encourage you to compare us to other leading universities to understand better what we offer, and if you commit to a professional undergraduate degree with us, you will earn a degree that enables you to become a professional in your field without attending graduate school.
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Academic Programs
The College of Architecture and Environmental Design at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo offers a wide range of academic programs to suit different interests and career goals.
The CAED offers two Master's Degree Programs: the MS Architectural Engineering and the Master of City and Regional Planning. The MS Architectural Engineering program is a two-year program that focuses on strengthening students' understanding of structural behavior and current design trends in the structural engineering profession.
Students can choose from eight minors to complement their undergraduate major, including Architectural Engineering, Architecture, City and Regional Planning, Construction Management, and more.
The four-year Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degree program provides students with practical knowledge and skills to work in the construction industry, covering topics such as construction methods and procedures, construction cost estimating, and project management.
Here are some of the minors offered by the CAED:
- Architectural Engineering Minor
- Architecture Minor
- City and Regional Planning Minor
- Construction Management Minor
- Cross Disciplinary Studies in Heavy Civil Minor
- Landscape Architecture Minor
- Real Property Development Minor
- Sustainable Environments Minor
To learn more about each minor and apply, please visit the CAED Minors page.
Departments
The College of Architecture and Environmental Design at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is comprised of five built-environment professional majors that are not found in the same college anywhere else in the United States.
Our departments include Architectural Engineering, City & Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, Real Property Development, and Sustainable Environments. These five departments constitute the disciplines that affect the quality of our built environment.
Here are the brief descriptions of our departments:
- Architectural Engineering - Prepares students for a professional career in the structural design of buildings.
- City & Regional Planning - Prepares students for professional practice as community planners or private consultants.
- Landscape Architecture - Prepares students for professional careers dedicated to planning, designing, and managing landscapes.
- Real Property Development - [No description provided]
- Sustainable Environments - [No description provided]
Our departments are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for a career in their chosen field.
Faculty
Our faculty is made up of talented individuals with diverse backgrounds in design, planning, and construction.
They bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the classroom, which is essential for helping students tackle real-world challenges.
With a low student-to-professor ratio, students get the individual attention they need to succeed.
The faculty is supported by high-quality technological and support facilities, making it easier for them to focus on teaching and mentoring.
This setup allows students to focus on learning and growing, without being bogged down by outdated technology or inadequate resources.
Diversity Equity & Inclusion
The CAED is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
You can learn more about the CAED's Diversity Plan and Overview to see the specific steps they're taking to achieve this goal.
The CAED encourages students to get involved and support Learn by Doing, which is a hands-on approach to education that helps students develop practical skills.
By learning more about the CAED's Diversity Plan and Overview, you can gain a deeper understanding of their approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Departments
The College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED) at Cal Poly is comprised of five built-environment professional majors that are unique to the college.
Each of these majors prepares students for a specific career path, such as architectural engineering, landscape architecture, or city and regional planning.
The five departments that make up the CAED are Architectural Engineering, Landscape Architecture, City and Regional Planning, Architectural Engineering, and Construction Management.
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These departments offer a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including the Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, and Master of City and Regional Planning degrees.
The CAED is known for its hands-on approach to learning, with design studios and project labs playing a central role in the educational experience.
The college's faculty bring diverse professional and academic backgrounds to the classroom, providing students with a well-rounded education.
Here are the five departments that make up the CAED:
- Architectural Engineering
- Landscape Architecture
- City and Regional Planning
- Construction Management
- Real Property Development
- Sustainable Environments
Each of these departments offers a unique set of courses and experiences that prepare students for a career in their chosen field.
The CAED is committed to providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for success in their chosen profession.
Giving and Support
If you're looking to support the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo College of Architecture and Environmental Design, you can learn how to give to the CAED.
Supporting the CAED can be a great way to give back to the community and help students achieve their goals.
To get started, you can learn how to support Learn by Doing at the CAED.
Master's Programs
The College of Architecture and Environmental Design at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo offers two Master's Degree Programs.
The Master of Science in Architectural Engineering is a two-year program designed for students with a background in civil, architectural, or structural engineering.
This program is ideal for continuing engineering students and individuals who have graduated and wish to re-enter academia after gaining valuable work experience.
The Blended Program allows students to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering and a Master of Science in Architectural Engineering simultaneously.
The Master of City and Regional Planning program is another option available to students.
The program is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of city and regional planning principles and practices.
To learn more about these programs and how to apply, please visit the CAED website.
Here are the Master's Degree Programs offered by the College of Architecture and Environmental Design:
- MS Architectural Engineering
- Master of City and Regional Planning
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is it to get into Cal Poly SLO for Architecture?
Getting into Cal Poly SLO's Architecture program is highly competitive, with an estimated 25% admit rate for 2022. Admission is considered tough, but with a strong application, you may have a chance to join this top 10 program.
What is Cal Poly Architecture school ranked?
Cal Poly's architecture program is ranked No. 1 nationally, according to a top-ranked architecture and design schools survey. Discover why Cal Poly's architecture program stands out as a leader in the field.
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