Academic Programs

Extended, Professional and Continuing Education (EPaCE) Academic Programs and Offerings

Whether you are considering an advanced degree or need to pick up a class to complete course requirements for your baccalaureate, we have options for you. Perhaps you would like to take an academic evening class at Cal Poly or explore a new field.

You can take Cal Poly classes as a non-matriculated student through Open University.

Summer Term

There are many academic classes available during term to returning Cal Poly students

Learn More about Cal Poly Summer

AgEd Intersession

Cal Poly offers graduate-level courses in Agricultural Education for students during this short intersession period.

View AgEd Late Spring

Agriculture Internships

A number of internships are typically available during summer.

View Agriculture Internship Opportunities

Fire Protection Engineering (FPE)

Fire protection engineers use science and technology to protect people, property and businesses from destructive fires. They analyze how buildings are used, how fires start, how fires grow, and how fire and smoke affects people, buildings and property.

Fire Protection Engineering

Forest Stewardship Internship

Study the methods of resource conservation applied through sustainable management techniques at the Swanton Pacific Ranch.

Learn More about Forest Stewardship Internship

MS Business Analytics

The M.S. in Business Analytics (MSBA) at the Orfalea College of Business is a comprehensive, 10-month interdisciplinary business degree program that encompasses economics, finance, statistics, marketing, and information systems. With particular emphasis on advanced statistical modeling, data visualization and communication, students will be equipped to harness the power of data, by asking the right questions for the analysis and creating actionable intelligence.

MS Business Analytics

MS Quantitative Economics

The M.S. Quantitative Economics program is a full time 45-unit program in San Luis Obispo, CA that is typically completed in 10 months. Upon completion of the degree, students will have a solid foundation in econometrics and applied microeconomics and will be well prepared for jobs in the private or public sector involving data analysis, economic modeling, or the use of quantitative methods in general.

MS Quantitative Economics

MS Taxation

The Master of Science in Taxation (MS Tax) at Cal Poly is a rigorous 10-month program that prepares graduates for careers in public accounting, industry and government. Classes are full-time and held on campus. Having a master’s degree is an absolute must for anyone seriously considering a successful career in the highly technical area of taxation.

MS Taxation

Open University

Open University provides access to any Cal Poly academic class on a space available basis to members of the community or former students in pursuit of reinstatement to Cal Poly. Through Open University access, professionals can upskill, reskill or explore a new field. Students attending other colleges may take Cal Poly classes through Open University.

Learn More about Open University

Quarter Plus

This four-week program includes enrollment in 8 units of academic coursework, social activities and the opportunity to become familiar with campus life. This accelerated program is designed for incoming first year students to help transition them to Cal Poly before the start of fall quarter.

Learn More about Quarter Plus

Summer Springboard

Summer Springboard at Cal Poly is the perfect way for high school students to immerse themselves in a subject and experience what life would be like as a Cal Poly student. Students will stay in quintessential dormitories on campus and take courses from active Cal Poly professors within the College of Liberal Arts, all while being immersed in Cal Poly's Learn by Doing philosophy. Join us for a truly unique and immersive experience.

Learn More about Summer Springboard

Special Session

Cal Poly’s EPaCE Special Session programs expand the opportunities for students in and outside of the CSU. Educational programs and workshops are available to fulfill credit, and are available during the summer.

View Special Session Opportunities

Ethnic Studies in Hawaiʻi

The Ethnic Studies in Hawaiʻi course will challenge students to re-think popular ideas about the Hawaiian Islands through a consideration of how the colonial circumstances in Hawaiʻi shape the experiences of Native Hawaiians and the diverse communities that live there today.

Learn More About Ethnic Studies in Hawai‘i