What Makes Us Different?

Our hands-on, learn by doing model

Cal Poly's College of Engineering is world-renown and a major provider of engineers and leaders for our national economy. Our "learn by doing," polytechnic program emphasizes a hands-on education, which has proven extremely successful in producing engineers for industry and graduate degree programs.

Cal Poly College of Engineering is different

  • Students are immersed in engineering when they arrive on campus.
  • There are more that 80 labs supporting undergraduate engineering education.
  • Many students participate in cooperative work and summer intern experiences
  • Industry representatives - often alumni - engage students in "real world" projects.
  • Students are required to complete a capstone senior project.

The result of the Cal Poly "difference"?

Employers and industry agree: College of Engineering graduates are better prepared for the workforce and for leadership in technology and business because of their hands-on experience and their ability to work collaboratively in teams and across disciplines.

Picture of Daniel  Wesonga
Daniel
Wesonga
Electrical Engineering
2006
“We took 18 club members to the Society of Black Engineers & Scientists convention in Pittsburgh, which was very inspiring.

It was the "Learn by Doing" mantra that first attracted me to Cal Poly. The Multicultural Engineering Program scholarship allowed me to focus on my studies. It also allowed me the time to be president of the Society of Black Engineers & Scientists. The support of companies that fund scholarships is vital and is, of course, very much appreciated.