Cal Poly Pomona - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

The most important thing to be aware of is that Cal Poly is on 10-week quarters. To be considered full-time, you must take at least 12 units, which is typically around three classes. However, most students take 14 units on average. But if it’s your first time attending a school on the quarter system, you should start off with 12 units until you adjust, because 10 weeks fly by! Before you acclimate to your quarter, though, you have to register first. Registration at Cal Poly has gotten easier over the years. The University has finally gotten BroncoDirect going—this is an online system with information on everything from your current classes to your progress on your degree. Most general education classes range from 30 to 50 people, with the exception of those held in the lecture halls, which can hold a couple hundred (but this is rare). Once you get your classes, don’t be surprised if you are taking a communications class and it says you have an “activity” alongside with a class. Cal Poly definitely lives up to its motto of “learning by doing.” No matter what major you are in, you will almost always have some sort of a lab with your classes. Common words for “labs” are also “activities” and “studio time.” These classes have pros and cons: the pro is that you get actual experience instead of listening to a lecture the entire time; the con is that it’s another class that you have to cram into your already crazy schedule!

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Students Speak Out

bmhubler says: Cal Poly Pomona 2012 Other

Overcrowded major and there are not enough teachers C+ I attend CPP because of the PreVet option, it is an overcrowded major and there are not enough teachers. Half the time its insanity trying to get the classes you absolutely need. 12345 Academics: February 03, 2010 Report

bro says: Cal Poly Pomona 2011 Engineering

Major at School C+ The opportunities for internships/jobs is great. The engineering department has an annual job fair that give us the chance to talk to companies. I'm not that big of a fan of the workload and the program. The classes are hard to get and there are so many prerequisites that not getting classes pushes back your graduation date. Even though I don't like the workload it is worth it in the end after graduating and getting a job. 12345 Academics: January 28, 2010 Report

engineerjh7 says: Cal Poly Pomona 2011 Math and Statistics

Teachers Are Lazy C My finance teacher told me that the best teacher is myself! 12345 Academics: January 07, 2010 Report

bharper says: Cal Poly Pomona 2010 Communication and Journalism

Communication, Public Relations B+ Some professors really know what they are talking about and have the experience to back it. Most of the work in done in class except in the writing based classes such as Reporting, Magazine Journalism, Communication Research which involve a lot of outside work. The Communication department is small in comparison to other departments on campus, however this works well to your benefit because you develope a better relationship with the professors, staff, and students. 12345 Academics: January 07, 2010 Report

cmwalsh says: Cal Poly Pomona 2012 Other

Registration Process C+ When I was a freshman the registration process did not seem too difficult, however now seeing how important it is that you take certain classes during certain quarters to stay on a 4 year plan, registration becomes very frustrating when there are not enough classes offered and bronco direct does not work. 12345 Academics: December 08, 2009 Report

Facts

Did You Know?

The Collins School of Hospitality Management is one of the top-ranking hospitality programs in the nation.

One of every five people that passes the California Architecture Registration Exam to become a licensed architect is a graduate from Cal Poly Pomona.

Cal Poly has a motto of “learning by doing.” Many of your classes, science or not, will have labs and activities attached to them so that you can get a hands-on learning experience.

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Kyleena Harper
Hometown: Sierra Madre, CA
Major: English

Fun Fact: I'm a competitive Highland Dancer and member of Sigma Kappa sorority :)

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