what does cal poly consider an upper division course

by Buck Grant 6 min read

(Title 5, Sections 40500, 40501, 40505, 40507) A minimum of 60 units overall must be upper division (defined as any course completed by the student at the 300- or 400-level; this could include transfer work completed at the upper-division level at a four-year institution).

Minimum Number of Units
(Title 5, Sections 40500, 40501, 40505, 40507) A minimum of 60 units overall must be upper division (defined as any course completed by the student at the 300- or 400-level; this could include transfer work completed at the upper-division level at a four-year institution).

Full Answer

Why does Cal Poly have different requirements for different degrees?

Because Cal Poly degrees are always granted for the term in which requirements are completed, additional requirements may vary, depending on the amount of time elapsed and on the major field, in order to reconcile the curriculum of an older catalog with current trends in the academic discipline.

Do lower division classes count as prerequisites for upper division courses?

Lower division courses sometimes count as prerequisites for upper division classes. That means an undergraduate must take, and pass, a lower division class before enrolling in an upper division course.

Do I have to complete the GWR at Cal Poly?

All Cal Poly students who are seeking a degree, including Master's degrees and teaching credentials, must fulfill the GWR before a diploma can be awarded. Graduate and postbaccalaureate students must attempt to fulfill the GWR during their first quarter in residence at Cal Poly if they do not qualify for a GWR substitution.

What do I need to do to get into Cal Poly?

Students must demonstrate competency in writing skills (as described below). A senior project is required for all Cal Poly students (as described below). Extension credit or credit by examination may not be used to fulfill the residence requirements.

What is a C at Cal Poly?

Academic Grading Symbols EarnedSymbolDefinitionGrade Points Earned Per UnitBGood Attainment of Course Objectives3.0B-Good Attainment of Course Objectives2.7C+Acceptable Attainment of Course Objectives2.3CAcceptable Attainment of Course Objectives2.010 more rows

What is Cal Poly considered?

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (California Polytechnic State University, Cal Poly or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo,) is a public university in San Luis Obispo, California. It is the first of three polytechnics in the California State University system.

How many units of GE do you need to complete CPP?

A minimum of 16 units must be completed. See also the Interdisciplinary General Education Program (IGE) Section, which is the pattern recommended for students in Engineering and Architecture.

When should you complete your GE areas A2 and B4?

Every year, you must: Complete GE Areas A2 and B4 (appropriate to your major) by summer semester of your first year (if you're a part of the 4-Year California Promise).

Is Cal Poly d1?

Cal Poly Athletics is home to 21 NCAA Division I teams mainly within the Big West Conference and have captured almost 50 conference championships.

Does Cal Poly consider legacy?

Despite stories of generations of families being educated at Cal Poly, there is no legacy system at the university.

What classes qualify as critical thinking?

Critical Thinking courses promise to show their students how the disciplinary practices being introduced in that class use at least three of the following lenses: (1) reasoning, (2) representation, (3) cultural judgment, (4) information literacy, and (5) metacognitive reflection.

Who gets priority registration CPP?

To be eligible to receive priority registration, the student must be registered with the DRC and have a disability-related need which meets one or more of the following criteria: The student's approved accommodations require significant time for DRC to arrange (interpreting, alternate format conversion, etc.).

What are unrestricted electives CPP?

An unrestricted elective is permission granted by the university to take any class you want. It can broaden your college experience; e.g., a "fun" class.

How many units do you need in order to enroll in most upper division GE classes?

To be admitted to the California State University as an upper-division transfer (UDT) student, you must: have completed a minimum of 60 semester or 90 quarter units of transferable coursework; have an overall college GPA of at least 2.00; your GPA is calculated using all your transfer units attempted.

Can you pass a GE with AD?

Grading Standards in General Education (GE) A grade of "D" (1.0) or better is required to satisfy all other GE requirements. [A grade of "D minus" (0.7) or lower is not a passing grade.]

What are GE courses?

General Education courses are required classes taken by students enrolled in traditional four-year degree programs at accredited academic institutions. These courses focus on central ideas in Western societies, such as psychology, sociology, English literature and political science.

What are the elective upper division courses in political science?

For the elective upper-division courses, we combine two subfields to create three areas-of upper division credit: A) American institutions and processes, B) legal and theoretical foundations , and C) international and comparative politics.

How many units are required for Comparative Politics and International Relations?

This area, Comparative Politics and International Relations, is comprised of those two subfields. Students are required to take at least two courses (6 units) in this area. If students wish, they can choose to take some of their additional 6 units of elective credits in this area. Although not required, students should finish the corresponding core course before enrolling in the upper-division course.

How many units are required for legal and theoretical foundations?

This area, Legal and Theoretical Foundations, is comprised of two subfields, Public Law and Political Theory. Students are required to take at least two courses (6 units) in this area. If students wish, they can choose to take some of their additional 6 units of elective credits in this area. Although not required, students should finish the corresponding core course before enrolling in the upper-division course.

How many units are required for American Institutions and Processes?

This area, American Institutions and Processes, is comprised of two subfields, American Politics and Public Administration. Students are required to take at least two courses (6 units) in this area. If students wish, they can choose to take some of their additional 6 units of elective credits in this area. Although not required, students should finish the corresponding core course before enrolling in the upper-division course.

What is the other area in political science?

This area, called "other", is a list of additional classes that do not fit in the above three areas. After taking two courses in each of the above three areas (18 units), students are required to take an additional two courses (6 units) in any other upper-division political science course they have not yet taken. That includes all classes listed above, but also these courses:

Should I take the upper-division courses in a specific order?

We recommend that before enrolling in an upper-division course, students complete the corresponding core/lower-division course. Consult the Road Map for more information about the order in which you should take these classes.

How many graduation requirements are there at Cal Poly?

General Graduation Requirements. There are eight general requirements which all students must meet in order to earn the bachelor's degree from Cal Poly and participate in commencement. The more students understand their progress toward meeting these requirements and relate them to the many programs available, the better the chance ...

What grade do you need to pass a GWR class?

Pass a GWR-certified course with a grade of C or better (C- or below does not qualify). The course may be taken on a credit/no credit basis, but the student must earn a minimum grade of C in order to satisfy the GWR component of the class. Available sections of GWR-certified courses are searchable in the class schedule.

What is the GWR requirement?

The Graduation Writing Requirement (GWR) is a CSU Board of Trustees mandate designed to ensure that students can write proficiently before they enter the professional workforce. All Cal Poly students who are seeking a degree, including Master's degrees and teaching credentials, must fulfill the GWR before a diploma can be awarded.

What does "completed all degree requirements" mean?

Completed all degree requirements and have not participated in a previous commencement ceremony; Be currently enrolled in classes that will complete all of that student's degree requirements; or, Be registered for classes for the following term that will allow the student to complete all of their degree requirements.

How many quarter units of extension credit are required for a bachelor's degree?

Extension credit or credit by examination may not be used to fulfill the residence requirements. However, a maximum of 36 quarter units of extension credit may be counted toward the bachelor's degree. Disciplinary Condition.

Should students plan their degree programs carefully and review them frequently with their advisors?

Students should plan their degree programs carefully and review them frequently with their advisors. Students are strongly encouraged to access their Degree Progress Report frequently, including after they register each quarter, to verify that courses in which they enrolled are fulfilling requirements as expected.

What is Area D?

Area D provides students with an understanding of how social, political, and economic institutions and behaviors are historically and inextricably interwoven. Students learn, via social scientific inquiry, how the human experience is shaped by broad societal and cultural traditions and structures as well as by individual factors. Courses in this area also emphasize writing as an integral part of the process of learning and discovery. Courses that emphasize skills development and professional preparation are excluded from Area D. Lower-division courses provide a broad foundation for in depth experiences in upper-division courses.

What are the prerequisites for CR1?

CR1 Enrollment prerequisites list completion of Areas A1 Oral Communication, A2 Written Communication, and A3 Critical Thinking, and B4 Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning as pursuant to EO1100 Revised (s ection 2.2.3) and a Lower-Division D course ; some courses will require additional pre-requisites as course content dictates;

What percentage of grade do you need for CR8?

CR8 Require disciplinary appropriate writing assignments that comprise at least 10% of overall course grade.

What is general education?

The General Education (GE) program is compliant with CSU requirements and is uniquely tailored to our comprehensive polytechnic education. At Cal Poly all curriculum, including General Education curriculum, is designed and taught by faculty with appropriate training and disciplinary expertise. Educational objectives are expectations for student learning, achievement of which can be periodically assessed. Course criteria are expectations for course design that will be used in the consideration of the course proposal, course modifications, and course renewal. Educational objectives and course criteria for General Education subject areas are included below. General Education class instruction includes the opportunity for skill acquisition, development, evaluation, and self-reflection.

What is EO2 in social studies?

EO2 Describe how groups and individuals develop social, economic, political, and legal institutions and relationships that are important for themselves as individuals and the welfare of their communities;

What is art in Cal Poly?

Consistent with the EO 1100-R and Cal Poly's current General Education program, "arts" in the GE program means architecture, cinema, dance, music, theater, visual arts, and related fields.

What percentage of grade do you need for CR5?

CR5 Require disciplinary appropriate writing assignments that comprise at least 10% of overall course grade.

What is an EO1?

EO1 Describe key aesthetic developments in the arts, including formal, material, and/or technical innovations as well as contributions made by individuals from diverse and/or underrepresented groups¹ ;

What is general education?

The General Education (GE) program is compliant with CSU requirements and is uniquely tailored to our comprehensive polytechnic education. At Cal Poly all curriculum, including General Education curriculum, is designed and taught by faculty with appropriate training and disciplinary expertise. Educational objectives are expectations for student learning, achievement of which can be periodically assessed. Course criteria are expectations for course design that will be used in the consideration of the course proposal, course modifications, and course renewal. Educational objectives and course criteria for General Education subject areas are included below. General Education class instruction includes the opportunity for skill acquisition, development, evaluation, and self-reflection.

What are the prerequisites for CR1?

CR1 Enrollment prerequisites list completion of Areas A1 Oral Communication, A2 Written Communication, and A3 Critical Thinking, and B4 Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning as pursuant to EO 1100 Revised (section 2.2.3) and C1 or C2; some courses will require additional pre-requisites as course content dictates;

How many sets of guidelines are there in C2?

Please note: There are three separate sets of guidelines in C2.

What is Area C?

In Area C students explore the human condition as expressed in literature, philosophy, and the arts. Courses in this area expose students to broad achievements in the arts and humanities that changed and/or continue to change how we understand ourselves emotionally, intellectually, and culturally. These courses seek to improve and encourage students' ability to read with critical judgment and write with clarity. These courses emphasize writing as an integral part of the process of learning and discovery. They also cultivate an awareness of language and the arts as forms of expression valuable both in themselves and for developing critical awareness. By placing basic knowledge in a larger context, these courses provide a vision of why the arts and humanities are important to well-rounded university graduates. Lower-division courses provide a broad foundation for in depth experiences in upper-division courses. Activities in Area C1 may include participation in individual aesthetic, creative experiences; however, courses that primarily emphasize skills development and/or professional preparation are excluded from Area C. Students may take courses in languages other than English in partial fulfillment of the Area C requirement if the courses do not focus primarily on skills acquisition but also contain a substantial cultural component. This may include literature among other content.

How many majors does Cal Poly offer?

Cal Poly’s six academic colleges offer more than 60 majors for you to consider. By choosing your major when you apply, you will maximize your experience in your chosen field and make sure you are career ready on Day One.

What is the undergraduate experience at Cal Poly?

The undergraduate experience at Cal Poly is different than most other universities. Undergraduates are our main focus and have the same opportunities graduate students do elsewhere, including participating in research, publishing papers, working with industry and more. Our Learn by Doing philosophy helps you experience education on a whole new level. And that is valuable.

What is a blended degree?

Blended Degree Programs. Blended programs (often referred to as 4+1 programs) allow you to obtain bachelor's and master's degrees at the same time. This can help you get an early start on the master's portion of your education, reduce your costs to complete your degrees and graduate at a faster pace.

What is the honors program?

The Honors Program allows you to participate in projects and activities that enhance your academic and leadership skills. It provides you access to honors classes and reserved housing and studying spaces, as well as receive recognition upon graduation.

Why do colleges divide classes into upper and lower divisions?

Colleges divide classes into upper and lower divisions for a reason. The class level indicates which students should enroll and the course expectations. Undergraduates who pay attention to the class level can set themselves up for success.

What Are Lower-Division Courses?

Lower-division courses introduce students to an academic discipline. They provide an overview of foundational theories, concepts, and methods.

What classes do undergraduates take?

Undergraduates typically take upper-division classes within their major. Depending on the discipline, majors may need to take a particular sequence of upper-division courses to complete departmental requirements.

What do students gain from lower division classes?

Students gain knowledge and academic skills in lower-division courses that prepare them for upper-division classes. After building core skills in a discipline, undergraduates move into higher-level courses.

What is the lower division of general education?

These courses, such as English 101, introduce learners to college-level study in diverse fields like the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Taking a variety of lower-division gen ed courses can help first-year and second-year students choose a major.

How many years of history is 101?

For example, a 100-level history class might cover several centuries or even millennia. History 101 at the University of Louisville covers a minimum of 1,000 years of history. When I taught the course, my syllabus guided students from 3000 BCE through 1500 CE.

What divisions do colleges divide their classes into?

Some colleges divide their course catalogues into upper- and lower-division classes.

What Classes Do I Need to take?

  • Students should aim to take 8 upper-division courses (24 units) in the department. Six of these courses (18 units) are required to come from the three areas: A) American institutions and processes, B) legal and theoretical foundations, and C) international and comparative politics. Students are required to take at least 2 courses in each of these t...
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Should I Take The Upper-Division Courses in A Specific Order?

  • Freshman. You should plan on taking upper-division courses beginning in Year 3 and through Year 4. We recommend that before enrolling in an upper-division course, students complete the corresponding core/lower-division course. Consult the Road Map for more information about the order in which you should take these classes. Transfer. You should plan on taking upper-divisio…
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A) American Institutions and Processes

  • This area, American Institutions and Processes, is comprised of two subfields, American Politics and Public Administration. Students are required to take at least two courses (6 units) in this area. If students wish, they can choose to take some of their additional 6 units of elective credits in this area. Although not required, students should finish the corresponding core course before enrolli…
See more on cpp.edu

B) Legal and Theoretical Foundations

  • This area, Legal and Theoretical Foundations, is comprised of two subfields, Public Law and Political Theory. Students are required to take at least two courses (6 units) in this area. If students wish, they can choose to take some of their additional 6 units of elective credits in this area. Although not required, students should finish the corresponding core course before enrolli…
See more on cpp.edu

C) Comparative Politics and International Relations

  • This area, Comparative Politics and International Relations, is comprised of those two subfields. Students are required to take at least two courses (6 units) in this area. If students wish, they can choose to take some of their additional 6 units of elective credits in this area. Although not required, students should finish the corresponding core course before enrolling in the upper-divi…
See more on cpp.edu

International Relations

  • Faculty: Dr. Mary Anne Mendoza, Dr. Robert Nyenhuis, Dr. Marc Scarcelli Core Course: PLS 2030 - Introduction to International Relations (3) 1. PLS 3521 - US Foreign Policy (3) 2. PLS 3541 - International Political Economy (3) 3. PLS 3551 - International Conflict, War & Peace (3) 4. PLS 3561 - International Law (3) 5. PLS 4531 - Terrorism (3) 6. PLS 4541 - Transnational Crime (3)
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D) Other Political Science Courses

  • This area, called "other", is a list of additional classes that do not fit in the above three areas. After taking two courses in each of the above three areas (18 units), students are required to take an additional two courses (6 units) in any other upper-division political science course they have not yet taken. That includes all classes listed above, but also these courses: 1. PLS 3080/A - Mock T…
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General Graduation Requirements

  • There are eight general requirements which all students must meet in order to earn the bachelor's degree from Cal Poly and participate in commencement. The more students understand their progress toward meeting these requirements and relate them to the many programs available, the better the chance of creating an exciting educational experience and...
See more on catalog.calpoly.edu

Minimum Requirements For Graduation

  1. Minimum Number of Units Baccalaureate degree programs ........... Minimum 180 units Individual baccalaureate degree programs may require more than 180 units. (Title 5, Sections 40500, 40501, 40505,...
  2. Grade Point Average (GPA) Students must earn at least a 2.000 GPA in all three of the following: 1) all Higher Education units earned (all college-level work), 2) Cal Poly cumulative …
  1. Minimum Number of Units Baccalaureate degree programs ........... Minimum 180 units Individual baccalaureate degree programs may require more than 180 units. (Title 5, Sections 40500, 40501, 40505,...
  2. Grade Point Average (GPA) Students must earn at least a 2.000 GPA in all three of the following: 1) all Higher Education units earned (all college-level work), 2) Cal Poly cumulative units earned,...
  3. U. S. Cultural Pluralism (USCP) Requirement Students must complete the USCP requirement. See the separate section on USCP.
  4. General Education (GE) Requirements Students must complete the GE requirements as indicated in the degree program and shown in the GE section of this catalog. A CSU-mandate…

Final Degree Conferral

  • When undergraduate students reach 72% or more of degree completion, as indicated on their Academic Progress Gauge on Poly Profile, the Office of the Registrar will assign an expected graduation term for them that is a full four years after their initial admit term, or one year away, whichever is greater. Transfer students will be given an expected graduation term that is three y…
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Commencement

  • The Commencement Officeprovides graduates and guests with a memorable and meaningful graduation experience that symbolizes the culmination of their academic achievements. Commencement ceremonies are coordinated in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and the university’s Commencement Operations and Policy Committees, whi…
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Graduation Writing Requirement

  • The Graduation Writing Requirement (GWR) is a CSU Board of Trustees mandate designed to ensure that students can write proficiently before they enter the professional workforce. All Cal Poly students who are seeking a degree, including Master's degrees and teaching credentials, must fulfill the GWR before a diploma can be awarded. 1. Graduate and postbaccalaureate stud…
See more on catalog.calpoly.edu

Senior Project

  • All Cal Poly undergraduate students shall complete a senior project as part of their baccalaureate degree program requirements. Definition: A capstone experience is a high-impact educational practice in which students (a) integrate and evaluate the knowledge and skills gained in both the General Education (GE) and major curricula and (b) demonstrate career or postgraduate readine…
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