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Earn a Cal Poly Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies – Right Here at Cuesta College

Cuesta College and Cal Poly partner to offer a flexible pathway to a Cal Poly bachelor’s degree in liberal studies—so you can stay on the Central Coast.

Designed for working adults, this program supports future educators with a clear path to a teaching credential.

Why Choose Liberal Studies?

Liberal studies is Cal Poly’s undergraduate teacher preparation program, designed for students pursuing careers in K–8 education.

Students earn a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly, building a strong foundation for a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a future in the classroom.

More info about Cal Poly Liberal Studies »

Which Path Is Right for You?

Cal Poly Bachelor’s Pathway Program

Complete your Cal Poly liberal studies degree through a flexible pathway with courses offered locally at Cuesta College, as well as online and in hybrid formats. This option is designed for working professionals in education-related fields.

Choose your pace:

  • 4 classes per term: finish in 2 years
  • 3 classes per term: finish in 3 years
  • 2 classes per term: finish in 4 years

Evening and online options support working students.

Traditional Transfer Path

Complete your Cal Poly liberal studies degree on the Cal Poly campus, with access to a broader range of courses and a more traditional university experience. Students can choose an area of concentration to support their career goals.

Getting Started on Either Path is Easy!

Make sure you are on track to satisfy Cal Poly transfer criteria for Liberal Studies.

Interested students should reach out to their college advising center to ensure they are on track to meet Cal Poly's transfer criteria for Liberal Studies. 

Cuesta College Transfer Center
Phone: (805) 546-3162
transfer@cuesta.edu

Transfer criteria for both transfer pathways are posted here: calpoly.edu/admissions/liberal-studies

Once you have begun your second year, apply to transfer to Liberal Studies either following:

  • The Cal Poly Bachelor's Pathway Program on the Cuesta College San Luis Obispo Campus
    -OR-  
  • The Traditional Transfer Path through Cal Poly

All prospective and conditionally admitted transfer students should direct questions to admissions@calpoly.edu.

Cal Poly Transfer-Student Resources » 

Learn more about how to apply »

Both pathways are Cal Poly Degrees. Find out more about Cal Poly program costs.

Application Questions
Cal Poly Admissions
Phone: (805) 756-2311
admissions@calpoly.edu

Take two years of Cal Poly Liberal Studies courses on either the Cal Poly campus or the Cuesta College campus depending on your chosen path.

Programs comparable to an Elementary Teacher Education Associate's Degree for Transfer or the Cuesta College Elementary Education: Child Development Emphasis Associate's Degree (PK-6) are well aligned with the courses required in this degree program.

Information about Associate’s Degree for Transfer in Elementary Teacher Education and Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education: Child Development Emphasis (PK-6) is available here. It is possible to enter the program without all of these courses, but you will need to complete missing courses.

Apply for financial aid at Cal Poly or contact the financial aid department with questions.

Graduate with a Cal Poly Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Studies

Liberal Studies provides the educational experience and preparation ideal for developing outstanding elementary teachers. The program prepares you to teach all seven content areas: language arts, mathematics, science, history and social sciences, visual and performing arts, health and physical education, and human development – with skill and confidence. You will graduate with a bachelor of science degree putting you on track to a multiple subject teaching credential.

Students in the Cal Poly Bachelor's Pathway Program with sufficient coursework in child development, may also qualify for a PK-3 credential.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Students choosing either transfer path should apply for financial aid. What a student receives depends on their individual circumstances.

Opportunities for additional financial support for Cal Poly and Cuesta College pathway students who are currently employed by school districts overseen by the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education may be available (more information coming soon).

Find out more about Cal Poly program costs here Cal Poly Costs.

Transfer criteria for both transfer pathways are posted here on the Cal Poly Liberal Studies Admissions site.

If you are choosing the Cal Poly and Cuesta College Pathway Program, we strongly recommend that you enter this path having completed the following courses or their equivalents.

The Cuesta College Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education: Child Development Emphasis (PK-6) has been developed to help make your application competitive by aligning with and increase the likelihood that you will be able to graduate in two years on the Cal Poly and Cuesta College Pathway. You do not need to complete these courses to enter the program, but you will need all of them (or their equivalents) to graduate.

Cal Poly at Cuesta College Pathway on the Cuesta College Campus

Courses will be taught in multiple modalities, including in-person and hybrid (with in-person and virtual sessions). In-person portions are will be offered evenings on the Cuesta College campus. 

Traditional Transfer Path on the Cal Poly Campus

Courses will be taught on the Cal Poly Campus offered on a traditional university schedule with classes generally offered between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., Monday through Friday. Most courses will be held in person and some courses may be hybrid format (part online, part in­ person) and potentially online.

For Both Paths

Courses will follow the Cal Poly calendar. Learn-by-doing field experiences in educational settings during the school day are required for one or more courses each term.

First, both are great options if you are interested in becoming a PK-8 teacher. The Cal Poly and Cuesta College Pathway is designed to support working-professionals, particularly those working in education related spaces and those interested in focusing on early childhood education. 

The curriculum is offered in a cohort model, with in-person and hybrid coursework. This sacrifices some of the flexibility of the Traditional Transfer Path on the Cal Poly campus to ensure working-professionals will have access to the courses they need at times that accommodate their other obligations. 

Although students on this path will take Cal Poly classes at the Cuesta College campus, they will be Mustangs! This program provides students with the same access to Cal Poly resources: clubs, library resources, healthcare, advising, career support, etc. Students will also be able to attend events such as the Week of Welcome, sports events, performances, etc. to experience Cal Poly’s campus community. Access to some wrap-around support services will be incorporated at the Cuesta College campus. In addition, each term includes Learn By Doing field experiences in educational settings.

The short answer is no. A Liberal Studies Degree is the undergraduate track designed to prepare you for a multiple subject teaching credential and a career in a K-8 classroom.  

More information about completing your multiple subject teaching credential at Cal Poly is available here. 

Students on both paths will likely receive the same services, but they do have to apply through the Cal Poly Disability Resource Center. The form is here Student Request for Services.

Cuesta College Transfer Center
Phone: (805) 546-3162
transfer@cuesta.edu

Cal Poly Transfer Information
Cal Poly Admissions
Phone: (805) 756-6200
Text: (805) 865-7177
admissions@calpoly.edu

To find out how credits will transfer, email Cal Poly Admissions

Cal Poly Liberal Studies Advising
Cal Poly Bailey College Advising
Phone: (805) 756-2615
bcsmadvising@calpoly.edu

Cal Poly Liberal Studies Program
Cal Poly Liberal Studies Department
Phone: (805) 756-2935
libstud@calpoly.edu