I'm a working adult. Is Cal Poly's Adult Degree Program right for me?

The ADP is built around the learning and professional needs of working adults who need to complete their undergraduate degrees. Most people in the program work full time, have full family lives, and are involved in community or social activities. That's why the ADP offers classes on weekday evenings, has a flexible transfer policy, and allows credit for prior professional and military training.

Back to top

I've heard Cal Poly receives thousands of applications each year and most prospective students don't get admitted. Is this the same for the Adult Degree Program?

Cal Poly receives almost 30,000 applications a year for about 3,700 freshman spots. However, prospective ADP students do not complete with traditional age students for slots at Cal Poly. The Adult Degree Program is considered a transfer program and has a separate set of admissions requirements that recognize the accomplishments and motivation that adult students bring to the classroom. Prospective ADP students do not compete with traditional age students for slots at Cal Poly. To be admitted, all you have to do is satisfy the minimum admission requirements and have the motivation to complete an undergraduate degree.

Back to top

I'm a working adult. Can I still get financial aid?

With support from the Bernard Osher Foundation, Cal Poly Continuing Education has established a special scholarship program just for people in the Adult Degree Program. It's called the Osher Reentry Scholarship program and can provide up to $5,000 per year to help cover the costs of fees, textbooks, supplies, and even in some cases, child care. However, in order to determine you can receive an Osher Reentry Scholarship, you must complete a financial aid application. In addition, there are other types of financial aid available. For more information visit the Cal Poly Financial Aid website.

Back to top

What are the graduation requirements for the program? How many courses/units do I have to take?

You must have a total of 180 quarter units through a combination of taking ADP courses, transferring in credits from other colleges or universities, or prior learning credit.

Back to top

How many credit hours or quarter units can I transfer into Cal Poly?

You can transfer up to 120 quarter units of the 180 needed for graduation.

Back to top

How many courses can I take in a quarter?

Most students take two classes per quarter for the fall, winter, and spring terms and one class during the summer term. Taking two classes is recommended as it speeds progress toward degree completion.

Back to top

ADP materials often refer to "working adults." I'm a stay-at-home parent. Can I still be admitted?

Absolutely! While the ADP is designed around the learning needs of those who work full-time, the program's convenient schedule is also conducive for those who are working part-time or not at all. If you are not working full-time, you might consider taking three or four classes per quarter to complete the program even faster.

Back to top

I really need to complete my undergraduate degree. How long will it take?

It depends on how many units you transfer to Cal Poly, the number of prior learning credits you can earn, and the number of courses you complete per quarter. If you have 120 transfer units, and take two courses per quarter, you can complete the program in about two and one-half to three years, attending part-time.

Back to top

What are the admission requirements for the Adult Degree Program?

In order to be admitted to the Adult Degree Program as a regularly matriculated student, you must have earned 90 quarter units or 60 semester hours and be CSU general education certified. You must also be CSU eligible (2.0 grade point average), submit three letters of recommendation, write short Personal Learning Goals Statement.

Back to top

What does General Education Certified mean?

General Education (GE) Certified means you have completed the lower division general education requirements of the California State University and Cal Poly. Possessing an associate's degree, even from California community colleges does not automatically mean you are GE Certified. Some associate's degrees do not require GE certification. The best way to determine if you are GE Certified is to apply to the ADP or discuss your academic record with a community college academic advisor.

Back to top

Can I start taking courses before I am formally admitted to Cal Poly?

Yes. By using the Jump Start registration option, you can start taking courses before you are formally admitted to the Cal Poly. Up to 36 units can be taken prior to formal admission. Students take advantage of this option to start earning credits toward their degree while completing their application.

Back to top

If I previously attended Cal Poly and only have a few courses to finish, should I enroll in the Adult Degree Program?

That really depends on the number of units you have to complete. If you are only a few courses short of the number needed for your major, the ADP is probably not a good option for you. Instead, you should consider Continuing Education's Open University or seek readmission.

Back to top

Can students get into graduate school with this degree?

The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is a regular Cal Poly degree. As such, it is recognized as preparation for many graduate degrees. Students seeking specialized graduate degrees should review their respective admission requirements prior to resuming their undergraduate work regardless of which university they may be attending.

Back to top

If I'm admitted to the ADP, but later decide I want to major in a subject offered by another college at Cal Poly, can I automatically transfer to that college?

No. Admission to Cal Poly is based on majors. If you are admitted into the ADP, but then decided to transfer to another program, you must apply through the regular undergraduate admissions process.

Back to top

When can I apply for admission?

Students are accepted on a "rolling admission basis." This means are soon as all your application materials are received, they are evaluated. Students can start taking classes in any quarter. Click here to read more about applying.

Back to top

As a graduating ADP student will I be allowed to participate in Cal Poly's Commencement Ceremony?

Of course. You'll get your degree the same way as all other Cal Poly graduates.

Back to top