Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies
Program Overview
Introduction to the Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies Program
The Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies (LAES) program is a unique, interdisciplinary degree offered jointly by the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Engineering at Cal Poly. This program is designed to prepare students for innovative careers that combine skills and interests in the arts, technology, and culture, as well as for further study in graduate school.
Program Overview
The LAES program accepts students as internal transfers after the first year and is open to all students at Cal Poly. It is not intended to be an ABET-accredited engineering program. The curriculum allows students to participate in development teams working on national and international technology and cultural projects, alongside students from all other Cal Poly majors.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the LAES program can pursue careers in fields such as:
- Animatronics
- Audio Engineering
- Digital Media Production and Management
- Digital Publishing
- Environmental Technology Education
- Film and Television Production
- Game Design
- Government Policy Making / Analysis
- International Technology Management
- STEM Education in School and Out-of-School Contexts
- Sustainable Community Development
- Technical Communications
- Technology Services and Management
- Web Design
Program Learning Objectives
The primary learning objectives of the LAES program are to:
- Think critically and creatively in solving techno-social problems, considering philosophical, aesthetic, and expressive concerns.
- Communicate effectively through various media in diverse, multicultural perspectives and facilitate communication between technical and non-technical collaborators.
- Use mathematics, science, and engineering principles to produce solutions to problems within the student's Liberal Arts and Engineering concentrations.
- Function effectively as a member of interdisciplinary or international teams, formulating sustainable solutions to problems at the intersection of technology and society.
- Demonstrate ethical and professional responsibilities associated with the creation, use, and integration of technology.
- Serve as informed and responsible citizens in a global culture and remain involved with learning and helping society improve.
Degree Requirements and Curriculum
In addition to the program requirements, students must satisfy the Minimum Requirements for Graduation, including:
- 60 units of upper-division courses
- 2.0 GPA
- Graduation Writing Requirement (GWR)
- U.S. Cultural Pluralism (USCP)
The curriculum includes:
- Major courses such as General Chemistry, Project-Based Learning in Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies, and Senior Project in Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies.
- Engineering Concentration or Individualized Course of Study (minimum 12 units at 300-400 level)
- Liberal Arts Concentration or Individualized Course of Study (minimum 12 units at 300-400 level)
- General Education (GE) requirements
Concentrations
LAES students must select a concentration from Engineering and from Liberal Arts. Available concentrations include:
Engineering
- Computer Graphics
- Electrical Engineering (Power)
- Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering - System Design
- Usability Studies
- Individualized Course of Study in Engineering
Liberal Arts
- Interactive Communication - Cinematic Focus
- Interactive Communication - Theatrical Focus
- Publishing Technology
- Technical Communication
- Individualized Course of Study in the Liberal Arts
General Education (GE) Requirements
The GE program requires 72 units, with 16 units specified in Major and/or Support. Students must complete courses in Areas A, B, C, D, E, and F, including:
- English Language Communication and Critical Thinking
- Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Lifelong Learning and Self-Development
- Ethnic Studies
LAES Courses
The program offers a range of courses, including:
- LAES 200: Special Problems for Undergraduates
- LAES 270: Selected Topics
- LAES 301: Project-Based Learning in Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies
- LAES 302: Advanced Project-Based Learning in Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies
- LAES 400: Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates
- LAES 411: Technology and Community Engagement
- LAES 430: Internship
- LAES 461: Senior Project in Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies
- LAES 462: Capstone Senior Seminar in Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies
- LAES 470: Selected Advanced Topics
- LAES 471: Selected Advanced Laboratory
- LAES 485: Cooperative Education Experience
- LAES 495: Cooperative Education Experience
Faculty
The program is led by co-directors David D. Gillette and Michael L. Haungs, who bring their expertise and experience to the development and implementation of the LAES curriculum.