Department Majors and Minors

Communications students in their commencement gown

Communications

An increasingly complex society needs individuals to inform, interpret, and explain to the public the problems of that society. The communication major prepares students to fill positions in the mass media, business, government, and education.

Economics sample chart

Economics

The curriculum in economics, while offering a broad background of general education and traditional undergraduate courses, lends itself to considerable flexibility. Students consult with a faculty advisor to select courses suitable for a program relevant to personal goals. Seven possible areas of emphasis in economics are: international, environmental and resource, quantitative, economic history, urban, business and government, and economics and finance.

Liam Corley

English and Modern Languages

The English and Modern Languages Department offers programs in English and Spanish. In the Bachelor of Arts in English program, students may choose from two subplans: Literature and Language or English Education. Students in all programs are encouraged not only to improve verbal skills, but also to develop a fuller understanding of themselves and their culture.

Students studying geographic elements

Geography and Anthropology

The department of Geography and Anthropology offers Bachelor of Science Degrees in two disciplines: Geography with options in Geographic Information Systems, Environmental Geography, and Geography; and Anthropology with options in Anthropology and Cultural Resources Management. Both programs engage our students in real-world based project learning and have led our students to top graduate programs and rewarding career paths.

a speaker delivering a speech in front of a bookshelf

History

The History Department offers a major in history leading to the bachelor of arts degree as well as basic courses in general education. The History Department also offers a minor in history and a minor in Latin American Studies. Courses are designed to encourage students to seek out relationships between the past and contemporary social, political, and cultural issues, and to provide historical perspective on topics studied in other departments of the university.

Pianist playing the piano

Music

The department offers a variety of coursework in academic and performance aspects of music that leads to a bachelor of arts degree. Courses are offered for the major and minor as well as for students with majors in other disciplines. The minor is designed for students in other disciplines who desire further experience in and knowledge of music.

David Adams and Michael Cholbi

Philosophy

The Philosophy Department has organized its programs to connect the traditional concerns of philosophy with the directions and needs of contemporary society. Philosophy instruction enhances skills which are crucial for success in a wide range of professions, in particular critical thinking skills (analytical and reasoning skills) and verbal skills (skills in writing and oral presentation).

Exceptional Political Science student gives commencement speech

Political Science

The political science program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to acquire the kind of broad and rigorous education needed for life in the 21st century. The best career and life preparation is one which produces individuals who are both educated in the finest traditions of learning and equipped to adapt to constant and rapid change.

during undergraduate symposium

Psychology

Psychology is an academic discipline that enables its students to better understand human behavior. The Psychology degree program, which is housed in the Department of Psychology is designed to provide a comprehensive undergraduate education in this field, leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree.

Lashanna Jones smiling

Sociology

Sociology is the study of society and human behavior. Theories, research methods, and critical analysis guide many research studies that examine society interpersonally to structurally.

3 actresses

Theatre and New Dance

The Cal Poly Pomona Department of Theatre and New Dance awards a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre which emphasizes process and the practical experience of producing theatre. The Department follows the University’s “learn by doing” philosophy by offering practice on mainstage and studio theater productions, various workshops, and courses in all aspects of the theatre both artistic and academic.