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City & Regional Planning at Cal Poly is an integral part of the nationally recognized five department College of Architecture and Environmental Design. The program began in 1968 and has nearly 1,000 graduates (Bachelors and Masters level). The program evolved in the College where the planning laboratory (studio) has been the core of the curriculum. We are proud of the program's strengths in urban design, land use and environmental planning, and community sustainability.
Student's often use the phrase "get an education, get a job, make a difference" when talking about being at Cal Poly. Students take at least one internship in a real planning public agency, private firm, or non-profit organization. This gives all students real world experience, and many times a head start on getting a job in the field after graduation. Students get to work with a faculty that has an excellent balance of professional experience and academic preparation; and more importantly are exceptional instructors. Our faculty (regular and adjunct) are involved in environmental planning, urban design, plan implementation, computer mapping, planning information systems, sustainable development, low-cost housing, legal aspects of land use controls, citizen participation, and planning in developing countries.
The award winning City and Regional Planning (CRP) Department is recognized locally and nationally for it's educational excellence. In 2000, the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) chose the community planning studio course project "Atascadero Colony in the 21st Century" to be the recipient of the national AICP Student Project Award for "best applying the planning process." Also in 2000, the American Planning Association chose a CRP student to receive an Outstanding Planning Award for Distinguished Leadership by a student planner. This award was based on work related to sustainable planning and advocacy and for local efforts to improve the environment.
California Polytechnic State University's College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED) is committed to being the premiere college of the design and building industry in the United States. The five disciplines--City and Regional Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Architectural Engineering and Construction Management--are a unique combination of environmental design fields. The organization of the CAED reflects the logical affinity among these fields. The CAED offers excellent opportunities to integrate computer technology into coursework.
San Luis Obispo is a pleasant, progressive city of about 43,000 on California's Central Coast, midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The city and university share a neighborly, small-campus, small-town feeling and one of the finest natural environments anywhere. Sparkling-clear air and a climate that's temperate year-round blend with majestic peaks, quiet valleys, and the nearby ocean to create an exhilarating environment that is ideal for learning and growing.
Another key feature contributing to the city's great quality of life is the delightful downtown. The heart of downtown is Mission Plaza with its wonderful creek side setting and beautifully restored mission. This historic plaza is complemented by a bustling downtown offering great shopping, outdoor and indoor dining, night life, and its famous Thursday Night Farmers' Market. San Luis Obispo won Sunset magazines's "Best Downtown" in the West designation.
We are a friendly place and encourage you to visit with us in person. Come to the campus and see the true richness of the educational possibilities at Cal Poly and the simply wonderful natural environment of San Luis Obispo and California's Central Coast.