California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

Overview

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the world-class vineyards of the Edna Valley, Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences boasts one of the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate agriculture programs.

At the heart of Cal Poly’s educational experience is its renowned Learn by Doing methodology. Our students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories in a broad variety of majors, from dairy science, meat processing, horticulture and more.

The laboratories also include ranchland, orchards, vineyards and forest, which, in turn, provide the Learn by Doing opportunities that are the essence of the Cal Poly experience. These living laboratories, combined with the attention of faculty members dedicated to their students’ success, offer a powerful combination of rigorous academics with hands-on experiences that lead to fulfilling careers and distinctive professional accomplishment.

Agricultural Degrees Offered

• Agricultural Business Management
• Agricultural Communications
• Agricultural Sciences
• Agricultural Systems Management
• Animal Sciences
• Bioresource Research
• Dairy Science
• Environmental Management Systems
• Food Science
• Forestry
• Nutrition
• Plant Sciences
• Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences
• Wine and Viticulture

Swanton Pacific Ranch

Swanton Pacific Ranch is located in Santa Cruz County at the northern reaches of California's Central Coast and the Monterey Bay. The 3,200-acre property is a landscape composed of a majestic redwood forest, lush riverine ecosystems and expansive coastal grassland overlooking the bay and the Pacific Ocean. This educational and research facility is owned by the Cal Poly Corporation and managed by the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. Faculty, graduate students and undergraduates actively pursue research opportunities, utilizing the forest, range, and watershed resources within the ranch. The ranch hosts a variety of functions some of which include the production of certified natural beef, "U-pick" certified organic apples, hosting of professional meetings and workshops, and courses offered by departments across the college.