Cal Poly Humboldt marks its transition to a polytechnic with new programs

POSTED ON Sep 14, 2022

It’s been a momentous year for Humboldt State. On January 26, the university famous for its rangeland and wildland soil science courses adopted a new name. With California State University’s approval of polytechnic designation and a historic $458 million state investment, Cal Poly Humboldt also announced new programs with twelve launching in 2023.

On its website, Cal Poly Humboldt describes polytechnics as universities that embrace a “learn by doing” approach in natural sciences, applied sciences, technology, and engineering and, at the same time, maintain a strong liberal arts curriculum.

The Class of 2022 at Cal Poly Humboldt was among its most diverse. According to the polytechnic, 38% of more than 1,700 graduates in May come from traditionally underrepresented groups, and 52% are the first in their family to attend college.

Among the students participating in the spring commencement was a mother and daughter duo. The pair graduated in the first cohort of the RN to BSN Nursing program, which launched in fall 2020.

For Fall 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt marked its transition to a polytechnic with nine new degree programs. According to the press release, beginning in Fall 2023, these programs will build on faculty expertise in natural resources management and environmental sustainability and are aligned with the state of California’s goals regarding climate resilience and wildfire mitigation.

“This is what a 21st-century education looks like: programs where students build the skills to have meaningful careers and a nuanced understanding of society’s complex issues so they can make the world a better place,” said Jenn Capps, provost and vice president of academic affairs, in a statement.

The latest programs include a bachelor’s degree in applied fire science & management designed to have Indigenous knowledge (also known as Traditional Ecological Knowledge), emphasizing incorporating Indigenous practices.

Other undergraduate programs are data science, energy systems engineering, geospatial information science & technology, marine biology, mechanical engineering, and software engineering. The new master’s degree in engineering and community practice develops future engineering leaders who will sustain, restore, and protect natural resources and the environment.

Three certificate programs are also being developed to offer them starting in Fall 2023. These programs include a Cybersecurity Certificate that aligns with cybersecurity job requirements, workforce development, or employed adults seeking to upskill and advance in their careers, and the Information Technology Certificate, which offers a range of learning experiences with learners accumulating various industry certificates.

The Equitable & Sustainable Future Certificate is designed for professionals in the educational workforce. It prepares administrators, faculty, and staff to be sustainability leaders and foster social and environmental responsibility in educational settings.