Cal Poly expands degree pathways with Cuesta, Allan Hancock
Sociology, business, and liberal studies programs bring Cal Poly faculty to partner campuses
– Cal Poly is expanding its regional Bachelor’s Pathways following the success of its sociology program at Allan Hancock College. Applications are open through Dec. 1 for the fall 2026 programs at Cuesta College and Allan Hancock College, including new pathways in liberal studies and business administration.
Also known as 2+2 programs, the pathways bring Cal Poly curriculum, faculty, and student services into community college settings. Accepted students earn Cal Poly degrees by completing upper-division courses at partner campuses.
“These partnerships show what’s possible when we align our efforts to create Cal Poly degree opportunities for students across the Central Coast,” said Al Liddicoat, Cal Poly’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “By collaborating with Cuesta and Hancock, we’re extending Learn by Doing into the communities and building new and stronger pathways that serve more students and the region.”
Cal Poly’s Bachelor’s Pathways support regional collaboration and workforce development across San Luis Obispo County and northern Santa Barbara County.
At Cuesta College, Cal Poly’s 2+2 liberal studies program offers evening courses and a consistent term-to-term schedule. Students take evening Cal Poly courses on the Cuesta campus and online, and participate in school-based field experience each term. The program allows students to complete upper-division coursework in two, three or four years, depending on course load. Focusing on early-childhood and elementary education, the pathway leads to a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies and prepares graduates for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
At Allan Hancock College, Cal Poly’s pathways in business administration and sociology provide flexible, career-focused routes to Cal Poly degrees. The business administration program leads to a Bachelor of Science with a concentration in management and human resources. Cal Poly faculty teach in-person on the Hancock campus, with evening classes offered through a cohort model.
The sociology program, first launched in 2024, leads to a Bachelor of Arts in sociology through a hybrid format for students balancing school, work and family responsibilities. The program will welcome its third cohort in fall 2026. Coursework prepares graduates for careers in social services, criminal justice, law, government, education and community organizations.
Participants in all pathways are fully enrolled Cal Poly students with access to university advising, library resources and Cal Poly support services. Many students qualify for financial aid and are eligible for state and federal assistance through Cal Poly.
Local student enrollment at Cal Poly has more than doubled over the past decade as the university expands outreach, advising and regional partnerships. Local applicants are admitted at nearly twice the rate of non-local applicants.
Students can contact the Cuesta College or Allan Hancock College Transfer Centers for eligibility, advising, and application information. Additional details are available at the following websites:
- https://liberalstudies.calpoly.edu/liberal-studies-transfer-pathways
- https://socialsciences.calpoly.edu/hancock
- https://orfalea.calpoly.edu/undergraduate-programs/bachelors-pathway-hancock-business-administration
