Concentrations (Undergraduate)

Click here to see the policy on Undergraduate Concentrations under the semester system, which will begin at Cal Poly with the 2026-27 academic year.

A concentration is intended to be a coherent and specialized course of study within a student's major degree program, which presupposes knowledge of the major discipline. A concentration is a carefully chosen and formally recognized course of study with requirements stated in the catalog. Faculty have a commitment to deliver approved curriculum as stated. When advising individual students, reasonable attempt to follow the approved curriculum should be made before substitutions are considered.

Concentrations are noted on the student’s transcript, but not shown on the diploma. The following criteria for all new concentration proposals or concentration revision proposals became effective with the 2013-15 catalog cycle.

• A concentration is a block of at least five designated major courses from one or more lists of designated courses or course areas.
• No single course should appear in every concentration: such courses should be included in the major.
• The courses for a concentration shall appear in the major course column.
• At least 50% of the units in a concentration shall be in the same courses or course areas for all students taking that concentration.
• The number of concentration units shall not exceed 50% of the total major units.  
  [APP Note: As per CSU EO 1071, "To ensure valid reporting to the National Center for Education Statistics through the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, an option, concentration, or emphasis (or similar subprogram) must constitute less than one half of the units required in the major program."]

Source:

Academic Senate Resolution: AS-745-12 "Resolution on Concentration Definition" (PDF). Approved 4 April 2012. 

References:

CSU Policy: EO 1071 "Delegation of Authority to Approve Options, Concentrations, Special Emphases (and Similar Subprograms) and Minors". Revised 14 December 2021; supercedes EO 602.

CSU Coded Memorandum: ASA-2017-02 "Accurate National Enrollment and Degree Reporting." Revised 01 February 2022.

Updated 6/30/2025