2026-2028 Catalog
How to Read Course Descriptions

LAES Courses

LAES 4301 Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies Capstone I (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs); MATH 241 or MATH 2263; PHYS 142 and PHYS 143, or PHYS 1143; and consent of instructor; or Graphic Communication major with concentration in Immersive Design and consent of instructor.

First of two courses taken sequentially. Project research and data gathering methods, requirements elicitation, analysis, and documentation. Practice effective team structure, management, and work processes. Iterative design and development of projects using meaning-filled design. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Formerly LAES 301.
LAES 4302 Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies Capstone II (4 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: LAES 301 or LAES 4301.

Second of two courses taken sequentially. Conducting Team-based iterative development for large, complex problems. Communicating effectively with stakeholders. Plan and implement strategies to improve team collaboration, efficiency, and health. Lead teams in meaning-filled design. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory Formerly LAES 302.
LAES 4400 Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates (1-3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Consent of department chair.

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Repeatable up to 6 units. Formerly LAES 400.
LAES 4411 Community and Meaning-Filled Design (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: TBD
Prerequisite: Junior standing; and completion of GE Area 1 with grades of C- or better (GE Area A for the 2020-26 catalogs).

Learning how to address complex global problems through direct small-scale engagement with a local community and/or international community. Repeatable up to 6 units. 3 lectures. Crosslisted as ISLA/LAES 4411. Formerly ISLA/LAES 411.
LAES 4430 Internship (2-12 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
CR/NC
Prerequisite: Junior standing; a CPSLO cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 without being on academic probation; and consent of Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies director.

Work experience in area related to the student's LAES concentration. Evaluation by work supervisor required. Credit/No Credit grading. Repeatable up to 12 units. Formerly LAES 430.
LAES 4461 Senior Project I in Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: Senior standing; LAES 302 or LAES 4301; and consent of instructor.

Under faculty supervision, the completion of a senior project, demonstrating an interdisciplinary focus. Work individually or in a small group through many iterations of the senior project, with periodic presentations of progress. Formerly LAES 461.
LAES 4462 Senior Project II in Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies (3 units)
Term Typically Offered: F, SP
Prerequisite: LAES 461 or LAES 4461.

Under faculty supervision, the completion of a senior project, demonstrating an interdisciplinary focus. Receive periodic feedback from instructors, field experts, and stakeholders. Culminates with a thorough and professional research paper and presentation. Formerly LAES 462.