Extended Education

extended@calpoly.edu
https://extended.calpoly.edu/

Extended, Professional and Continuing Education (EPaCE) at Cal Poly offers flexible, high-quality academic programs designed for lifelong learners. As a self-support unit, EPaCE collaborates with university, business, community, and international partners to deliver a diverse range of degree programs, professional certificates, online courses, and global education opportunities. Through innovative learning experiences and expanded entry points to higher education, EPaCE empowers individuals to advance their careers, gain new skills, and explore emerging fields.
Our primary international education program for incoming short-term students is VISIT, visit.calpoly.edu.

Information on programs and current courses is listed on our website at Extended, Professional and Continuing Education where online registration is available.

For details about Cal Poly’s continuous enrollment requirements for graduate students, see the Graduate Education Continuous Enrollment webpage.

Academic Credit

These programs are offered on a self-support, special session basis in cooperation with colleges on campus.

Graduate Degrees

Graduate Certificates

Fire Protection Engineering – Graduate Certificates

The College of Engineering offers graduate certificate programs in Fire Protection Engineering Science and Fire Protection Engineering Applications through EPaCE. Both graduate certificates provide students with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to solve FPE problems and develop fire safety design solutions in a variety of professional settings. The FPE Science certificate highlights the science and engineering principles of fire protection engineering. Alternatively, the FPE Applications certificate emphasizes the fire service aspect of the industry, including courses that identify fire safety codes and regulations, understanding evacuation models, and information about fire detection and alarm systems.

Emergency Management (Cal Poly, Solano Campus) – Graduate Certificate

The Solano campus offers a graduate certificate program in Emergency Management through EPaCE. This certificate provides advanced training in risk assessment, policy development, and decision-making in disaster mitigation, preparedness, and response. Emphasizing research-based frameworks and program evaluation, it prepares professionals to address climate-related and other hazards, and to engage in the political process to influence public policy. Additionally, the program equips emergency management professionals to collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data to better engage and serve their communities.

Transportation and Engineering Management (Cal Poly, Solano Campus) – Master of Science

The Solano campus offers a masters degree program in Transportation and Engineering Management through EPaCE. This fully online graduate program combines advanced study in business and management with specialized training in transportation, engineering management, and humanitarian disaster management. Designed for working professionals, the flexible format allows students to access coursework anytime, from anywhere.

Developed in collaboration with industry leaders, port authorities, and government agencies, this program responds to the growing demand for professionals who understand the global landscape, possess technical expertise, and demonstrate strong leadership skills. The curriculum prepares students to advance their careers in maritime, transportation, and related industries—whether transitioning from sea to shore or pursuing new leadership opportunities.

Ideal for mid-career professionals, the program also welcomes motivated recent graduates seeking to build a foundation in strategic management within a technical context.

Open University

Open University allows access to Cal Poly's quality Learn by Doing instruction without formally enrolling in the university as part of a degree granting program. Open University is not available to students matriculated in state-supported programs at Cal Poly. Enrollment in courses is based on a space available basis.

A maximum of 36 units of Open University credit and other extension credit may be applied towards a Cal Poly bachelor's degree. If approved by the Graduate Coordinator, graduate students may apply a maximum of 12 non-matriculated units toward the completion of their Cal Poly Master's degree. All units taken outside of matriculation in a Cal Poly Master's program--including Open University units, Special Session units, and units taken at another institution--count toward this maximum. For more details on this policy, please visit the Courses Taken Through Cal Poly Open University on Office of the Registrar's website.

Enrollment forms, guidelines, deadlines, and other information about Open University is available online at Open University. Enrollment in Open University is available year-round.

Professional Advancement

For those desiring to upgrade their skills or knowledge, Extended, Professional and Continuing Education offers a wide range of educational opportunities ranging from professional certificate programs to one-day seminars. These courses may offer academic credit, continuing education units (CEUs), or be offered on a non-credit basis.

Current Professional Certificates

Other noncredit courses and programs for professional upskilling and reskilling are detailed at the Extended, Professional and Continuing Education website.

Corporate and Organizational Training

EPaCE will customize training to meet the specific needs of a business, corporation, or organization. This process starts with a needs assessment and continues through design, implementation and evaluation. Past clients include PG&E, the State of California, and the U.S. Forest Service.