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Cal Poly Bachelor's Pathway
Business Administration

Program Overview

The Cal Poly Bachelor’s Pathway in Business Administration gives students the opportunity to earn a Cal Poly Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and Human Resources while taking all required Cal Poly coursework on the Allan Hancock College Santa Maria campus. Students become Mustangs and complete a full Cal Poly academic experience without commuting to San Luis Obispo.

View More Information on Cal Poly Website

Why Choose the Cal Poly Bachelor’s Pathway at Hancock

Students in the pathway receive access to Cal Poly services and support while learning in a convenient local format. Benefits include:

  • Access to Cal Poly library resources, advising, career services, and wellness support
  • A Learn by Doing curriculum taught by Cal Poly faculty
  • A consistent cohort experience that builds connection and academic support
  • A schedule designed to support working adults, student parents, and busy students
  • No need to relocate or travel to the Cal Poly campus except for optional events

What You Will Learn

The Management and Human Resources concentration prepares students to:

  • Lead people and teams using strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Create equitable and inclusive workplace environments
  • Navigate organizational change and uncertainty
  • Use data, research, and evidence-based methods to solve complex business challenges

Career Pathways

Graduates are prepared for careers in fields such as:

  • Human Resource Management
  • HR Business Partnership
  • Talent Acquisition and Recruitment
  • Learning and Development
  • People Analytics
  • Compensation and Benefits

How to Get Started

Step 1: Prepare
Review Cal Poly’s transfer course criteria for the Business Administration major. Students with fewer than sixty units or missing prerequisites may need additional coursework. Meet with an Allan Hancock College counselor for assistance.

Step 2: Apply
Submit your application to the Cal Poly Bachelor’s Pathway in Business Administration during your final year at Hancock. Select “Business at Allan Hancock College” as your intended major.

Step 3: Apply for Financial Aid
Include the correct school code for the institution administering your aid.

  • Allan Hancock College, years 1 and 2: 001111
  • Cal Poly, years 3 and 4: 001143

Program Structure

Course Format
All required coursework is taught by Cal Poly faculty at the Allan Hancock College Santa Maria campus. Courses follow the Cal Poly academic calendar.

Modality
Classes are taught in person with schedules that support students who work or have family responsibilities.

Unit Load and Schedule
Students complete two academic years of Cal Poly business and upper division general education courses. Classes are typically held Monday through Thursday, with evening options that support work and family schedules.

Learning Experience
Students move through the program as a cohort and complete Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing curriculum, which emphasizes practical problem solving and leadership development.

Questions and Support

Allan Hancock College University Transfer Center
Phone: 805-922-6966 ext. 3363
Text: 805-922-6977

Cal Poly Orfalea College of Business Advising
Contact: Yesenia Marquez
Phone: 805-756-1753
Email: ybeasram@calpoly.edu

Cal Poly Admissions
Phone: 805-756-2311
Text: 805-865-7177
Email: admissions@calpoly.edu

Cal Poly Financial Aid
Phone: 805-756-2927
Email: financialaid@calpoly.edu