Maritime Academy Advising Center
Welcome to the Maritime Academy Advising Center!
Maritime Academic Advisors support all Cal Poly Maritime Academy undergraduate students by helping them navigate graduation requirements, policies, and campus resources to achieve their academic goals! Examples of what we often help students with include:
- Registration support (building a class schedule, picking General Education (GE) elective courses, selecting major elective classes, etc.).
- Developing graduation plans based on each student's individual goals.
- Connecting with campus resources for personal or academic support (like tutoring help, counseling services, accommodations, etc.)
- Coaching college skills (questions to ask your professor, managing your classes and personal life, etc.).
- Supporting students on Academic Notice (building networks of support!).
We are excited you are here, and excited to help you!
Meet with a Maritime Academic Advisor
Drop-In Advising: Drop-in hours are great for same day help! Come by the SEAS Center (located in the Student Services Building) and check out our in-person drop-in hours for the day (we’ll have them listed every day on our whiteboard)!
1-on-1 Advising Appointments: For in depth questions, make an appointment with a Maritime Academic Advisor to go over your record and personal goals! Appointments are available in-person or virtual (Zoom). Make your appointment here!
Email: For quick questions, email us at maritimeadvising@calpoly.edu!
Changing Majors
Step 1: Learn How the Change of Major Process Works
To learn about the steps required to change your major, check out Cal Poly’s Change of Major webpage.
Two important things to note:
- Students must complete at least one term at Cal Poly before their eligibility can be determined to switch majors.
- Cal Poly Maritime Academy students may only request change of major to another Cal Poly Maritime major; Solano campus-to-SLO campus change of majors are not permitted at this time.
Step 2: Review Change of Major Minimum Requirements
Each major has its own requirements for changing into their program. Below are the minimum requirements for all Cal Poly Maritime Academy majors.
Business Administration - Supply Chain Management:
- Minimum 2.0 campus GPA.
Oceanography:
- Minimum 2.0 campus GPA.
International Strategy and Security:
- Minimum 2.0 campus GPA.
Marine Transportation:
- Minimum 2.0 campus GPA.
- Student Health Center clearance.
- Subject to available space within the program.
Mechanical Engineering – U.S. Coast Guard Concentration:
- Minimum 2.7 Campus GPA and 2.0 Term GPA.
- Student Health Center clearance.
- Subject to available space within the program.
- If you are currently in the Mechanical Engineering – General major seeking to switch to Mechanical Engineering – U.S. Coast Guard major, GPA minimum requirements do not apply.
Mechanical Engineering – General Concentration:
- Minimum 2.7 Campus GPA and 2.0 Term GPA.
- Subject to available space within the program.
- If you are currently in the Mechanical Engineering – US Coast Guard major seeking to switch to the Mechanical Engineering – General major, GPA minimum requirements do not apply.
Marine Engineering Technology:
- Minimum 2.0 Campus GPA and 2.0 Term GPA.
- Student Health Center clearance.
- Subject to available space within the program.
- If you are currently in the Facilities Engineering Technology major seeking to switch to the Marine Engineering Technology major, GPA minimum requirements do not apply.
Facilities Engineering Technology:
- Minimum 2.0 Campus GPA and 2.0 Term GPA.
- Subject to available space within the program.
- If you are currently in the Marine Engineering Technology major seeking to switch to the Facilities Engineering Technology major, GPA minimum requirements do not apply
Step 3: Make an appointment with a Maritime Academic Advisor
Once you have reviewed the steps for changing your major, and if you meet the minimum requirements for the major you’d like to go into, you can meet with an advisor to start the process. Make an appointment or come to drop-in hours for next steps!
Minors
Cal Poly Maritime Academy has 3 minors available to Maritime Academy students:
- International Strategy and Security Minor
- Naval Science Minor
- Oceanography Minor
Check out the minors required coursework!
For next steps in declaring a minor, please contact the appropriate minor advisor:
- International Strategy and Security: Dr. Ryan Wade (rdwade@calpoly.edu)
- Oceanography: Dr. Alex Parker (aparke46@calpoly.edu)
- Naval Science: TBD
If you no longer plan to complete your minor, please fill out the Drop Minor Request form.
Taking Time Off
If you would like to take some time away from Cal Poly temporarily, we can help you with the process and make sure you are set up for an easy transition back. Please make an appointment with a Maritime Advisor to learn more.
You can also check out Cal Poly’s Navigating Time Off webpage to learn more.
Transfer Student Resources
Registration Suggested Course List for Incoming Transfers coming soon!
Returning Student Requirements
Students who left Cal Poly Maritime Academy (or Cal Maritime) before graduating, or were academically dismissed previously, can be eligible to return to their program after time away. Check out Cal Poly’s Returning Students webpage to learn more about deadlines and next steps for applying to return to Cal Poly Maritime Academy to finish your degree!
*If you were academically dismissed previously or did not leave Cal Poly Maritime Academy (or Cal Maritime) in good standing, we recommend meeting with a Maritime Academic Advisor prior to re-applying to review returning student criteria.