California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)
HM and Cal Poly
The partnership between HM Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences and California Polytechnic State University – known as Cal Poly – has been growing since 2002. Over more than a decade, the two universities have steadily developed closer ties, allowing students, instructors, researchers, and administrators to maintain a vital exchange of ideas and information and to create lasting academic and personal relationships.
Five main goals are the focus of the strategic partnership for both universities:
• Ensuring the quality and continuity of the collaboration
• Strengthening the international profile and attractiveness of both universities
• Creating synergies and bundling resources
• Increasing the number of participating schools and departments
• Structuring new joint projects in research, teaching and continuing education
The activities and measures of the strategic partnership focus on three key areas:
• Continuing and expanding student and faculty mobility in both directions
• Establishing joint initiatives in teaching, learning, and research
• Promoting university-wide cooperation and exchange regarding administrative and organizational structures
Cal Poly currently has around 22,000 students, making it comparable in size to HM, which has approximately 18,500 students. However, the universities' range of subjects is particularly compatible: both institutions emphasize technical fields while also excelling in architecture, design, and business. Cal Poly's motto, "Discere Faciendo" – "To Learn by Doing" – underscores its commitment to hands-on, practice-oriented education, which aligns closely with the applied sciences model common in German universities.
Originally founded in 1901 as a technical vocational school, Cal Poly has continuously expanded its academic offerings and has held the official title of California Polytechnic State University since 1971. It is part of the California State University system, which consists of 23 member institutions, and is one of only two polytechnic universities within that system.
Located in the city of San Luis Obispo, with a population of 47,000, Cal Poly sits roughly halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The campus is nestled between the Pacific coastline and the famous wine-growing regions of California's Central Coast.
Both Cal Poly and HM are situated in economically dynamic regions, surrounded by innovative industries that offer extensive opportunities for applied research and real-world experience.
Cal Poly consistently ranks among the top institutions in the U.S. Its six colleges regularly secure top spots in various rankings, and for more than 25 years, U.S. News & World Report has named it the best public master’s-level university in the West. Forbes also highlights Cal Poly as California’s leading public master’s-level university, placing it among the Top 25 public and private universities in the region.
