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Integration of Cal Maritime and Cal Poly

The California State University Board of Trustees took an exciting step on Nov. 21, voting to approve the CSU Chancellor’s recommendation to integrate Cal Poly and Cal Maritime Academy. This integration not only builds on Cal Poly’s strong track record in admissions and enrollment but also unites two institutions that share a hands-on, immersive educational approach while also creating administrative efficiencies.

Integration brings tremendous opportunities and benefits for students, faculty and staff. With the trustees' approval, the integration process is moving forward, with the goal of welcoming the first Cal Poly Maritime Academy and Cal Poly, Solano Campus students into the Cal Poly family by fall 2026.


Frequently Asked Questions


Next Steps and Timeline

September
2024

Additional information and discussion by Board, followed by additional consultation

October
2024

Continued work by pre-integration workgroups

November
2024

Board action

July
2025

Administrative integration becomes effective

Fall
2026

All Maritime Academy students enrolled as Cal Poly students

Cal Maritime Facts

The only degree-granting maritime academy on the West Coast and one of only six state maritime academies in the U.S., California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime) was founded in 1929 and became a part of the CSU in 1995. Located on 92 acres of waterfront property in Vallejo, California—and aboard the 500-foot Training Ship Golden Bear—Cal Maritime offers multiple academic programs that prepare students for high-impact maritime industry careers in the fields of engineering, oceanography, transportation, global logistics, marine sciences and international relations. Specialized programs in marine transportation, marine engineering technology and mechanical engineering lead to a Merchant Marine license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard in addition to a bachelor's degree upon graduation. Cal Maritime consistently appears as a top university for return-on-investment rankings leading to high paying jobs for its graduates.  

As of the 2023-24 academic year: 

  • Degree programs: 7 undergraduate degrees; 1 master's degree  
  • Student population: 712 undergraduates; 43 graduates 
  • Undergraduate demographics: 52% students of color; 25% Pell; 9% first generation ​
  • Employees: 81 faculty; 176 staff 
  • Annual budget: $53 million 

Learn more about the Training Ship Golden Bear