Exploring CAED Minor Programs

by Kai Parel-Sewell

The College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED) is home to five majors: City and regional planning, landscape architecture, architecture, architectural engineering, and construction management. These fields are also offered as minors, along with other options, such as Cross Disciplinary Studies in Heavy Civil, Real Property Development, and Sustainable Environments. CAED Minors provide a valuable opportunity for students to expand their knowledge into adjacent studies and fine-tune their focus for industry.

Architectural Engineering (ARCE) Minor

Tailored to architecture, construction management, and civil engineering students, the ARCE minor offers a more in-depth education in structural engineering theory and design. The coursework exposes students to analytical, design, and construction issues relevant to the structural design process. Students work with an advisor to develop courses on structural design or structural analysis. Enrollment is limited, and the program’s acceptance depends on the student’s performance in structure-related courses. For architecture and construction management majors, it is recommended that applications be submitted before enrolling in ARCE 226.

(Left) Students consult Professor Dahlia Hafez during the lab of their ARCE 41 Soil Mechanics class.
(Right) Students work with a bottle jack machine during the lab of their ARCE 41 Soil Mechanics class.

Architecture (ARCH) Minor

The ARCH Minor blends studies in aesthetics, culture, sciences, math, technologies, craft and their influences on the design and construction of buildings and spaces. Architectural constructs embody collective values and impact the quality of life, affecting experiences at multiple scales, from the context of the individual to the expanse of cities, often over long periods of time. In this minor, students may choose courses in history and theory, architectural technology, architecture and society, or create a path around personal interests. Two things to note are that this minor does not include design studios and at least 50% of the courses selected must be upper division. The ARCH Minor is open to students from all majors to introduce them to the field of architecture.

(Left) A student project involving the projection of a building onto its 3D prototype.
(Right) Students converse during studio time in the Architecture Department of Dexter Hall.

City and Regional Planning (CRP) Minor

The minor provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of the science and art of city planning and its relationship with other environmental design professions. The student is provided with an understanding of how growth and change affect the city's physical, social, and economic aspects, including the relationships among land use, transportation, housing, and the environment. It includes courses that build skills in preparation for students interested in gaining skills at creating visions of the future through participation in government, community, organizations, and private firms. This experience enhances skills in disciplines linking cities, buildings, and natural environments. The minor provides the student with the knowledge, skills, and values that help people build better communities and cities.

1. Rashmi Pradhan, ARCH major: “Within the Architecture Major curriculum, we look at individual buildings and how they are designed and operated. The CRP Minor can offer a greater perspective on our cities and how they are designed and operated, especially how this is influenced by policy and institutions. Also, the field of planning is often more engaged with the community at large, which can better inform architectural decisions.”

(Left) A student works on an assignment in CRP 457, Applications in Planning, in Engineering West’s computer lab.
(Right) A student chooses from a selection of arrow iconography for a CRP 457 assignment.

Construction Management (CM) Minor

The Construction Management Minor provides students with an introduction to the knowledge expected of persons pursuing careers in the construction industry. This minor will give students a competitive edge when applying for specific jobs by providing concepts, tools, and skills that will enhance one’s progress in one of the professions involved in the built environment. The CM Minor is recommended for architecture, architectural, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering majors. Even for students not looking to go into CM, this minor provides valuable context when it comes to working on a wide variety of projects. Enrollment in the minor is limited, and selection will be made based on the applicant’s performance in their major courses.

(Left) An industry partner explains the correct usage of a safety harness on a student volunteer.
(Right) Students watch demonstrators present the correct use of safety equipment during the 2025 V.E.S.T. Hackathon.

Landscape Architecture (LA) Minor

This minor is designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of landscape architecture's role in the planning, conceptualizing, and designing the natural and built environment. The program is structured to expose students to issues facing our society on global and local levels while reinforcing concepts of sustainability. From the perspective of landscape architecture, students can explore various environmental issues or examine a specific topic area in greater depth. They will gain a clearer understanding of landscape architects' interdisciplinary contributions and leadership roles in addressing societal and environmental concerns.

(Left) A student presents his work in a mock interview in LA 370, Professional Practice.
(Right) In class LA 370, Professional Practice, an interviewee comments on a student’s work during a mock interview.

Cross Disciplinary Studies in Heavy Civil Minor

The Granite Cross Disciplinary Studies Minor in Heavy Civil is a cross-disciplinary minor between the Construction Management (CM) Department in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED); and the Civil Engineering (CE) Department in the College of Engineering (CENG). This unique minor gives students in the CM program the opportunity to take CE courses and CE students to take CM courses in heavy civil design and construction not typically available to them. The heavy civil construction industry is a vast discipline covering many design and construction areas, including bridges, highways, industrial, geotechnical, water and wastewater treatment, underground, etc. This minor includes three new courses specific to the heavy civil industry and is only offered to students enrolled in the minor. This minor will give the student the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in an industry that is positioned for strong growth and sustained employment opportunities for decades to come. This minor is sponsored by Granite Construction, the Beavers Charitable Trust and Caterpillar.

1. Brayden Groshart, CM: “The Granite Heavy Civil Minor provides a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and experience about a very large sector of the construction industry. The nature of heavy civil construction will be specifically interesting to those with a strong passion for structures and large construction projects. However, even if you do not plan to go into the heavy civil industry, the information that you get from learning about different structures and building methods will still be incredibly valuable.”

(Right) A student uses a jig saw across wood during CM 314, Heavy Civil Construction Management.
(Left) A student measures out a metal plate in CM 314, Heavy Civil Construction Management.

Real Property Development Minor

This minor is designed for students interested in the built environment who want to expand their knowledge of how projects get initiated, move through the development process, and managed after construction. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment with professionals engaged in real property development. Courses include aspects of practitioners’ real-world experiences and knowledge of state-of-the-art practices, techniques, and challenges. Students learn about the economic, design, environmental, and regulatory factors that influence housing, office, industrial, and commercial projects. They understand how these factors impact green development, urban sprawl, place-making, and transit-oriented development.

1. Chloe Mascolo, ARCH: “The Real Property Development minor has helped me to better understand the business side of the building industry. Being able to take more development- and finance-oriented Business, CM, and CRP classes has provided valuable context to the decisions that help create buildings in the real world.”

1. Brayden Groshart, CM: I chose the Real Property Development Minor because of my interest in the development world early in my college career. Although I have since changed my career plans, the information and knowledge that I gained about the development and construction industry is invaluable. This will help immensely in understanding the process and life cycle of a building, not just how it is built.

(Left/Right) A pair of students discuss their project for CM 475, Real Property Development Principles.

Sustainable Environments Minor

This minor will educate students within the College in the principles and various aspects of sustainable environmental design with global, regional, and local perspectives and concepts. It will provide students with the knowledge and abilities needed to integrate ecological, social equity, and economics concerns within the context of human and natural resource systems and the built environment.

1. Mari Takata, LA major: The role of landscape architects is to create sustainable solutions through design to address environmental issues that are long lasting, and the Sustainable Environments minor increases our education related to sustainability. Since we are primarily working with the outdoors, it is important to know how to address and understand environmental issues, especially as they become more pressing as climate change rapidly increases. The Sustainable Environments minor works very well alongside the Landscape Architecture curriculum with many of the classes counting towards your degree.

1. Liliana Hunt Amézquita, ARCH major: “Coming into Cal Poly, sustainability was a topic that I was really interested in, starting from my AP Environmental Science class in high school. Looking at my long-term career goals, sustainability is a major focus. Having the Sustainable Environments minor will help me be able to integrate this interest into my career more deeply and better equip me for any potential pivots in my career.”

(Left) A student cuts out pamphlets for her project proposal for EDES 408, Implementing Sustainable Principles.
(Right) A student watches a proposal presentation for EDES 408, Implementing Sustainable Principles.

The CAED offers ongoing student support in academic-related services such as adding or changing a minor program. To set up an appointment with an academic advisor, visit CAED’s Advising Center.