Other Requirements
Technical Requirements
All students entering the MS BT program are required to have the appropriate laptop computer that meet specifications
Our courses are designed to use technology in a way that enriches the learning experience and helps students communicate and collaborate with faculty and classmates in a productive and convenient way. Technology is an important cornerstone of this program; therefore, students are required to have an appropriate laptop that meets the specification outlined below, a high-speed broadband internet connection and possess a headset/microphone combination for connecting to voice over internet protocol (VoIP) calls. Though many computers come with a built in microphone, we highly recommend students purchase a headset/microphone as participation in web conferencing sessions on Elluminate Live is required. To further assist you in arranging for equipment which will function with SolidWorks software program, we direct you to the SolidWorks web page which outlines the computer requirements http://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/SystemRequirements.html
Note: Apple MAC's are not compatible with SolidWorks and most of the design software used in the program.
Special computer and software packages are available to MS BT students through Cal Poly's El Corral Bookstore and vendor partners.
Students are required to bring their laptop to all scheduled on-campus weekends.
Proficiency Expectations and Training
We have no minimum expectation of technology proficiency to be admitted into the program. Students will receive training on-site during the initial non-credit on-campus orientation session by our Instructional Designer on how to use all general software needed to meet the general program needs. Training will also be available for accessing the My Cal Poly portal, Blackboard and other general software applications. In addition, training will be available for specialty software such as SolidWorks and for the web conferencing utility program Elluminate Live.
Graduation Writing Requirement (GWR)
The Board of Trustees of the California State University has mandated that all students earning undergraduate or graduate degrees in the CSU must be certified as proficient in writing at the upper-division level. Although there a several methods for meeting this requirement, students in the MS BT program will be required to pass a Writing Proficiency Examination that will be administered on-campus during one of the scheduled on-campus weekends. We will discuss this requirement in greater detail at one of our weekend sessions.