Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Academic Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Undergraduate Admissions



CSU Application Procedures and Policies for Undergraduate

Requirements for admission to San José State University are in accordance with Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations. Complete information is available on the California State University website.

All CSU applications must be submitted online on the Cal State Apply website. An acknowledgment will be sent to the applicant when the online application has been submitted.

Importance of Filing Complete, Accurate, and Authentic Application Documents

San José State University advises prospective students that they must supply complete and accurate information on the application for admission, residency questionnaire, and financial aid forms. Further, applicants must, when requested, submit authentic and official transcripts of all previous academic work attempted. Failure to file complete, accurate, and authentic application documents may result in denial of admission, cancellation of registration or academic credit, suspension, or expulsion (Section 41301, Article 1.1, Title 5, California Code of Regulations).

Undergraduate Application Procedures

Prospective students applying for part-time or full-time undergraduate programs of study must submit a completed undergraduate application. The $70 nonrefundable application fee should be paid online at the time of application via credit card, e-check, or PayPal and may not be transferred or used to apply to another term. An alternate major is required when submitting the application. The applications of persons denied admission to an impacted and/or closed campus may be redirected to another campus at no cost, but only if the applicant is CSU eligible. Upper Division Transfer applicants are required to complete a supplemental application to be considered for admission. More information can be found at SJSU Admissions.

Impacted Programs

The CSU designates programs as impacted when more applications from CSU regularly eligible students are received in the initial filing period (October and November for fall terms and August for spring terms) than can be accommodated. Some programs are impacted at every campus where they are offered; others are impacted only at a few campuses. Candidates for admission must meet supplementary admission criteria if applying to an impacted program. 

The CSU will announce during the fall filing period those campuses or programs that are impacted. Detailed information on campus and program impaction will be available on the Impaction at the CSU website.

Campuses will communicate supplementary admission criteria for all impacted programs to high schools and community colleges in their application service area and will disseminate this information to the public through appropriate media. This information will also be published on the CSU campus website.

Applicants must file applications for admission to an impacted program during the initial filing period. Applicants who wish to be considered for impacted programs at more than one campus should file an application at each campus for which they seek admission consideration.

Supplemental Criteria

Each campus with impacted programs or class-level admission categories uses supplementary admission criteria in screening applicants. Supplementary criteria may include rank-ordering of freshman applicants based on the CSU eligibility index or rank-ordering of transfer applicants based on verification of the Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate in Science Transfer (AS-T) degrees, the overall transfer grade point average (GPA), completion of specified prerequisite courses, and a combination of campus-developed criteria. Beginning with the Fall 2021 application cycle, SAT and ACT scores will not be considered in the admission process. Details about the factors used to evaluate applicants for admissions can be found on the SJSU Admissions site. Applicants who wish to be considered for admission to SJSU as an upper division transfer must complete a supplemental application. Details regarding the supplemental application process are posted to SJSU Admissions.

The supplementary admission criteria used by individual campuses to screen applicants are made available by the campuses to all applicants seeking admission to an impacted program.

Application Filing Periods

Note: Not all terms/programs are open for admission.

Terms Applications First Accepted Initial Filing Period
Spring Semester August 1 August 1 - 31
Fall Semester October 1 October 1 - November 30

Admission to San José State is competitive in all majors because SJSU continues to have more qualified applicants than available new student spaces. This situation is called “impaction” and it means that meeting the minimum California State University (CSU) requirements does not guarantee admission to SJSU. We will no longer have the enrollment capacity to accept all CSU eligible applicants, including some from local high schools and community colleges.

San José State gives preference in the competitive admission process to “local” applicants. For freshmen, you are considered a “local” applicant if you will graduate from a high school in Santa Clara County. For transfer applicants, you are considered a “local” applicant if you will earn the majority of your transferable units at a college located in Santa Clara or Santa Cruz county.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply to an alternative campus that offers your preferred major. If applying after the initial filing period, consult SJSU Admissions for current information. Similar information is conveniently available at Cal State Apply.

Application Acknowledgment

About a week after applying at Cal State Apply, you will receive an email with your nine-digit SJSU ID included. This nine-digit number will be your primary university identification throughout your career at SJSU. Make sure the spam filters on your email account are set to accept email from @sjsu.edu.

For more information regarding the process go to SJSU Admissions.

Hardship Petitions

At the present time, because of severe budget limitations and the resulting campus-wide impaction, SJSU does not accept hardship petitions.

Notification

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions normally begins sending acceptance letters to applicants late February for admission to the fall semester and beginning in late September for admission to the spring semester. Letters from departments or faculty do not constitute admission to the university.

Applicants are not admitted as students in the regular session of the university until they have received an official letter of admission from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. In addition to the official letter of admission, International student applicants for F-1 and J-1 status will be issued the appropriate form I-20 or DS-2019 for immigration processing.

Selection

The university reserves the right to select its students and deny admission to the university or any of its programs as the university, in its sole discretion, determines admission based on an applicant’s suitability and the best interests of the university.

California Promise

The California Promise Program enables a specific number of campuses of the California State University (CSU) to establish pledge programs for entering first time students who are both interested and able to complete baccalaureate degrees in four years. All campuses have also established programs for students with Associate Degrees for Transfer from any California Community College to complete their baccalaureate degrees in two years. The program is limited to students who are residents of California.

Students who commit to enter either the four-year or two-year pledge will be given an early registration appointment for each state-supported enrollment period and will be provided with routine and thorough academic advisement. In order to remain in the program, students must meet with their advisors as prescribed, develop an enrollment plan, and complete 30 semester units or quarter equivalent units within each academic year, including summer. Students must have started Fall 2017 or later, fill out the SJSU pledge form, and have a two or four-year plan in place in MyPlanner. The pledge form can be found online. Interested students entering the CSU in the fall term should contact californiapromise@sjsu.edu or visit the Cal State California Promise website.

Other Applicants

Fully matriculated students enrolled at any CSU campus have access to courses at other CSU campuses on a space available basis unless those campuses/ programs are impacted. This access is offered without students being required to be formally admitted to the host campus and in most cases without paying additional fees. Students should consult their home campus academic advisors to determine how such courses may apply to their specific degree programs before enrolling at the host campus.

CSU Fully Online Courses - Matriculated students in good standing may request enrollment in one course per term, offered by a CSU host campus. Enrollment requests will be granted based on available space, as well as completion of any stated prerequisites. Credit earned at the host campus is electronically reported to the student’s home campus to be included on the student’s transcript at the home campus.

CSU Visitor Enrollment - Matriculated students in good standing enrolled at one CSU campus may enroll at another CSU campus for one term. Credit earned at the host campus is reported at the student’s request to the home campus to be included on the student’s transcript at the home campus.

Intersystem Cross Enrollment - Matriculated CSU, UC, or community college students may enroll on a “space available” basis for one course per term at another CSU, UC, or community college and request that a transcript of record be sent to the home campus.

Appeal of Admission Decision

Section 89030.7 of the California Education Code requires that the CSU establishes specific requirements for appeal procedures for a denial of admission. Each CSU campus must publish appeal procedures for applicants denied admission to the University. The procedure is limited to addressing campus decisions to deny an applicant admission to the University.

Admissions appeal procedures must address the basis for appeals, provide 15 business days for an applicant to submit an appeal, stipulate a maximum of one appeal per academic term, provide specific contact information for the individual or office to which the appeal should be submitted, and indicate a time estimate for when the campus expects to respond to an appeal. The appeal procedures must be included in all denial of admission notifications to students and must also be published on the campus website. Applicants should consult with SJSU Admissions.

Orientation

Frosh Orientation

Orientation is an important first step to help new students learn to navigate SJSU, register for classes, and make the connections they need to be successful! These mandatory programs assist new students with making the transition to college. Orientation is delivered collaboratively by two SJSU departments, Undergraduate Advising and Success Center (UASC) and New Student and Family Programs. These departments work with new students at Orientation and beyond by utilizing student leaders who are trained in approaches for effective transition. During the program, professional staff advise students about the General Education program, major courses, and prerequisites. Orientation staff who are knowledgeable about the campus guide students and parents/guardians through experiences that educate them about campus programs and services.

Transfer Orientation

Transfer Orientation is a mandatory program that acquaints students with the campus, introduces them to their colleges and major departments, and provides them with critical academic planning information. This program is managed by New Student and Family Programs in collaboration with Undergraduate Advising and Success Center (UASC) and other campus offices.

Freshman Requirements

Generally, applicants will qualify for consideration for first-time freshman admission if they meet the following requirements:

  1. Have graduated from high school, have earned a Certificate of General Education Development (GED), or have passed the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE);
  2. Complete the 15-unit comprehensive “a-g” pattern of college preparatory courses;
  3. Have completed, with grades of C- or better, each of the courses in the comprehensive pattern of college  preparatory subject requirements also known as the “a-g” pattern (see “Subject Requirements”); and
    • The CSU will accept “Credit” or “Pass” grades to satisfy “a-g” requirements completed during Winter,  Spring, Summer or Fall 2020 terms and during Winter, Spring or Summer 2021 terms. The CSU  expects and assumes that high school Pass (Credit) grades will represent work completed at the C or higher level. Beginning Fall 2021and forward, grades are expected for courses.
  4. Earn a qualifying “a-g” grade point average (GPA) as described below.

    • California residents and graduates of California high schools will be eligible for admission by earning a 2.50 or greater “a-g” GPA.

    • Any California high school graduate or resident of California earning a GPA between 2.00 and 2.49 may be evaluated for admission based upon supplemental factors such as number of courses exceeding minimum “a-g” requirements, household income, extracurricular involvement, and other available information that would inform the campus admission decision.

    • Non-California residents may be eligible for admission to the CSU by earning a 3.00 or greater “a-g” GPA along with other supplemental factors utilized by the individual campus, including those outlined by impacted campuses and programs.

    • Any Non-California resident earning a GPA between 2.47 and 2.99 may be evaluated for admission based upon supplemental factors such as number of courses exceeding minimum “a-g” requirements, household income, extracurricular involvement, and other available information that would inform the campus admission decision.

  5. Each CSU campus will determine the supplemental factors used with GPA to determine eligibility in these cases and communicate these criteria publicly for prospective students.

 

The California State University (CSU) has permanently discontinued the use of ACT/SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility Submitted test scores by admitted students would be considered only for purposes of student placement in Math or English courses.

Provisional Admission

The offer of provisional admission is based on the academic information that applicants report on the CSU Apply application. All academic information must be verified before the admitted student will be allowed to enroll and register for classes at SJSU. The admission status will remain “provisional” until an official, final transcript(s) passes verification and confirmation of graduation from high school has been made. The offer of provisional admission to the academic plan (major) listed on the admission letter is only valid for the admit term and may not be deferred to another semester. In addition, it is not possible to change majors prior to enrollment at SJSU.

Applicants will qualify for regular (non-provisional) admission when the university verifies that they have graduated and received a high school diploma, have met qualifying minimum eligibility critera, have completed the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory “a-g” subjects, and, if applying to an impacted program or campus, have met all supplementary criteria.

SAT and ACT Tests

The California State University (CSU) has permanently discontinued the use of ACT/SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility. Submitted test scores by admitted students would be considered only for purposes of student placement in Math or English courses.

Placement Measures for First-Year GE Written Communication and Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Courses

Freshman skills assessment and placement for general education written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning shall be based on systemwide skills assessment standards that include the CAASPP/EAP Achievement Levels, ACT scores and/or SAT scores, high school coursework, high school GPA and math GPA. (Note: SAT and ACT scores will not be used for admission between Fall 2021 and Spring 2023 but may be used for course placement if submitted.) Skills assessments are not a condition for admission to the CSU; they are a condition of enrollment. These skills assessments are designed to inform entering freshmen of placement in appropriate baccalaureate-level courses based on their skills and needs.

First-time freshmen in need of support as determined by the skills assessment will be placed in supported instruction. Supported instruction is designed to assist students in credit bearing courses. Students may also be required to participate in the Early Start Program. The Early Start Program gives students the opportunity to earn college credit in written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning the summer before their first term.

More information on supported instruction is found online.

Assessments and Placement for GE Written Communication

Has Fulfilled the GE Area A2 Writing Requirement

The student has met the requirement via completion of one of the following:

Advanced Placement (AP) Test

  • 3 or above: AP Language and Composition
  • 3 or above: AP Composition and Literature

International Baccalaureate (IB) Exam

  • 4 or above: IB Language A - Language and Literature (HL)
  • 4 or above: IB Literature (HL)
  • 4 or above: IB Language A1 (HL)

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

  • 50 or above: CLEP College Composition
  • 50 or above: CLEP College Composition Modular

College Transfer Coursework

  • Completed approved college course that satisfies CSU GE Area A2 (written communication) with a grade of C- or better (official transcript required).

Placement in a GE Subarea A2 Writing Course

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:

English CAASPP/EAP Test:

  • Standard Exceeded (Level 4)
  • Standard Met (Level 3) and completed 12th grade approved year-long English course (CSU ERWC, AP, Weighted Honors English) with grade of C- or better

SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Test:

  • 550 or above
  • 510 - 540 and completed 12th grade approved year-long English course (CSU ERWC, AP, Weighted Honors English) with grade of C- or better

ACT English Test:

  • 22 or above
  • 19-21 and completed 12th grade approved year-long English course (CSU ERWC, AP, Weighted Honors  English) with grade of C- or better 

High School Courses and GPA:

  • Weighted GPA 3.3 or above
  • GPA 3.0 or above and completed approved 12 grade year-long English course (AP, CSU ERWC, Weighted Honors English) with a grade of C- or better
  • GPA 3.0 or above and completed Honors English
  • GPA 3.0 or above and 5 or more years of high school English

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea A2 Writing Course and Participation in the Early Start Program Recommended

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:

SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Test:

  • 510 - 540 and 4 or more years of high school English

ACT English Test:

  • 19 - 21 and 4 or more years of high school English

High School Courses and GPA:

  • Weighted GPA 3.0 or above and 4 or more years of high school English

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea A2 Writing Course and Participation in the Early Start Program Required

Based on multiple measures evaluation, the student is in need of additional academic support, including participation in the Early Start Program. Visit the Early Start Program page to learn about the Early Start Program Requirement.

Assessments and Placement for GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning: Non-Math Intensive Majors (Algebra and Statistics Disciplines, Non-STEM and Undecided Majors)

Has Fulfilled the GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

The student has met the requirement via completion of one of the following:

Advanced Placement (AP) Test:

  • 3 or above on AP Calculus AB*
  • 3 or above on AP Calculus BC*
  • 3 or above on AP Statistics
  • 3 or above on AP Computer Science Principles*

        * Students may receive credit for only one calculus or computer science exam. 

International Baccalaureate (IB) Test:

  • 4 or above on Math (HL): Analysis and Approaches
  • 4 or above on Math (HL): Applications and Interpretation

College Level Examination Program (CLEP):

  • 50 or above on: Calculus, College Algebra, College Algebra-Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus

College Transfer Coursework:

  • Completed math/quantitative reasoning college course with a C- or better that satisfies CSU GE Area B4 (official transcript required).

Placement in a GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Course

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures-informed standards via one of the following criteria:

CAASPP/EAP Math Exam:

  • Standard Exceeded (Level 4)
  • Standard Met (Level 3) and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 or Integrated Math 3, with a C- or better
  • Standard Met and 4 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning

SAT Math Test:

  • 570 or above
  • 520 - 560 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 or Integrated Math 3, with a C- or better

ACT Math Test:

  • 23 or above
  • 20 - 22 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 or Integrated Math 3, with a C- or better

High School Courses and GPA:

  • Weighted math GPA 3.0 or above and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 or Integrated Math 3, with a C- or better
  • Weighted math GPA 3.0 or above and 5 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning
  • Weighted high school GPA 3.7 or above
  • Weighted high school GPA 3.5 or above and 4 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning

*SAT score conversion for scores prior to March 2016 (old SAT): https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat-essay-scoring-before-march-2016

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/ Quantitative Reasoning Course and Participation in the Early Start Program Recommended

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:

High School MATH GPA:

  • Weighted math GPA 3.3 or above

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/ Quantitative Reasoning Course and Participation in the Early Start Program Required

Based on multiple measures evaluation, the student needs additional academic support including participation in the Early Start Program. Visit the Early Start Program page to learn about the Early Start Program Requirement.

Assessments and Placement for GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning: Pre-STEM/STEM and Other Math- Intensive Majors

Has Fulfilled the GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

The student has met the requirement via completion of one of the following:

Advanced Placement (AP) Test:

  • 3 or above on AP Calculus AB*
  • 3 or above on AP Calculus BC*
  • 3 or above on AP Statistics
  • 3 or above on AP Computer Science Principles*

         *Students may receive credit for only one calculus or computer science exam.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Test:

  • 4 or above on Math (HL): Analysis and Approaches
  • 4 or above on Math (HL): Applications and Interpretation

College Level Examination Program (CLEP):

  • 50 or above on: Calculus, College Algebra, College Algebra-Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus

College Transfer Coursework:

  • Completed math/quantitative reasoning college course with a C- or better that satisfies CSU GE Area B4 (official transcripts required).

Placement in a GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Course

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via one of the criteria below:

CAASPP/EAP Math Exam:

  • Standard Exceeded (Level 4)
  • Standard Met (Level 3) and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 or Integrated Math 3 with a C- or better

SAT Math Test:

  • 570 or above
  • 520 - 560 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 or Integrated Math 3 with a C- or better

ACT Math Test:

  • 23 or above
  • 20 - 22 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a C- or better

High School Courses and GPA:

  • Weighted math GPA 3.5 or above and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 or Integrated Math 3 with a grade of C- or better
  • Weighted math GPA 3.5 or above and 5 or more years of high school math or quantitative reasoning
  • Weighted high school GPA 3.7 or above

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/ Quantitative Reasoning Course and Participation in the Early Start Program Recommended

The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures- informed standards via the criteria below:

High School Math GPA:

  • Weighted math GPA 3.3 or above

Placement in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/ Quantitative Reasoning Course and Participation in the Early Start Program Required

Based on multiple measures evaluation, the student needs additional academic support including participation in the Early Start Program. Visit the Early Start Program page to learn about the Early Start Program Requirement.

Early Start Program

The goal of the Early Start Program (ESP) is to:

  • Better prepare students in written composition and mathematics/quantitative reasoning before the fall term of freshman year, improving students’ chances of successful completion of a baccalaureate degree.
  • If required to participate in ESP, as determined by multiple measures, students will begin in the summer before the start of the freshman year.
  • For general information about ESP including fees and course listings, visit CSU Student Success - Early Start. Students are encouraged to visit the SJSU Early Start Program website information once admitted.
  • Eligible financial aid applicants with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of $65,000 or less will be eligible for waiver of the per unit ESP fee.

For more information on assessments, placements and the Early Start Program, please visit CSU Student Success - Early Start

To facilitate appropriate first-year course placement, the CSU evaluates entering students for academic preparation in two areas: quantitative reasoning and written communication. The evaluation process takes into account several factors, including grade point average, completed high school coursework, transfer-level coursework, and scores on standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, CAASPP/EAP, and Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate examinations.

On the basis of this evaluation, some students who may benefit from additional academic preparation are required to participate in summer skill-building activities through the Early Start Program. The Early Start program provides students with an opportunity to take college level courses in the summer. This will allow the student to begin earning units towards their degree and have an early transition to SJSU. This requirement may be satisfied through live or online Early Start courses offered by any CSU campus. Students with an Early Start requirement will receive information about the program, including specific course options, through MySJSU starting in the first week of May and continuing throughout the summer. Regular financial aid packages may not be applied to Early Start classes; however, fee waivers are automatically given to qualifying students.

Students who need sign language interpreters or other accommodations should contact the Accessible Education Center (AEC) at (408) 924-6000 as soon as possible, or at least two weeks prior to the first day of Early Start classes. For more information about obtaining accommodations contact the AEC.

Students who fall into one or more of the following categories are excused from the Early Start requirement, regardless of their academic record:

  1. Non-residents of California (See Registrar’s Office for information on residency.)
  2. International students (F-1 and J-1 visas only)
  3. Students admitted after June 1st

In addition, students who have a serious and compelling reason for not participating in the program may petition for an exception to the requirement. Exceptions are granted only when program participation is impossible or would lead to undue hardship. (Summer vacation plans are not considered grounds for an exception.) The petition can be found online. For a petition to be approved, documentation will be required.

Students who do not satisfy their Early Start requirement may be sanctioned as outlined in the SJSU Early Start Expectations for Completion section of the web site.

The Early Start requirement applies to students admitted in the fall semester only. Students admitted in the spring semester are exempt from the Early Start Program.

Subject Requirement Substitution for Students with Disabilities

If you are unable to complete certain subjects because of your disability, please call the Accessible Education Center at 408-924-6000 or by email aec-info@sjsu.edu.

Step to College/Unitrack - High School Students

See Alternative Enrollment Programs .

Transfer Requirements

Applicants who have completed fewer than 60 transferable semester college units (fewer than 90 quarter units) are considered lower division transfer students. Applicants who have completed 60 or more transferable semester college units (90 or more quarter units) are considered upper division transfer students. Applicants who complete college units during high school or through the summer immediately following high school graduation are considered first-time freshmen and must meet the CSU minimum eligibility requirements for first-time freshman admission. Transferable courses are those designated for baccalaureate credit by the college or university offering the courses and accepted as such by the campus to which the applicant seeks admission.  

Transfer Policies of CSU Campuses

Most commonly, college level credits earned from an institution of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education are accepted for transfer to campuses of the CSU; however, authority for decisions regarding the transfer of undergraduate credits is delegated to each CSU campus.

California Community Colleges and other authorized certifying institutions can certify up to 39 semester (58.5 quarter) units of General Education-Breadth (GEBreadth) or 37 semester (55.5 quarter) units of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) for transfer students to fulfill lower-division general education requirements for any CSU campus prior to transfer.

“Certification” is the official notification from a California Community College or authorized institution that a transfer student has completed courses fulfilling lower-division general education requirements. The CSU GE-Breadth and the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) certification course lists for particular community colleges can be accessed at the official transfer and articulation system for California’s public colleges and universities website, www.assist.org.

CSU campuses may enter into course-to-course or program-to-program articulation agreements with other CSU campuses, any or all of the California Community Colleges, and other regionally accredited institutions. Established CSU and California Community College articulations may be found on www.assist.org. Students may be permitted to transfer no more than 70 semester (105 quarter) units to a CSU campus from an institution which does not offer bachelor’s degrees or their equivalents, for example, community colleges. Given the university’s 30-semester (45-quarter) unit residency requirement, no more than a total of 90-semester (135-quarter) units may be transferred into the University from all sources.  

Lower Division Transfer Requirements

An applicant who completes fewer than 60 semester (90 quarter) units of college credit is considered a lower division transfer student. Due to enrollment demands most CSU campuses, including SJSU, do not admit lower-division  transfers so that more upper-division transfers can be accommodated.  

Having fewer than 60 semester (90 quarter) units at the point of transfer may affect eligibility for registration  priority at CSU campuses and may affect the student’s financial aid status.  

California resident transfer applicants with fewer than 60 semester or 90 quarter units must:  

  • Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) or better in all transferable units attempted;
  • Have completed, with a grade of C- or better, a course in written communication and a course in  mathematics or quantitative reasoning at a level satisfying CSU General Education Breadth Area A2 and  B4 requirements, respectively;  
  • Be in good standing at the last institution attended; and  
  • Meet any one of the following eligibility standards.

Generally, applicants will qualify for admission as a lower division transfer student if they have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (C or better) in all transferable units attempted, are in good standing at the last college or university attended, and meet any of the following standards:

  1. Will meet the freshman admission requirements (GPA and subject requirements) in effect for the term to which they are applying (see “Freshman Requirements”); or
  2. Were eligible as a freshman at the time of high school graduation except for the subject requirements, and have been in continuous attendance in an accredited college since high school graduation, and have made up the missing subjects.

Applicants who graduated from high school prior to 1988 should contact the Admissions Office to inquire about alternative admission programs.

Making Up Missing College Preparatory Subject Requirements

San José State University does not allow students to make up missing college preparatory (a-g) subjects over the summer sessions. All work must be completed by the end of the 8th semester of high school with a “C- or Better” grade.

Upper Division Transfer Requirements

Generally, applicants will qualify for consideration for upper-division transfer admission if they meet all of the following requirements:

  1. Cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 (C or better) in all transferable units attempted;
  2. In good standing at the last college or university attended; and
  3. Completed at least sixty (60) transferable semester (90 quarter) units of college level coursework with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher and a grade C- or better in each course used to meet the CSU general education requirements in written communication, oral communication, critical thinking, and quantitative reasoning, e.g. mathematics.

The 60 units must include at least 30 units of courses that meet CSU general education requirement including all of the general education requirements in communication in the English language (both oral and written) and critical thinking and the requirement in mathematics/quantitative reasoning (usually 3 semester units) OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements in English communication and mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning.

All applicants for transfer will be required to complete a supplemental application including grades for all coursework completed and a list of all coursework in progress.

Any transfer applicant who wishes to be considered for admission must complete and submit the supplemental application by the deadline posted to his or her MySJSU To Do List.

For more information about the way that this information will be considered for admission and a list of major-specific coursework, please see Program Specific Supplemental Coursework section.

Questions about the Supplemental Application can be answered by consulting our help guide.

Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT: AA-T or AS-T)

Student Transfer Achievement Reform (STAR) Act (SB 1440)

The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) and the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degrees offered at the California Community Colleges (CCC) are designed to provide California Community College students with the optimum transfer preparation and a clear admission pathway to those CSU degree majors. Students who have completed these transfer degrees and are admitted to a similar CSU major program or option for that discipline will be able to complete the Baccalaureate Degree within 60 semester or 90 quarter units providing that all remaining required courses are completed successfully without a break in attendance and providing that no supplemental courses for minors or areas of emphasis are undertaken.

CCC students who earn an Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) are guaranteed admission with junior standing to a CSU and given priority admission consideration over other transfer applicants when applying to a local CSU campus or non-impacted CSU program. AA-T or AS-T admission applicants are given limited priority consideration based on their eligibility ranking to an impacted campus/program or to campuses/programs that have been deemed similar to the degree completed at the community college. Students who have completed an AA-T/AS-T in a program deemed similar to a CSU major are able to complete remaining requirements for graduation within 60 semester (90 quarter) units. It is the responsibility of the student who has earned an AA-T/AS-T to provide documentation of the degree to the CSU campus. For the admissions process, students are responsible for working with their community college counselors to complete verification of AA-T or AS-T degree progress through the e-Verify process within the established campus deadlines.

Students who earn associate degrees for transfer and apply to a CSU campus but cannot be admitted due to impaction will be redirected to another CSU campus and offered admission for the same term. In order to qualify for the priority admission guarantee, transfer applicants must be conferred an approved Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T/AS-T) by a California Community College, apply for admission to California State University campuses for an open term by the published deadline, submit all requested transcripts and documents, meet CSU admission eligibility requirements for the campus and/or program, and comply with any other prescribed admission requirements. It is the responsibility of these transfer students to provide documentation about the completion of the degree to each CSU campus that has received an application for admission.

Transfers - Provisional Admission

The offer of provisional admission is based on the academic information that applicants report on the CSU Apply application. All academic information must be verified before the admitted student will be allowed to enroll and register for classes at SJSU. The admission status will remain “provisional” until an official, final transcript(s) passes verification and confirmation of completion of any spring work in progress. The offer of provisional admission to the academic plan (major) listed on the admission letter is only valid for the admit term and may not be deferred to another semester. In addition, it is not possible to change majors prior to enrollment at SJSU.

Postbaccalaureate (Second Baccalaureate)

Due to enrollment restrictions and impaction, SJSU no longer accepts applications from postbaccalaureate/second baccalaureate students. The only exception is for Nursing.

International Student Requirements

The following information pertains to specific requirements for SJSU International Students.

Admission Requirements

The CSU must assess the academic preparation of international students. For this purpose, “international students” include those who hold U.S. temporary visas as students (F-1), exchange visitors (J-1), or in other nonimmigrant classifications.

The CSU uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of “international students.” Verification of English proficiency (see the section on the English Language requirement for undergraduate applicants), financial resources, and academic performance are each important considerations for admission. Academic records from international institutions must be on file by the posted deadlines and, if not in English, must be accompanied by certified English translations.

Insurance Requirement

Effective August 1, 1995, as a condition of receiving an I-20 or DS-2019 form, all F-1 and J-1 visa applicants must agree to obtain and maintain health insurance as a condition of registration and continued enrollment in the California State University. Such insurance must be in amounts as specified by the United States Department of State and San José State University. The campus president or designee shall determine which insurance policies meet these criteria. Further information may be obtained from International Student and Scholar Services, Student Union - CPGE.

English-Language Proficiency Exam Requirement

All undergraduate applicants whose native language is not English and who have not attended schools at the secondary level or above for at least three years full time where English is the principal language of instruction must present a score of 61 or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some majors and class levels may require a higher score. For graduate student applicants, please refer to Graduate Admissions. A few programs may also use alternative methods of assessing English fluency: Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

SJSU will assign “to do” items in MySJSU to notify applicants to submit test scores to the admissions office. 

SJSU Minimum Proficiency Standards TOEFL Internet TOEFL Paper PTE IELTS Duolingo
Undergraduate, except Engineering 61 500 44 6.0 95
All Engineering majors 80 550 53 6.5 95
All Graduate applicants 80 550 53 6.5 N/A

Transcript Requirements

Transcript Submission

All transcripts submitted must be official and sent directly from the originating school or college to the Office of Admissions. San José State University accepts electronic transcripts as the preferred method. If possible please request your school to send your transcripts electronically. Electronic transcripts save processing time. Transcripts submitted by the student are not acceptable unless submitted in a sealed envelope. All records submitted become the property of the university, part of the student’s file, and will not be released. If a student does not complete the application or enroll, the records will be kept on file for one year only.

Undergraduate students with college transfer work who are accepted for admission, and who desire advising, will be required to present a set of college transcripts to their departmental advisor. It is suggested that you order a set of transcripts for yourself at the same time you order transcripts sent to the Office of Admissions.

Freshmen Applicant Transcripts

Students applying for admission to the university while still attending high school may be evaluated on their self-reported application information. A final high school transcript with the date of graduation must be sent to the Office of Admissions at the time of graduation and by the assigned due date.

Transfer Applicant Transcripts

Transfer applicants who have completed 60 or more semester units of transferable credits and who are applying to the university need not file the high school transcript. However, applicants are cautioned that if, during the evaluation process, it is determined that fewer than 60 semester units of transferable credit have been earned, processing will stop and the application will be withdrawn.

All undergraduate applicants must file one official transcript from each college or institution in which they have enrolled. This includes USAFI, the Defense Language Institute, Special Sessions (Winter Session and Professional Development), correspondence and audited courses, as well as any college in which the student was enrolled and withdrew without earning credit.

Former students need not order transcripts of work completed at SJSU whether this work was accomplished in the regular session, Open University, Special Sessions, or through the university Professional Development Program. Similarly, they need not reorder transcripts that were previously forwarded to this university. But if they did college work in the interim, such transcripts must be filed with their papers. Students absent from the university for a period of seven years or longer must resubmit all documents required for admission.

Credential Applicant Transcripts

Applicants to credential programs are required to file one official transcript from each and every college in which they have enrolled. Transcripts must be sent directly from the originating institution to the Office of Graduate Admissions & Program Evaluations (GAPE). Transcripts submitted by the student are not acceptable unless submitted in an official sealed envelope.

All college work must be reported. Failure to comply with this requirement may void the student’s application.

Test Requirements

SAT and ACT

The California State University (CSU) has permanently discontinued the use of ACT/SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility. Students may submit their official SAT and/or ACT should they be offered admission to be used for course placement purposes, but the standardized tests will not be considered in the admission decision. Registration forms and dates for the SAT or ACT are available from school or college counselors or from a CSU campus testing office. Or students may contact:

The College Board (SAT)

Registration Unit, Box 6200
Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6200
609-771-7588
www.collegeboard.org

ACT Registration Unit

P.O. Box 414
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
319-337-1270
www.act.org

Placement by Examination

Advanced Standing by Examination

Advanced standing by examination permits accelerated progress toward the degree and a wider selection of course work.

Advanced standing by examination is divided into three categories: (1) advanced placement by examination (no unit credit awarded); (2) waiver of requirements (no unit credit awarded); and (3) advanced credit by examination.

Course Placement by Examination

See the policies below and the respective departments for details about all placement examinations.

Mathematics

The Precalculus Proficiency Assessment is offered to students who would like to place into MATH 30 , MATH 30X MATH 70 MATH 71 , or MATH 71X  and have not yet satisfied the prerequisites (MATH 70 : MATH 18A /MATH 19  or SAT 570+ or ACT 23+; MATH 71 : MATH 18A /MATH 19  or SAT 570+ or ACT 23+; MATH 30 : MATH 19  with B or better; MATH 30X : MATH 19  with C- or better). Contact the Math Department for more information or contact the Testing Office; testing-office@sjsu.edu.

Foreign Language

Placement examinations in French, German and Spanish are recommended for those students who studied language in high school or acquired language skills through life experiences.

Students having completed college level foreign language (at SJSU or elsewhere) generally will not take the placement examination but will enroll in the course for which they qualify on the basis of units completed.

Music

All new and transfer music majors, including graduate students and returning former students, must report to the School of Music and Dance for auditions, advising and placement examinations. Music majors and minors must also audition for a major ensemble before completing registration.

Precalculus Proficiency Assessment (PPA)

The Precalculus Proficiency Assessment (PPA) is offered to students who would like to place into MATH 30 MATH 30X MATH 42 MATH 42X MATH 70 MATH 71 , or MATH 71X  and have not yet satisfied the prerequisites.  For more information, consult the Testing Office at testing.sjsu.edu or testing-office@sjsu.edu.

  • Entering freshmen who plan to take MATH 30 MATH 30X MATH 42 MATH 42X MATH 70 MATH 71 , or MATH 71X  their first semester should take the Precalculus Proficiency Assessment prior to attending orientation. Exams are offered throughout September through January for Spring admits and May through August for Fall admits. Check the Testing Office website for details at testing.sjsu.edu.
  • For more information about the courses and their prerequisites, please read the Calculus and Discrete Mathematics web pages.

Placement Through External Exams

Information regarding external exams, Advanced Placement (AP) Exams  and College Level Exam Program (CLEP) , can be found in the linked sections of this catalog. Specific score information regarding MATH course prerequisites is found on the Calculus and Discrete Mathematics web pages.

Precalculus Proficiency Assessment through ALEKS PPL

The Precalculus Proficiency Assessment at SJSU is conducted through ALEKS PPL, an adaptive online program that uses artificial intelligence to map a student’s strengths and weaknesses.

It consists of 3 parts:

  1. Initial Assessment (approximately 30 questions, about 60-90 minutes to complete)
  2. Prep and Learning Module (individualized, self-paced online review, with up to 2 practice tests)
  3. Access to 2 Proctored Placement Assessments (Proctored in-person or online at SJSU. For non-local students, we can make arrangements for proctoring in person if available at other testing locations.)

For additional information on the PPA, visit testing.sjsu.edu/CalcPE.

Registration and Payment

See information on testing.sjsu.edu.

Accommodations

Students needing accommodations can take the Precalculus Proficiency Assessment through the Accesiblity Education Center (AEC). Registration can be done after payment and directly through the AEC.

Foreign Language Placement Examination

The placement test is recommended for those students who studied a language in high school or acquired language skills through life experiences such as foreign travel or study abroad.

If you have taken college level foreign language courses (at SJSU, a community college, or other university), you do not need to be tested. Just enroll in the course for which you qualify on the basis of units accumulated. If you are unsure about course equivalencies, call 408-924-4602 and you will be referred to an advisor.

Students may also take the Placement Test for Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish or Vietnamese on an individual basis for the following semester. For details, call the Carmen Sigler Media Center at 408-924-4696.

For other languages, call 408-924-4602.

Waiver Examinations

A satisfactory score on one or more of the following tests will result in a waiver of the requirement, but no unit credit will be awarded. Information on all waiver examinations is available in the Testing Office. There is a test fee associated with some of these exams.

American Institutions

A waiver examination (giving no unit credit) is available in the Testing Office to challenge the California Government graduation requirement (Area US3).

Writing in the Disciplines​ Course (100W)

Students who have earned a waiver-eligible score on the Writing Skills Test (WST) at SJSU, or who have satisfied the CSU Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement at another CSU campus, are not required to take a 100W course unless their degree programs do not accept a waiver of the course. Consult the Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements  for a list of majors that do not accept the waiver. Note that the Writing Skills Test requirement has been temporarily suspended. Students should consult the following website for information: Current WST information

Credit by Exam (CBE) for Challenge Examinations

In accordance with University Policies F15-5 and F15-11, academic credit may be earned through CBE for any department-approved 0-100 level course for which an equivalent CLEP exam is not available. Credit earned from CBE is non-transferable and awarded on a Credit/No Credit basis. It can only be used to clear SJSU requirements and assist with progress towards a degree at SJSU. CBE can be attempted only once per course, up to a maximum of 30 units. This 30 unit maximum also includes course credit earned through CLEP examinations.

If you are seeking Credit By Examination, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You are a currently matriculated student at SJSU.
  • You cannot be enrolled in the course, and have never received a grade (other than W) for the course or an equivalent course.
  • You can only use the course towards completion of degree requirements at SJSU.
  • You have never attempted CBE for the course before.
  • You have fewer than the maximum of 30 units allowed for CBE/CLEP credit.

Contact the Testing Office to request a petition form. Visit testing.sjsu.edu/CBE for more information.

Credit by Examination

Standardized Exams

SJSU grants credit toward its undergraduate degrees for successful completion of various standardized exams. The following are the guidelines for the credit that may be granted at SJSU for each standardized exam. Students may not earn duplicate credit by examination if they have previously taken or subsequently take equivalent exams or coursework.

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Writing Skills Test (WST)

All students, regardless of where they began their college studies, are required by the California State University to satisfy an upper division written communication requirement. At SJSU the writing requirement has two parts: passing the WST and passing a 100W course. The WST requirement has been temporarily suspended. Please see the following website for more information: Current WST Policy. The WST has been temporarily suspended. See Temporary WST Policy for details and link to the self directed placement exercise.

  • A satisfactory score on the Writing Skills Test (WST) is required prior to enrollment in Writing in the Disciplines (100W courses) and all SJSU Studies (upper division general education, Areas R, S, and V) courses. To make timely progress to their degree, students should register for, and take, the first available WST they can after completing ENGL 1A  course (CSU GE Area A2) and a critical thinking course (CSU GE Area A3).
  • The WST requirement cannot be waived, though the test has been temporarily suspended. See note above
  • High WST scores may also be used to waive the required Writing in the Disciplines course (100W). Some majors do not permit waiving of 100W no matter what score the student receives on the WST. Individual score reports explain each student’s status.

The prerequisite for the WST is completion of ENGL 1A  (CSU GE Area A2) with a grade of “C- or better”. Completion of a second semester composition course (e.g. Area A3 courses or ENGL 1B  at SJSU) is strongly recommended for students prior to taking the WST. For SJSU students who completed their English composition courses at SJSU prior to Fall 2014, ENGL 1A  and ENGL 1B  (or equivalent) were prerequisites for the WST.

Once the writing courses have been completed with grades of “C- or better”, students should visit testing.sjsu.edu/wst to view upcoming test dates and register for the WST. Completion of the WST prior to reaching upper division standing will prevent any delays in registration for any courses which require the WST or 100W as a prerequisite for enrollment. Transfer students should complete the WST prior to their first semester at SJSU to prevent any delays in registration.

Consult testing.sjsu.edu for the most current information about the WST. The following students do not need to take the WST to enroll in any classes:

  1. Students who have completed the Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) at SJSU or at another CSU campus as a matriculated student at the time of completion. Note: If you have satisfied the GWAR at another CSU campus, your department may still require that you take 100W to satisfy the requirements of the major, even though the university GWAR requirement has been met;
  2. Postbaccalaureate students who have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university;
  3. Students who have submitted a Writing in the Disciplines petition and received approval granting equivalency based on satisfactory completion of an upper division composition course completed at another university, or the submission of published work for which the student is the primary author.

For students who have failed the WST, SJSU offers ENGL 100A  and LLD 100A . Either course satisfies the WST requirement if passed with a “C or Better.” See Directed self placement for 100A or 100W.

If you have questions about your status, contact the Testing Office at testing-office@sjsu.edu.

If you will not be in the U.S. for one of the spring or summer WST exams, take the first available exam in the fall semester.

If you will not be in the U.S. for one of the fall WST exams, take the first available exam in the spring semester. Students who live more than 50 miles away from campus may request to have their WST proctored at an approved testing center in the US. E-mail testing-office@sjsu.edu for more information.

Students must take the WST no later than the term in which they reach 75 earned units (counting no more than 70 transfer units). If they do not pass, they must retake the WST or, if the WST has been failed once, take a 100A course each term until they pass. Students who reach 90 earned units without passing the test must enroll in 100A. (Updated - Presidential Directive 2009-05) (This part of the directive has been temporarily suspended, but students are expected to take and pass the 100W class required for their major no later than earning 100 units.)

WST Scores

The WST has been temporarily suspended. See WST for more details.

Scores will be reported on your MySJSU account. Contact Testing Office for detailed WST score information.

How to prepare for this exam

  • WST information sample test questions, and registration materials may be obtained from helpful links can be found at Testing Office.
  • The Writing Center offers tutorial help and workshops on various writing topics.

To register

  1. Register at least 4 weeks in advance with the Testing Office, dates are available on testing website.
    Students who require disability-related accommodations must register and contact AEC at least four weeks prior to the posted test date.
  2. The non-refundable test fee is $38.00, payable online via credit card, or at the Testing Office (Industrial Studies 228) with cash or check.

Graduate Students and the WST

All graduate students are required to satisfy the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) through the completion of courses designed for this purpose in order to advance to candidacy and to graduate. The current list of courses can be found online. Some of these courses require the WST for registration. Waivers of the exam are issued for graduate students. The prerequisites described above (ENGL 1A  and a second semester composition course) are assumed to have been completed during the undergraduate education. Exceptions to the course requirements can be found on Graduate Admissions and in the section on Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement - Graduate . See your department graduate advisor for more information.

Test Accommodations

Students requiring test accommodations must submit the appropriate documentation to the Accessible Education Center (AEC). To ensure accommodations can be made, an appointment must be scheduled with an AEC counselor at least one month prior to a standardized or placement exam to determine eligibility and prescribe test accommodations. Students unable to meet this deadline should contact the AEC as soon as possible.

Transfer Credit

SJSU has extensive articulation with many colleges and universities in California. Course-to-course articulation agreements identify courses of comparable content for major and minor requirements for undergraduate degree programs at SJSU. The articulation agreement assures students that the approved transfer courses on the transfer campus will be accepted “in lieu of” the comparable SJSU courses. Information about the courses for each campus that SJSU has agreements with can be found at our comprehensive on-line transfer planning site.

Generally, transfer credit will be posted within the first semester of attendance or sooner in some cases. It is important to submit official transcript(s) from all institutions attended for work completed to ensure that transfer credit is posted.

San José State University accepts electronic transcripts as the preferred method. If possible please request your school to send your transcripts electronically. Electronic transcripts save processing time. If you have questions or need assistance with your transfer credit, please email eval@sjsu.edu.

Credit from Other Colleges and Universities

California Community Colleges will certify to the California State University those courses that are of baccalaureate level and therefore transferable for at least elective credit. Credits earned in accredited community colleges will be evaluated by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in accordance with Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 40409: A maximum of 70 semester units earned in a community college may be applied toward the degree, with the following limitations:

  1. No upper division credit may be allowed for courses taken at a community college, though content equivalence to upper division courses may be approved so that lower division courses may be articulated for “content credit only.”
  2. No credit may be allowed for professional courses in education taken at a community college, other than an introduction to education course.

Credits earned at a regionally accredited colleges will be evaluated by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and advanced standing allowed on the basis of the evidence submitted. Credit toward the fulfillment of graduation requirements will be allowed only insofar as the courses satisfactorily completed meet the standards and the requirements of the basic course pattern of the college.

Credits earned at non-accredited colleges may be accepted as a basis for advanced standing only to the extent that the applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university that a satisfactory degree of proficiency has been attained in the course in question.

For details on transferring graduate credits from other institutions, see the section on Transfer Credit in the Graduate Program .

Credit for Military Training in Non-Collegiate Settings

SJSU grants undergraduate degree credit for successful completion of non-collegiate instruction, either military or civilian, as recommended by the Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education. The number of units allowed is based on the recommendation in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services and the National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs.

Six semester units of credit are awarded for being on active duty for at least one year in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or Space Force. Three of these units can be used to complete Area E of the CSU General Education Program, two units will apply to the physical education requirement for SJSU graduation, and one unit is applied toward elective credit.

Documents that should be submitted to assess credit for military education are:

  • Joint Service Transcripts (JTS; Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force)
  • Community College of the Air Force transcript (CCAF)
  • DD-214 (or DD-295 for students still in the military)

SJSU also awards credit for College Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject examinations. The specific credit for the 36 different College Level Exam Program (CLEP)  exams can be found under credit by exam.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will assist students with questions they may have about transfer credit in order to determine student level and admission eligibility.

Contact:

Office of Admissions and Outreach (Undergraduate)

One Washington Square

San José, CA. 95192-0016
Phone: 408-283-7500
Email: eval@sjsu.edu

Credit for Professional Education

Special Session

Courses numbered 100-399 earn degree and residence credit. While the university may accept this work toward baccalaureate and graduate degrees, it is a matter of individual department evaluation as to whether such work is accepted as applying toward the major or minor. A record of this work is maintained by the Registrar’s Office. Transcripts are available once credit is posted.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Courses numbered 400-499 offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs), a nationally-recognized unit of measurement for a variety of noncredit programs applying toward licensure, promotion or career advancement. CEUs are not applicable to a degree nor to residence unit requirements. A record of this work is maintained by the College of Professional and Global Education. Transcripts are available once credit is posted. Contact College of Professional and Global Education .

Credit for Non Collegiate Instruction

San José State University grants undergraduate degree credit for successful completion of non collegiate instruction, either military or civilian, appropriate to the baccalaureate degree, that has been recommended by the Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education. The numbers of units allowed are those recommended in the

  • Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services and the National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs.
  • National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs.

Credit for Home Study

The university does not offer and rarely accepts credit for correspondence (home study) courses.

Credit for Work Experience

No unit credit is allowed toward bachelors’ degrees or master’s degrees for teaching or other practical experience. Specific requirements in certain departments may be waived, however, on the basis of previous experience.