Undergraduate Admissions

Admission Procedures and Policies

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 or PayPal and may not be transferred or used to apply to another term. An alternate major may be requested on the application if desired by the university. The applications of persons denied admission to an impacted university may be redirected to another university at no cost, but only if the applicant is CSU eligible.

Impacted Programs

The CSU designates programs as impacted when more applications from regularly eligible applicants are received in the initial filing period (October and November for fall terms, June for winter terms, August for spring terms, February for summer terms) than can be accommodated. Some programs are impacted at every university which they are offered; others are impacted only at a few universities.

Candidates for admission must meet all of the university’s specified supplementary admission criteria if applying to an impacted program or university.

The CSU will announce during the fall filing period those CSUs or programs that are impacted. Detailed information on university and program impaction is available on the Access & Impaction Website.

Each university 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 San José State University’s 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 CSU should file an application at each university for which they seek admission consideration.

Supplementary Admission Criteria

Each university 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 combination of student’s “A-G” GPA and supplemental factors 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. Applicants for freshman admission to impacted universities or programs may need to have a higher “a-g” GPA . In no case will standardized test scores be utilized in making freshman admission decisions. Details about the factors used to evaluate applicants for admissions can be found on the SJSU Admissions website. Applicants who wish to be considered for admission to SJSU as an upper division transfer must complete SJSU’s supplemental application. Details regarding the supplemental application process are posted to SJSU Admissions.

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

Application Filing Periods

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

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

On-time applicants may expect to receive an email acknowledgment from the universities to which they have applied within two to four weeks of filing the application. The notice may include a request that applicants submit additional records necessary to evaluate academic qualifications. Applicants may be assured of admission if the evaluation of relevant qualifications indicates that applicants meet CSU admission requirements, and in the case of admission impaction, supplemental criteria for admission to an impacted program. Unless specific written approval/confirmation is received, an offer of admission is not transferable to another term or to another university.

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 emails 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 in 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.

Reservation

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 CSUs to establish pledge programs for entering first-time students who are both interested and able to complete baccalaureate degrees in 4-years. All CSUs have established programs for students with Associate Degrees for Transfer from any California Community College to complete their baccalaureate degrees in 2-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 a priority 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 the quarter equivalent 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. Complete the Pledge Form to opt in to the program through the “To Do List” task on your MySJSU. 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.

Alternative Admissions for Adult Students

As an alternative to regular admission criteria, an applicant who is 25 years of age or older may be considered for admission as an adult student if they meet all of the following conditions:

• Possesses a high school diploma (or has established equivalence through either the General Educational Development or California High School Proficiency Examinations).
• Has not been enrolled in college as a full-time student for more than one term during the past five years.
• If there has been any college attendance in the last five years, has earned a 2.00 GPA or better in all college work attempted.

Consideration will be based upon a judgment as to whether the applicant is as likely to succeed as a regularly admitted freshman or transfer student and will include an assessment of basic skills in the English language and mathematical computation. 

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 must publish appeal procedures for applicants denied admission to the University. The procedure is limited to addressing university 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 university 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 university 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, Exploratory Student Success Center 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 Exploratory Student Success Center 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. The CSU requires that first-time freshman applicants complete, with grades of C- or better, a comprehensive pattern of college preparatory study totaling 15 units. A  “unit” is one year of study in high school. These subject requirements are also known as the “a-g” pattern.
   Subject Requirements

• 2 years of social science, including 1 year of U.S. history, or U.S. history and government
• 4 years of English
• 3 years of math (algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra; four years recommended)
• 2 years of laboratory science (1 biological & 1 physical, both must have laboratory instruction)
• 2 years in the same foreign language (subject to waiver for applicants demonstrating equivalent competence)
• 1 year of visual and performing arts: art, dance, drama/theater or music
• 1 year of electives: selected from English, advanced mathematics, social science, history, laboratory science, foreign language, visual and performing arts or other courses approved and included on the UC/CSU  “a-g” list.

Note: 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. As of Fall 2021 and forward, grades are expected for courses.

3. 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 university 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 university, including those outlined by impacted universities 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 university admission decision.

4. Each CSU 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. When available, admitted students are encouraged to submit official test scores; they would be considered only for purposes of student placement in Math or English courses.

Provisional Admission

San José State University may provisionally admit first-time freshman applicants based on their academic preparation through the junior year of high school and planned coursework for the senior year. The university will monitor the final terms of study to ensure that admitted students complete their secondary school studies satisfactorily, including the required college preparatory subjects, and graduate from high school. Students are required to submit an official transcript after graduation to certify that all coursework has been satisfactorily completed. Official high school transcripts must be received prior to the deadline set by the university. In no case may documentation of high school graduation be received any later than the census date for a student’s first term of CSU enrollment. A CSU may rescind admission decisions, cancel financial aid awards, withdraw housing contracts and cancel any university registration for students who are found to be ineligible after the final transcript has been evaluated.

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 completed the comprehensive pattern of college preparatory “a-g” subjects and, if applying to an impacted program or university, 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. When available, admitted students are encouraged to submit official test scores, as they will be considered to help determine accurate 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 Early Assessment Program/ Smarter Balanced Achievement Levels, ACT scores and/or SAT scores, high school coursework, high school GPA and math GPA. (Note: SAT and ACT are not used for admission,  but admitted students are encouraged to submit official test scores, as they will be considered to help determine accurate placement in math or English courses.)

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 courses with 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 offers pathways and academic and social support that align with each incoming student’s needs. The program’s goal is to ensure that first time students successfully complete the General Education (GE) written communication (A2) and math/quantitative reasoning (B4) requirements within their first year.

Placement for GE Area A2 Written Communication 

Fulfilled the GE Area A2 Written Communication Requirement (W-I)

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

College Transfer Coursework

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

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

Enroll in a GE Subarea A2 English Course in the first year (W-II)

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

Enroll in a Supported GE Subarea A2 English Course in the first term is recommended (W-III)

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

Enroll in a Supported GE Subarea A2 English Course in the first term (required) (W-IV)

If none of the above criteria is met, students must take their GE Subarea A2 course in the first semester and remain continuously enrolled in area A2 until the requirement is met. Students have the option to select the stretch version of English 1A after completing the Reflection on College Writing (RCW).

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

Fulfilled the GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement (M-I)

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, or Trigonometry

College Transfer Coursework:

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

Enroll in a GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement Course in the first year (M-II)

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
• 550 or above on Subject Test in Math Level 1 or 2
• 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

*View SAT score conversion for scores prior to March 2016 (old SAT)

Enroll in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Course in the first term is recommended (M-III)

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
• Weighted high school GPA 3.0 or above

Enroll in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Course in the first semester (required) and Participation in the B4 Supported Pathways Program (Early Start) is highly recommended (M-IV)

If none of the above criteria is met, it is highly recommended that students complete their GE Subarea B4 course through the Supported Pathways Program (EarlyStart) during the summer before their first year. Alternatively, students must take their GE Subarea B4 course in the first semester and remain continuously enrolled in area B4 until the requirement is met.

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

Fulfilled the GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement (M-I)

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, or Trigonometry

College Transfer Coursework:

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

Enroll in a GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Course in the first year (M-II)

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
• 550 or above on Subject Test in Math Level 1 or 2
• 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

Enroll in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Course in the first term is recommended (M-III)

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

Enroll in a Supported GE Subarea B4 Math/Quantitative Reasoning Course in the first semester (required) and Participation in the B4 Supported Pathways Program (Early Start) is highly recommended (M-IV)

If none of the above criteria is met, it is highly recommended that students complete their GE Subarea B4 course through the Supported Pathways Program (EarlyStart) during the summer before their first year. Alternatively, students must take their GE Subarea B4 course in the first semester and remain continuously enrolled in area B4 until the requirement is met.

Early Start Program

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

• Ensure that first-time students successfully complete the General Education (GE) math/quantitative reasoning (B4) requirement within their first year.
• 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.
• Students are encouraged to visit the SJSU Early Start Program website once admitted.
• Pell-eligible students will receive a full fee waiver for Early Start courses. (Students may still be responsible for purchasing course materials such as textbooks or software licenses.)

To facilitate appropriate first-year course placement, the CSU evaluates entering students for academic preparation in two areas: math/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. For more information on CSU first year placement policies in mathematics/quantitative reasoning and English/written communication, please visit CSU Student Success - Academic Preparation.

On the basis of this evaluation, some students who may benefit from additional academic preparation are encouraged to participate in summer skill-building activities through the Early Start Program, which provides students the opportunity to take a college level math course in the summer, work on their writing skills, and participate in online campus orientation activities. Eligible students will receive information about the program, including specific course recommendations, 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.

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

High school students may be considered for enrollment in certain special programs if recommended by the principal and the appropriate university department chair and if preparation is equivalent to that required of eligible California high school graduates. Such admission is only for a given specific program and does not constitute a right to continued enrollment.

The Dual Enrollment website provides additional information.

Transfer Policies of California State University

Most commonly, college-level credits earned from an institution of higher education accredited by a regional/national accrediting agency are accepted for transfer to member universities of the CSU. However, authority for decisions regarding the transfer of undergraduate credits is delegated to each university.

California Community Colleges and other authorized certifying institutions can certify up to 39 semester (58.5 quarter) units of General Education-Breadth (GE Breadth) 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 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, assist.org.

CSUs may enter into course-to-course or program-to-program articulation agreements with other CSUs, any or all of the California community colleges and other regionally accredited institutions. Established CSU and CCC articulations may be found on assist.org. Students may be permitted to transfer no more than 70 semester (105 quarter) units to a CSU 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.  

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 university to which the applicant seeks admission.  

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 a CSU 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 requirements, 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 SJSU supplemental application including grades for four basics coursework completed and any preparatory coursework considered in the impaction review for particular programs (majors).

Any transfer applicant who wishes to be considered for admission must complete and submit SJSU’s supplemental application by the deadline posted to their 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 the Program Specific Supplemental Coursework website.

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 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 university/program or to CSUs/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. 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 university 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 Cal State Apply application and supplemental application materials. All academic information must be verified before the admitted student will be allowed to enroll and register for classes at SJSU. The admission status for a fall term will remain “provisional” until an official, final transcript(s) passes verification and confirmation of completion of any spring work in progress. The admission status for a spring  term will remain “provisional” until an official, final transcript(s) passes verification and confirmation of completion of any fall 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.

Post-baccalaureate (Second Baccalaureate)

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

International (Foreign) Student Requirements

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

Admission Requirements

The CSU must assess the academic preparation of foreign students. For this purpose, “foreign 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 foreign 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 foreign institutions must be on file at least 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, 

English Language 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. 

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. When available, admitted students are encouraged to submit official test scores as they will be considered to help determine accurate placement in math or English courses. 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)

250 Vesey Street
New York, NY 10281
866-756-7346
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 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; 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.
• For more information about the courses and their prerequisites, please read the Calculus, Discrete Mathematics, and Business Math 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, Discrete Mathematics, and Business Math 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.)

Additional information on the PPA is found on the Testing Office website.

Registration and Payment

Students will receive information about registration and payment for the PPA once they are admitted to SJSU.

Accommodations

Students needing accommodations can take the Precalculus Proficiency Assessment through the Accessible 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, Italian, Japanese, Russian, or Spanish on an individual basis for the following semester. Details are available on the Emmersion Language Placement Test website or 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 (WID) Requirement

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, called the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR). At SJSU, the Writing in the Disciplines (WID) course fulfills the GWAR. To help students select the appropriate WID course, please consult the Upper Division Writing Directed Self-Placement website.

The following students do not need to take a WID course to fulfill the GWAR:

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. Post-baccalaureate 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 credit for prior learning, as applicable.

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 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 have met 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 Prior Learning

Credit by Standardized Examination

San José State University 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.

Display information for: Advanced Placement (AP) Exams  
Display information for: College Level Exam Program (CLEP)  
Display information for: International Baccalaureate (IB)  

Credit by Challenge Examination (CBE)

Students may challenge courses by taking examinations developed at San José State University.

In accordance with University Policies F15-5 and F15-11, academic credit may be earned through Challenge Exam (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 Challenge 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/CPL/CLEP credit.

Visit the Testing Office Credit By Examination website  for more information.

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, which has been recommended by the Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education. A maximum of 30 units of undergraduate degree credit is allowed for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). The numbers of units allowed are those recommended in the

• American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide, and
• American Council on Education (ACE) National Guide.

Credit for Military Training in Non-Collegiate Settings

Students shall be granted undergraduate or graduate credit for learning acquired through education, training and service provided by the Armed Forces of the United States as recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide. A maximum of 30 units of undergraduate degree credit is allowed for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Two units of Physical Education (PE) credit will be waived based on documented completion of a basic military training program.

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)

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.

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 Professional Education. Transcripts are available once credit is posted. 

Credit for Demonstrated Learning, Knowledge, or Skills Acquired through Experience

Students may earn academic credit toward the degree for learning, knowledge, or skills acquired through experience. Academic credit for such experiential learning shall be awarded only when it is academically creditable and verifiable through a prior-learning assessment methodology.

Before academic credit earned for experiential learning becomes a part of the student ‘s academic record, the student shall complete 15 units at the degree­ granting institution, or a sufficient number of units to establish evidence of a satisfactory learning pattern. Graduate students shall complete three units in residence at the degree granting institution.

Credit for Home Study

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