Mar 29, 2024  
2019-2020 Academic Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Undergraduate Education


Overview

The courses offered by the Graduate and Undergraduate Programs Office under University Studies (UNVS) promote leadership, integrated and applied interdisciplinary academic experiences for students.

The office also sponsors undergraduate degrees as a Special Major, which is an individually designed course of study leading to a BA or BS degree. The Special Major is designed for situations in which an existing university-level SJSU undergraduate degree major does not adequately accommodate academic professional aims. Students who complete a Special Major shall be able to demonstrate the characteristics of “intentional learners” who can adapt to new environments, integrate knowledge from different sources, and continue learning throughout their life.

Special Major

The Special Major is an individually designed, interdisciplinary course of study leading to a BA or BS that gives a student who has a specific educational objective the opportunity to accomplish that goal. It is not to be used to bypass normal graduation requirements or projected programs of the University, nor to substitute for a major in which a student is having academic difficulty.

The proposed course of study must be a coherent program organized around an academic theme. Students who complete a Special Major shall be able to demonstrate: “the ability to analyze an issue or problem, integrating at least two disciplinary perspectives.” In addition, students identify two or more student learning outcomes related to their specific areas of study in consultation with a major faculty advisor. They demonstrate their attainment of the learning outcomes through a portfolio or senior project completed in a capstone course.

Applicants must have both a cumulative and SJSU GPA of at least 2.75 and have sixty units (upper division standing) and at least one year of academic work still to be completed to meet minimum degree requirements. Special Majors are considered on a case-by-case basis. Approval is based on the academic merit of the proposed course of study, the applicant’s proposed rationale and potential for successful completion of the program, and the ability of the university to support the proposed program. Students apply for consideration for the Special Major through the Office of Graduate and Undergraduate Programs, ADM 159. For more information visit www.sjsu.edu/gup/docs/UGS/2016-Present-Special%20Major_Guidelines.pdf

Courses

    Early Start Program EnglishEarly Start Program MathUniversity Studies