University Requirements

Students must satisfy all of the major and Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements , which includes unit, GPA, and residency requirements as well as the below identified General Education , American Institutions, Graduation Writing Assessment, and Physical Education requirements. Courses that meet Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements are noted with an area designation (see Course Abbreviations ).

Core Lower Division General Education (30 units)

Of the 39 units required by the university, 9 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3, B4, or F must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with a major advisor for details.

Note: Students who have completed the ADT Transfer degree (under SB 1440) for this major will have completed all lower division GE requirements and should follow the 60 unit guarantee roadmap. Meet with an advisor prior to registering for your first semester for the 60 unit roadmap or specific questions.

Upper Division General Education (9 units)

American Institutions

Complete one 6 unit sequence of American Institutions (US123)  courses, which also satisfies GE Area D. Students may also satisfy the American Institutions Requirement  with other courses, but these may not satisfy other GE areas.

The American Studies (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ) and Humanities Honors (HUM 1A /HUM 1B /HUM 2A /HUM 2B ; 24 units) sequences satisfy the American Institutions Requirement and additional GE Areas (see course descriptions for details).

Consult with a major advisor to select the appropriate sequence.

Physical Education (2 units)

All SJSU undergraduate students, regardless of major, have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in physical activities. To accommodate students’ needs and interests, the university offers a diverse selection of activity courses .

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement

At SJSU, students must pass both the SJSU Writing Skills Test (WST) and a Writing in the Disciplines (100W) course. The Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)  is satisfied by a course in the major. A grade of C or better (C- not accepted) is required to meet graduation requirements.

Major Requirements (39 units)

• AFAM 2A - African Americans and the Development of America’s History and Government 3 unit(s) (D)
• AFAM 2B - African Americans and the Development of America’s History and Government 3 unit(s) (D+US123)​
• AFAM 22 - The Humanities in African American Culture 3 unit(s) (F)
• AFAM 40 - African Origins 3 unit(s) or AFAM 111 - African Nations: History, Politics, and Culture 
• AFAM 100W - Writing Workshop 3 unit(s)
• AFAM 120 - Sociology of Black Communities 3 unit(s)
• AFAM 159 - The Racial Wealth Gap in America 3 unit(s)
• AFAM 198 - Senior Seminar in African American Studies 3 unit(s)

University Electives (40 units)

At least 4 units must be Upper Division. A minor or double major is recommended (selected with advisor approval).

Total Units Required (120 units)