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 (39 units)

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.

Upper Division General Education (9 units)

American Institutions (6 units)

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 sequence (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ; 12 units) or Humanities Honors course (HUM 2B ; 6 units) satisfies 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 (3 units)

At SJSU, students must pass a Writing in the Disciplines (100W) course with a grade of C or better (C- not accepted) is required to meet graduation requirements. Exceptions to the GWAR may be found in the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)  section.

Major Requirements (40 units minimum)

1. Students must formally request admission to the Interdisciplinary Studies major program through the Office of Undergraduate Education .
2. The student must cite academic and professional objectives and describe the nature of the proposed major. The student must have at least one year of academic work still to be completed to meet the minimum degree requirements.
3. The student must have both cumulative and an SJSU GPA of at least 2.75.

Procedures

Before, during, and after the initial consultation with the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education , student must complete the following:

1. A written reflective statement that includes:
   1. description of the proposed major;
   2. discussion of why existing majors are not suitable;
   3. a reflection on what it means to the student to be an “educated person” and how this major will help the student to become one;
   4. academic, professional, and personal objectives; and,
   5. how does your Interdisciplinary Studies major help you to meet your academic, professional, and personal objectives?

   6. Note: Students requesting academic accommodations due to disability-related limitations are encouraged to register with the Accessible Education Center as soon as possible. Register online at How to Register With AEC: tinyurl.com/AECreg.

2. A major course of study plan that includes:
   1. 40-45 total units in the major;
   2. 24 units in residence at SJSU; and,
   3. 30-40 units in upper division.
3. Student must meet with department advisor(s) and have a suggested major advisor (Undergraduate Education  does not assign advisors, students pick major advisor).
   1. Completion of the major course of study plan in consultation with the suggested major advisor and other departments involved in the program;
   2. Preparation of the Interdisciplinary Studies Major worksheet and evaluation of General Education and graduation requirements in consultation with the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education . Approval of Interdisciplinary Studies Major Worksheet; and,
   3. Approval of modifications in Course of Study by Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education .
4. If Interdisciplinary Studies Major is approved, students must complete the following:
   1. A Change of Major Form;
   2. Major Form (will be completed between the student, department advisor(s), and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education );
   3. Application for Graduation ; and,
   4. Forms must be completed and submitted at least 1 year prior to graduation.
      
      Diploma and transcript will contain the title (Interdisciplinary Studies) followed by the exact title of the major listed in the Major Form.

University Electives (27 units)

Total Units Required (120 units)