Aug 14, 2024  
2024-2025 Academic Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Communication Studies, Preparation for Teaching, BA (Not Accepting Students)


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This major is designed for students interested in teaching English or speech communication in high school or middle school. The following course work satisfies San José State University’s requirements for a BA in Communication Studies.

A minimum grade point average (GPA) and completion of the program will not guarantee admission to the credential program. Like all other applicants, students must meet credential program standards and undergo screening for admission. See “Teaching: How to Become a Teacher in California” (see Teaching) for information on application and admission to credential programs.

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements 50
Major Preparation 22-24
Major Core Requirements 14
Preparation for Teaching 24
University Electives 8-10
Total 120

University Requirements for Graduation

Students must complete all residency, curriculum, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements  section of the Policies and Procedures .

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

General Education/American Institution Requirements

Courses that meet General Education/American Institution requirements are noted with area designation for required area. For legend please see General Education Attributes .

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 Note Abbreviations ).

Core Lower Division General Education (33 units)


Of the 39 units required by the university, 6 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.

Upper Division General Education (6 units)


Of the 9 units required by the university, 3 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Consult with a major advisor for details.

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 10 /AMS 11 ; 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 (38 units)


Additional Requirements (24 units)


  • Two courses in Foundations Area 8 unit(s)
  • Two Courses in Inquiry Area 8 unit(s)
  • Two Courses in Practice Area 8 unit(s) (One Course in Practice Area AND COMM 157SL  (3 units) will meet Practice Area requirement)

University Electives (8-10 units)


Total Units Required (120 units)


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