Jun 06, 2025  
DRAFT 2025-2026 Academic Catalog 
    
DRAFT 2025-2026 Academic Catalog

Physics, BS


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This 120-unit program, offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy , prepares students for professional positions in applied and computational physics or for graduate study (transfer students must take at least 12 units of upper division physics major courses at SJSU with a GPA of 2.0 or better in these courses).

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.

1. Complete the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements


Students must satisfy the specific degree requirements for their undergraduate major and fulfill the following University degree requirements: 

  1. Academic  (program total units with an average 2.0 GPA - “C” or better)

  2. General Education (GE)  (34 Lower Division + 9 Upper Division)

  3. American Institutions (AI)  (0-6 units) (may be satisfied in GE Areas 3B, 4, UD 3, UD 4)

  4. Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)  (3 units)

  5. Physical Education (PE)  (0-2 units)

  6. Units in Residence  (30 units, including 24 upper division and 12 in major) 

  7. Upper Division Units  (40 units, including 12 upper div in major for BA, 18 upper div in major for BS)​

  8. Undergraduate Policies & Procedures  

  9. Apply for Graduation
    Information about the Commencement Ceremony and Conferral of the Degree

Exceptions for University Graduation Requirements including exemptions and waivers, are approved for specific majors and on a case-by-case evaluation only.

Summary of Degree Units


Core Lower Division GE: 18 (7 units may be satisfied by major coursework: Areas 5A, 5C, 2; 3 units of 5B waived)

6 required units of American Institutions/US123 may be satisfied by selecting applicable GE courses in Areas 3B and/or 4

Upper Division GE: 9

Physical Education: 2

GWAR / WID: 3

Major Preparation: 37

Major Requirements: 42

University Electives: 3

Total: 120

2. Major Preparation (37 units)


3. Major Requirements (42 units)


Complete Two Units From:


Astronomy and Physics Electives (6 units)


In addition to the above requirements, Six Units in Upper-division Physics or Astrophysics From:

4. University Electives (3 units)


Total Units Required (120 units)


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