Jan 27, 2026  
FIRST DRAFT 2026-2027 Academic Catalog 
    
FIRST DRAFT 2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Interdisciplinary Studies, Science, Technology, and Society Concentration, BA (SJSU Online)


Fully Online Degree Completion Program

The mission of SJSU Online is to expand higher education access and degree attainment for learners requiring a fully online degree pathway. This upper division degree completion program is offered through a special session that requires a separate application process.

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed to tackle complex issues that require a holistic perspective. By combining insights from various academic disciplines, specialized knowledge, and diverse methodologies, students develop the skills to integrate different fields of study. This program emphasizes the practice and application of interdisciplinary thinking, empowering students to create innovative solutions to multifaceted challenges.

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree offers a wide range of concentrations that apply the interdisciplinary approach to specific areas of inquiry. The BA in Interdisciplinary Studies- Science, Technology & Society Concentration, offered by the Department of Anthropology , is designed to provide a broad overview of the complex interconnections between science, technology, and society across different times and places. Students will explore a wide range of topics, including: the social production of science and technology; the roles of scientists, engineers, policymakers, corporations, and the public in shaping science; scientific controversies and debates; and the ethical implications of scientific research and technological advancements. Courses focus on how technologies shape human behavior, social organization, and culture; and, conversely, how human behavior, social organization, and culture shape technologies. Course materials are drawn from various fields, including anthropology, engineering, environmental science, history, philosophy, and sociology, among others.

Program Delivery

The program is delivered entirely online. Classes will be delivered fully online asynchronously (no designated days/times) or synchronously (designated days/times).

Program Roadmaps

The 2-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) and elective classes best suited to your career goals.

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


Transfer Units: 60

University Requirements: 0

Major Requirements: 39

University Electives: 21

Total 120

Transfer Units (60 units)


  • All applicants must have completed at least 60 transferable semester or 90 quarter units with an overall grade point average of 2.0 or better.
  • Applicants must also have completed the Core Lower Division General Education Requirements (39 units), including all four CSU-approved Basics Skills courses, each with a C- or better:

(1A) Written English Composition 

(1B) Critical Thinking/Logic 

(1C) Oral Communication/Speech 

(Area 2) Math/Quantitative Reasoning  (above the level of intermediate algebra)

2. Major Requirements (39 units)


Core Requirements (21 units)


Concentration Requirements (18 units)


Degree completion requires an introductory course (SSCI 102 ), a capstone course (SSCI 191 ), and four electives. The program will provide sufficient courses to facilitate timely degree completion.

Elective courses (12 units):


3. University Electives (21 units)


May be able to apply credit for “prior learning” per EO 1036

Total Units Required (120 units)