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

Communication Studies, BA (SJSU Online)


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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 Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies is designed to equip students in Silicon Valley with a vast knowledge of communication rooted in theoretical frameworks, research methods, and practical applications.

Program Delivery

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

Program Roadmaps

The 2-Year Roadmaps are 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).

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 (34 units), each with a C- or better:

(1A) Written Communication 
(1B) Critical Thinking and Writing 
(1C) Oral Communication 
(2) Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning 
(3A) Arts 
(3B) Humanities 
(4) Social and Behavioral Sciences 
(5A) Physical Science 
(5B) Life Science 
(5C) Laboratory 
(6) Ethnic Studies 

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 Graduation Requirements: 3

Major Requirements: 42

University Electives: 15

Total: 120

2. Major Requirements (42 units)


Major Courses (24 units)


Foundations Courses (8 units)


Complete eight units from:

Inquiry Courses (8 units)


Complete eight units from:

Practice Courses (8 units)


Complete eight units from:

Additional COMM Courses (8 units)


Complete 8 additional units in Communication Studies; may be lower or upper-division courses and may be completed at SJSU or at another college (such as a community college). Upper-division options include SJSU Studies, COMM courses, and the Writing Workshop:

3. University Electives (15 units)


Total Units Required (120 units)


   

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