Lower Division GE Requirements
Lower division requirements (Core GE) are general education courses that freshman and sophomores must complete before taking upper division requirements.
Looking for Upper Division GE Requirements (SJSU Studies)?
Area 1 - English Language Communication and Critical Thinking (formerly A)
All students must complete one three-unit course each in Oral Communication, Written Communication 1A, and Critical Thinking and Writing. These courses will develop your ability to think logically and to speak and write effectively.
Area 2 - Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (formerly B4)
Students must complete one 3-unit course in Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning. These courses develop students’ abilities to reason quantitatively, practice computational skills, and explain and apply mathematical and/or quantitative reasoning concepts to solve problems at the college level. First year students are expected to complete this requirement within their first two semesters at SJSU.
Area 3 - Arts and Humanities (formerly C)
Students must complete 9 credits under Area C. Arts and Humanities courses deepen students’ understanding of the interrelationship between the self and the humanistic arts in a variety of cultures.
Area 4 - Social and Behavioral Sciences (formerly D)
All students must complete two three-unit courses in Social Sciences. These courses increase students’ understanding of human behavior and social interaction in the context of value systems, economic structures, political institutions, social groups, and natural environments.
Area 5 - Physical and Biological Sciences (formerly B)
Students must complete at least one 3-unit course each in Physical Science and Biological Sciences. In addition, all students are required to complete a one-unit laboratory course. These courses develop the skills necessary for understanding the scientific method and teach you how to apply what you learn in real-world scenarios.
Area 6 - Ethnic Studies (formerly F)
All students must complete one three-unit Ethnic Studies course. These courses develop the knowledge and skills necessary for comprehending settler colonial histories, racial and ethnic dynamics, and sovereignty and social justice movements in the United States.
Transfer students may have catalog rights to the General Education pattern that was in place when they started their college education - see your advisor.
