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 A. English Language Communication and Critical Thinking

  • 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.

    View Academic Catalog for Area A

• Area B. Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning

  • Students must complete at least one 3-unit course each in Physical Science, Life Sciences, and Mathematical Concepts. 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.

    View Academic Catalog for Area B

• Area C. Arts and Humanities

  • 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.

    View Academic Catalog for Area C

• Area D. Social Sciences

  • 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.

    View Academic Catalog for Area D

• Area E. Human Understanding and Development

  • All students must complete one three-unit course in Human Understanding & Development. These courses prepare students for lifelong learning and enhance their understanding of the factors that contribute to overall well-being in college and across the human lifespan.

    View Academic Catalog for Area E

• Area F. Ethnic Studies

  • 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. 

    View Academic Catalog for Area F