Upper Division GE Requirements
The CSU system requires students to complete 9 units of upper-division general education courses in science and quantitative reasoning, the social sciences, and the arts and humanities. At SJSU, these courses are referred to as Upper Division (UD) Areas:
- UD 2 or 5: Earth, Environment, and Sustainability (formerly R)
- UD 3: Cultures and Global Understanding (formerly V)
- UD 4: Self, Society, and Equality in the U.S. (formerly S)
These courses, known collectively as SJSU Studies, develop students’ abilities to live and work effectively in diverse societies and to address complex issues using analytical skills and creative thinking.
Students must complete all Core GE requirements (lower-level requirements in Areas 1-6) prior to enrolling in SJSU Studies courses. Upper-division standing is required, and completion of, or co-registration in, a 100W is strongly recommended.
Looking for Lower Division Requirements (Core GE)?
UD Area 2 or 5 - Earth, Environment, and Sustainability (formerly R)
In UD Area 2 or 5 (formerly R) courses, students apply knowledge of scientific theories and concepts as well as quantitative reasoning to explore the relationship between humans and the natural environment. Students must take one three-unit course in UD Area 2 or 5.
UD Area 3 - Cultures and Global Understanding (formerly V)
In UD Area 3 (formerly V), courses in Cultures and Global Understanding examine multiple aspects of human expression in cultures and societies outside the United States, including how such cultures develop and influence one another as well as U.S. cultures and societies. Students must complete one 3-unit course in UD Area 3.
UD Area 4 - Self, Society, and Equality in the U.S. (formerly S)
In UD Area 4 (formerly S) courses, students study the interrelationships of individuals and racial and cultural groups to understand and appreciate issues of diversity, inclusion, inequalities, and justice in the United States. Students must complete one 3-unit course in UD Area 4.
