Departments and Programs
The College of Social Sciences prepares students for impactful careers in fields such as business, government, communication, and law, while empowering them as democratic participants in a rapidly changing world. Emphasizing the contributions of the many cultures that call Silicon Valley home, the 12 departments focus on personal interaction between students and faculty members, as well as service to the community.
Institutes and Centers
Organized research and training unit(s) (ORU/ORTU) are established within the University to facilitate the conduct and dissemination of research, perform public services, and provide special training. They serve to fulfill the long-range needs and interests of the faculty and the university.
San José State University has over 30 research units and facilities that partner with industry with academic research to enhance technology, encourage the development of new products and improve education.
Programs and Certificates
Our programs provide foundations for careers in business, government and nonprofit organizations, prepare students for graduate and doctoral programs and empower them as democratic participants. To view programs by department, visit here. To view certificates by department, visit here.
Undergraduate Majors
Chicana and Chicano Studies, BA
Forensic Science, Biology Concentration, BS
Forensic Science, Chemistry Concentration, BS
Forensic Science, Digital Evidence Concentration, BS
History & Social Science Teacher Preparation (SSTP), BA (Double BA)
Justice Studies, Criminology Concentration, BS
School of Planning, Policy and Environmental Studies
Sociology, Community Change Concentration, BA
Sociology, Race and Ethnic Studies Concentration, BA
Sociology, Social Interaction Concentration, BA
Sociology, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Concentration, BA
Undergraduate Minors
African American Studies Minor
Ancient and Medieval History Minor
Applied Research Methods Minor
Chicana and Chicano Studies Minor
Communication in the Information Age Minor
Community Service Learning Minor
Comparative U.S. Race and Ethnic Relations Minor
Environmental Impact Assessment Minor
Environmental Restoration Minor
Geographic Information Science Minor
Human Systems Integration Minor
Park Ranger and Administration Minor
Public Administration and Public Policy Minor
Sustainable Water Resources Minor
Masters
Criminology, Global Criminology Concentration, MS
Economics - Concentration in Applied Economics, MA
History, History Education Concentration, MA
Psychology, Clinical Psychology Concentration, MS
Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology Concentration, MS
Psychology, Research and Experimental Psychology Concentration, MA
Certificates
Certificates signify that you have reached a recognized standard of knowledge about a certain vocational or professional subject. Undergraduate certificates represent completion of a specific program offered in coordination with a bachelor's degree, while graduate certificates represent completion of studies beyond the bachelor's degree, yet short of a master's degree. Most of the certificates listed below are designed to further one's professional career and engage the learner in a concentrated and specialized program of study.
Advanced Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate (Graduate)
Affordable Housing and Community Development Finance Certificate (Graduate)
Applications of Technology in Planning Certificate (Graduate)
Collaborative Response to Family Violence Certificate (Graduate)
Community Design and Development Certificate (Graduate)
Environmental Planning Certificate (Graduate)
Global Citizenship Certificate (Graduate)
