University Graduation Requirements Petitions

Go to: Area US123 | Area RSV | 100W | Core GE | Intensive Science | Intensive Music | PE

Note: DocuSign template forms require an active one.SJSU account. If you do not have an active account, please contact us at undergraduate-education@sjsu.edu for an electronic copy of the petition.


Lower Division Core GE Petition

Regardless of major the General Education is required for all undergraduate degrees. Some majors fulfill general education upon completion of the degree (see major exceptions in Catalog).


Intensive Science Plan Sequence Petition

Students, who have completed in-depth coursework in science that is not certified for GE, may request an alternative package to satisfy Core Physical Science (B1), Life Science (B2), and/or Laboratory Science (B3) that have not already been met by approved GE Courses. Must have one semester of matriculated (admitted and enrolled) at SJSU.

The assigned area reviewer is the Associate Dean, College of Science


Intensive Music Plan Sequence Petition

Students who have completed in-depth coursework in music that is not certified for GE may request an alternative package to satisfy CORE Area C. Students who have completed the Intensive Music courses with a “C-" or better, will be allowed to use these courses to fulfill the requirements in C1 or C2. The assigned area reviewer is the Associate Dean, Humanities & the Arts.

  • MUSC 4A, MUSC 4B, and MUSC 12

SJSU Studies (Area R, S, V) Equivalent Petition

For learning outcomes, see University's Institutional Learning. Upper division requirements (SJSU Studies) are general education courses that are only offered to juniors and seniors (upper division standing). SJSU Studies is used to fulfill 9 units residency and upper division general education requirement (see Catalog). The minimum writing requirement is 3000 words. 


There are no designated area reviewers. An Academic Advisor can sign this petition. It can also be sent directly to Undergraduate Education. 


Writing in the Disciplines (100W, GWAR) Petition

The California State University (CSU) junior-level writing requirement is known as the “Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement” (GWAR), . Courses must have a minimum of 8000 words.

Area Reviewer: Thomas Moriarty, Director of Writing Across the Curriculum, English Department.


American Institutions (US1, US2, US3) Equivalent Petition

Requirements in United States History, Constitution and American Ideals, Title 5 § 40404. Other ways to satisfy American Institution requirements include the College Level Exam Program (CLEP, US1, US2, 3-6 units granted) or waiver exam (California government, US3, no units of credit granted. Contact the Testing Office for information on CLEP and/or Waiver exams). This petition is not required for these options.


Physical Education (PE) Petition

Undergraduate Students who matriculate at SJSU (admitted and enrolled) need to complete two units (or two activity courses) to meet the Physical Education (PE) Requirements per University Policy S14-11. [pdf] 

Activity courses at SJSU are not repeatable for credit, unless indicated in the course description.


Please visit the FAQ page for additional information or email your question to undergraduate-education@sjsu.edu.