San Jose State University Transfer Guide
Strong CSU option in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Overview
Transferring to San Jose State University from community college is a proven pathway used by thousands of California students each year. San Jose State University evaluates transfer applicants holistically, considering GPA, major preparation, essays, and activities.
General transfer requirements
- CSU admission requires 60 semester units with 2.0+ GPA (2.4+ for California non-residents)
- 30 semester units of general education with grade C or better
- Cal State Apply — one application for all CSU campuses
- Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) guarantees admission to a CSU campus with GPA 2.0+
Unit minimum: 60 semester units for upper-division transfer
CSU GE Breadth or IGETC satisfies general education. ADT programs align major prep with guaranteed CSU admission.
Always verify courses on ASSIST.org for your community college and catalog year.
Major preparation by subject
Course names below are standard major prep categories. Exact CC course numbers vary — use ASSIST to confirm articulation for San Jose State University.
Psychology
SJSU psychology accepts ADT in Psychology or strong CC major prep.
Minimum GPA: 2.0+ (ADT)
Competitive GPA: 3.3–3.5+
| Course / subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Psychology | Required | — |
| Research Methods in Psychology | Required | — |
| Statistics for Behavioral Sciences | Required | — |
| Biological Psychology (or approved neuroscience) | Required | — |
| Developmental Psychology | Select one | Or approved upper-div equivalent |
| Abnormal Psychology | Select one | Or social/cognitive psych elective |
| Additional approved psychology elective | Required | — |
Verify exact course articulation on ASSIST.org — requirements change by catalog year.
- Silicon Valley internships strengthen psychology and UX/HCI career paths.
- SJSU is an excellent primary target or backup for Bay Area students.
Sociology
Introductory sociology plus statistics and related social science electives.
Minimum GPA: 2.0+
Competitive GPA: 3.2–3.4+
| Course / subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Sociology | Required | — |
| Statistics for Social Sciences | Required | — |
| Research Methods | Required | — |
| Social Problems / Institutions | Select one | — |
| Approved sociology elective | Required | — |
| Introduction to Psychology | Recommended | — |
Verify exact course articulation on ASSIST.org — requirements change by catalog year.
- Volunteer and community work connect naturally to sociology essays.
- Less impacted than psychology or CS at most campuses.
Business Administration
Business is impacted at SJSU — complete ADT in Business Administration when possible.
Minimum GPA: 2.0+ (ADT)
Competitive GPA: 3.3–3.5+
| Course / subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Accounting | Required | — |
| Managerial Accounting | Required | — |
| Microeconomics | Required | — |
| Macroeconomics | Required | — |
| Business Statistics | Required | — |
| Calculus for Business or Finite Math | Required | — |
| Business Law | Recommended | — |
Verify ADT agreement at your community college counseling office.
- Apply on time — impacted majors fill quickly.
- Local CC partnerships often include SJSU feeder advising.
Transfer tips
- SJSU is an excellent backup or primary target
- Silicon Valley internships are a major advantage
- Lower cost than UCs with strong outcomes
Jump to a major
Track your application in one place
School matrix, PIQ workbook, deadlines, and weekly habits — all in the Transfer workspace.