San Jose State is the oldest institute of higher education on the West Coast, founded in 1857. Originally it was a normal school for teachers in the western frontier of the United States. It was also the first school established in what would later become the California State University System. The San Jose campus eventually spawned 22 other campuses to establish the massive System as the largest university system in the country.
San Jose State University is located in San Jose, California and is part of the 23 campus California State University system. San Jose State University was founded in 1857, became a state college in 1935, and received university status in 1972. The University now awards bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
San Jose State University defines its mission as “to enrich the lives of its students, to transmit knowledge to its students along with the necessary skills for applying it to the service of our society, and to expand the base of knowledge through research and scholarship.”
This site is not sponsored by, affiliated with, nor endorsed by San Jose State University
San Jose State University
Academics
SJSU is home to eight colleges that collectively offer 69 bachelor’s degrees in 81 different concentrations. Some of the more stand-out majors include Aviation, Transportation Management, Child and Adolescent Development, Communicative Disorders and Sciences, Hospitality Management, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Criminal Justice Administration, Linguistics, Nutritional Science, Occupational Therapy, and Recreation.
The University is composed of a number of different schools and colleges: the College of Applied Sciences and Arts, the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering, the College of Humanities and the Arts, the College of Science, the College of Social Sciences, and the College of Social Work. There is also a School of Library and Information Science and the Office of International and Extended Services (Continuing Education).
Bachelor’s degrees are awarded in a number of different disciplines, including African-American studies, art and design, aviation, the sciences and humanities, engineering, economics, education, environmental studies, industrial and systems engineering, meteorology, nursing, recreation and leisure studies, social sciences, and theatre arts. Minors are also available in a number of programs.
Master’s degrees are awarded in 65 fields, including nursing, public health, business administration (MBA), counselor education, elementary education, engineering, art, English, creative writing, chemistry, marine sciences, economics, history, social work, and interdisciplinary studies. A Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) is also awarded. A certificate is available in gerontology. There are no doctoral programs.
This site is not sponsored by, affiliated with, nor endorsed by San Jose State University
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at San Jose State University.
The Recreation and Leisure Studies program emphasizes health community development through personal growth in recreation. Parks and tourism programs are the primary areas of professional focus. Students learn how to coordinate various community events including festivals, parades, therapy, outdoor adventures, and leisure activities. Graduates with this focus can serve in various areas of government or higher education.
The Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences in the School of Education prepares students to work with youth and adults in the fields of speech, language, and hearing services.
This site is not sponsored by, affiliated with, nor endorsed by San Jose State University
San Jose State University
Admissions
San Jose State uses the same eligibility index as other California State System campuses, combining and applicant’s GPA with their SAT or ACT test score to determine if they meet admissions requirements. Nonresident students are subject to stricter admissions requirements and a tougher index. Most students with a GPA above 3.0 do not have to provide SAT or ACT scores, although they are encouraged to take at least one of those exams anyway.
The eligibility index uses the applicant’s GPA multiplied by 800 and added to the SAT score or multiplied by 200 and added to ten times the ACT score to determine their admissions eligibility. For California residents the minimum eligibility index is 2900 with the SAT score or 694 with the ACT score. Nonresidents must have a 3502 using SAT or 842 using ACT.
Applications to the undergraduate programs for the fall term are accepted October through November of the prior year, with an application fee of $55. In addition to the application form and fee, students must provide transcripts and tests scores. Applications can be submitted on-line.
Students should have taken two years of history and social science, four years of English, three years of mathematics, two years of science with laboratory, two years of a foreign language, one year of visual and performing arts, and one year of electives. Students are evaluated on a combination of their grade-point average and test scores. An equal opportunity program is available for economically disadvantaged students.
Graduate student applications have a fee of $55. Students should consult with the particular department or program which they are interested in to find out specific admission requirements in addition to the university application.
This site is not sponsored by, affiliated with, nor endorsed by San Jose State University
Financial Aid
SJSU financial aid applicants are given seven very simple steps to applying for financial aid: Complete the FAFSA, receive the Student Aid Report (SAR), complete the necessary applications and forms from SJSU, paperwork is evaluated, award recipients are notified, and funds are disbursed. Federal student loan borrowers must attend an Entrance Loan Counseling session, which can be completed online or by appointment.
In-state academic fees for undergraduate students were $1167 per semester in 2004-2005. Additional mandatory fees also apply. Students applying from out of state and graduate students will have different costs.
Financial aid is available with a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
This site is not sponsored by, affiliated with, nor endorsed by San Jose State University
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
San Jose State University 4515th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best California scholarships and financial aid
SJSU offers students many amenities and activities on campus, including the 6,500 seat Arena, a full service box office, and a Sports Club. Intramural sports are also a popular activity. With over 200 student organizations available ranging from academic to recreational, most students find exactly what they want to occupy their time. There is also a very active Greek community on campus that dates back to the late 19th century.
The San Jose State University Library offers electronic catalogs and on-line databases, in additional to physical volumes stored on site or available through interlibrary loan. Special collections include the University archives and local historical collections. The library also has a partnership with the public libraries of the city of San Jose.
This site is not sponsored by, affiliated with, nor endorsed by San Jose State University
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at San Jose State University?
The San Jose State Spartans compete in the Western Athletic Conference in the sports of baseball, football, softball, and men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, and soccer, among others. SJSU has receive the NCAA Division I status of “Certified,” an acknowledgement only obtained by nine other universities in the country and intended to demonstrate the University’s steadfast compliance with NCAA rules and policies.
San Jose State University is an NCAA Division I school, with baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, and soccer for men and basketball, cross-country, diving, golf, gymnastics, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball, and water polo for women. The team nickname is the Spartans.
Sports facilities include a multi-purpose stadium, and aquatic center, a softball complex, a baseball stadium, and an indoor arena.
Students and fans can send athletes, coaches, or officials questions they have about athletic issues, controversies, and events via a form available on the university athletic web site.
This site is not sponsored by, affiliated with, nor endorsed by San Jose State University
San Jose State University
Traditions
San Jose reserves for its most outstanding athletes the “Order of Sparta,” signifying the recognition they receive for their amazing accomplishments. Each year these students athletes are recognized and inducted into the SJSU Sports Hall of Fame.
This site is not sponsored by, affiliated with, nor endorsed by San Jose State University
Local Community
As is fitting for an area with regularly beautiful weather conditions, San Jose offers an extensive selection of recreational and entertainment venues. Some of the regional favorites include Farallone Islands whale watching expeditions, the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival (featuring garlic-flavored ice cream), Mavericks Big Wave Surfing at Half Moon Bay, and the Renaissance Pleasure Faire. Particular attractions around San Jose include the Children’s Discovery Museum, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, and the Winchester Mystery House.
The city of San Jose is located in Northern California, at the southern end of San Francisco Bay. It is known as the capitol of Silicon Valley, and is the third largest city in the state.
This site is not sponsored by, affiliated with, nor endorsed by San Jose State University
Feel free to add comments or additional information regarding San Jose State University, or discuss this school in the University Discussion Forum
3 months agoJustin
Criminal is U.S. destabilization. Jeff Morrison has no basis for his statement. I am a diligent American, yet I am proud enough to question authority and be reasonable given 'global economic interests,' 'current day problems as a result of past and current egocentralism,' and 'media induced biases.' Be informed.
8 months agoJoleene Jo&steve ((at)) gmail dot com
San Jose State doesn't recognize Presidents day but recognizes Cesar Chavez day!! Wow! This is sad.
over 1 year agoSuccessful Grad singling54 ((at)) yahoo dot com
SJSU is an excellent school and a good bargain. Its engineering and business colleges are nationally recognized, as are its art and design, journalism and library science programs. The nursing and education programs are excellent, too. Many great programs at SJSU. Period. It's a big school with a lot to offer... and the campus is beautiful and located in the middle of downtown SJSU, so it has a cool, cosmopolitan vibe and lots of energy. The poster above who indicated the nursing and engineering programs are not associated with the rest of the school doesn't know what he/she is talking about... this doesn't even make sense. Also, SDSU is known to be a party school... and the academic standards there are the same or lower than that of SJSU. Cal Poly is exceptional in terms of academic standards, but it doesn't offer as many different majors as SJSU.
almost 2 years agoUnemployed Grad
SJSU is one of the worst public universities in the state. If you have a decent GPA go somewhere like Cal Poly or San Diego State. The only reason why someone would attend SJSU is if they got into the nursing program, engineering, business, etc... one of those programs that isn't really associated with the rest of the school. I wish I had just gone to DeAnza my first two years and transferred to a real University but hindsight is 20/20 and now I have to find work to pay off student loans.
about 2 years agogaby neyoholic ((at)) yahoo dot com
That Is just wrong san jose state is a great college, ceaser chavez made more of a difference then any president. THANK VERY MUCH :]
over 3 years agoEarle Jr. earle_topejr ((at)) msn dot com
San Jose State has the most knowledgeable and professional librarians in California. With their help researching information, you could get an "A" on your next essay. Go Spartans!
over 3 years agoPhil philgood ((at)) hotmail dot com
San Jose State is a great school, and life is what you make it. Go Spartans!
over 3 years agoJAcInto D. jacsec16 ((at)) hotmail dot com
W/e San Jose State is an Awesome institution!!! :D
over 3 years agomary littlemapleleaf ((at)) aol dot com
Get off your high horse about the blood drive he's doing it to make a point and stand up for something.
about 4 years agoWilhelm Derksen wd ((at)) getrefresh dot com
SJ State SHOULD BE ASHAMED of its Blood Drive Policy! Whoever is responsible for this decision SHOULD BE FIRED!
about 4 years agoJeff Morrison morrison dot jl ((at)) verizon dot com
I find it absolutely criminal that this school does not have a holiday for Presidents Day, but does have one for Cesar Chavez Day.
over 4 years agoKathy Hath khath1 ((at)) yahoo dot com
I learned that Larry Carr will not allow blood drives on campus any longer. He doesn't want to discriminate but doesn't question the science behind the decision. That's like saying don't discriminate against a drunk driver because he has a drinking disability. Never mind if he kills someone. Reasoning like that doesn't belong in the leadership of a university.
almost 5 years agohelen murray mitzeboo90 ((at)) yahoo dot com
please advise where the faculty directory can be located?
This website and associated pages are not associated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by San Jose State University. StateUniversity.com has no official or unofficial affiliation with San Jose State University.
Criminal is U.S. destabilization. Jeff Morrison has no basis for his statement. I am a diligent American, yet I am proud enough to question authority and be reasonable given 'global economic interests,' 'current day problems as a result of past and current egocentralism,' and 'media induced biases.' Be informed.