COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies at San José State University is a 120-unit program designed to offer students a highly flexible and customizable academic experience that integrates multiple fields of study. The curriculum includes 34 units of lower division general education, 6 units of American Institutions, and 9 units of upper division general education that are fulfilled through major coursework, along with a 2-unit physical education requirement and a 3-unit writing requirement completed through HUM 100W. Students complete 39 units of major requirements and 39 units of university electives, allowing significant freedom to tailor their education to individual goals. The major requirements consist of 21 units of core courses that build essential skills in interdisciplinary thinking, including writing, critical humanities, and digital literacies, along with a choice between ethnographic methods or design thinking to develop research or problem-solving abilities. Students must also complete the SJSU Studies component, which includes three upper division courses focused on environmental sustainability, social issues and diversity in the United States, and global cultures, ensuring a broad and integrative perspective. A key feature of the program is the 18-unit area of specialization, which students design in collaboration with an academic advisor and the Associate Dean, allowing them to focus on a specific theme that aligns with their academic and career objectives. The large number of elective units further enhances flexibility, enabling students to explore additional disciplines or deepen their chosen specialization. Overall, the program emphasizes adaptability, critical thinking, and the ability to integrate knowledge from diverse fields, preparing graduates for a wide range of professional paths or advanced study.