Jun 06, 2026

2026-2027 University Catalog

Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree

I. First-Year Competency Requirements: Mathematics and Writing
II. Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)
III. Major and Minor Requirements
IV. American Institutions Requirement
V. Unit Requirements
VI. Residence Requirements
VII. Grade Point Average Requirements
VIII. General Education
IX. Ethnic Studies
Application for Graduation

The university will make every effort to preserve the requirements in this Graduation Requirements section for students subject to this catalog, in accordance with the provisions outlined below. All other parts of the catalog are subject to change from year to year as university rules, policies, and curricula are updated. Students are responsible for remaining informed of such changes; failure to do so will not exempt a student from any penalties that may be incurred.

The requirements appearing in this catalog apply to students under the following circumstances:

Students may remain under the graduation requirements in effect during the academic year in which initial enrollment occurred at SDSU, another campus in the CSU system, or a California community college, provided attendance has been maintained for at least one semester or two quarters within a calendar year in either the CSU or community college system. Absences due to an approved educational leave or for attendance at another regionally accredited institution of higher learning shall not be considered interruptions in attendance if the absence does not exceed two years. If a major is changed or declared in subsequent years, the major and minor requirements in effect at the time of such change or declaration must be adopted. Earlier catalog requirements may be retained only with regard to General Education and other university graduation requirements. If a student is disqualified from San Diego State University, catalog rights for General Education purposes only may be maintained by immediately enrolling in a California community college or another CSU campus. If a student is subsequently reinstated after a break in continuous enrollment, the requirements of the University Catalog in effect during the semester of re-enrollment in the CSU system or a California community college will apply. Students who have been disqualified twice from SDSU are not eligible to be awarded an SDSU degree.
Students may elect to follow the catalog in effect during the year in which the degree is awarded. For example, students graduating in December 2026, May 2027, or during the 2027 summer term may adopt this catalog by informing the Office of the Registrar after the graduation application has been submitted.

I. First-Year Competency Requirements: Mathematics and Writing

All students are required to demonstrate competency in basic mathematics and standard written English. Incoming first-year students must demonstrate proficiency in written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning based on multiple measures of academic preparation.

Competency requirements serve as preparation for a number of specific courses identified elsewhere in the University Catalog. No student may graduate until all competency requirements are satisfied.

Mathematics Testing Requirements: First-Year Students

The SDSU Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Assessment requirement may be satisfied in one of the following ways:

Passing one of the following national or state tests at the minimum score* or level identified below^:
1. Scholastic Aptitude Test or Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT or SAT Subject Tests level 1 or level 2) in Mathematics:
  - Score of 570 if taken after February 2016
  - Score of 550 if taken before March 2016
2. American College Test (ACT) - Mathematics Section:
  - Score of 23 if taken after October 1989
3. College Board Scholastic Advanced Placement (AP):
  - Score of 3 or higher on Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Precalculus, Computer Science Principles, or Statistics
4. International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level Examinations:
  - Score of 4 or above on Higher Level Computer Science, Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, or Higher Level Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
5. College Board Mathematics Achievement Test/SAT II Mathematics Test:
  - Score of 550 on Level I, IC, II, or IIC if taken before March 2016
6. CAASPP Early Assessment Program (EAP) - Mathematics (11th Grade):
  - Result of “Standard Exceeded: Ready for CSU or participating CCC College-Level Coursework in Mathematics”, augmented mathematics, taken as part of the California Standards Test or Algebra II
7. CAASPP Early Assessment Program (EAP) - Mathematics (12th Grade):
  - Result of “Standard Met: Conditionally Ready for CSU or participating CCC college-level coursework in mathematics” and met the conditional requirement by completing an approved 12th grade mathematics course with a grade of “C” or better. Students who do not meet the conditional requirement will need to participate in the SDSU’s FAST summer program, unless exemption is satisfied through one of the following:
    - New SAT: Score of 520-560 on the mathematics section taken after February 2016
    - Old SAT: Score of 490-540 on the mathematics section taken before March 2016
    - ACT: Score of 20-22 on the mathematics section

*These scores apply only to students who satisfy the requirement upon matriculation in this catalog year or who take the examinations during this catalog year.

^Students without comparable records or examinations (e.g.,SAT/ACT) will be assessed using a campus-based tool for placement in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning courses.

Based on first-year skills assessment and subsequent placement, students must successfully complete an approved General Education Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning course along with the associated mathematics academic support course. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors and the Geography major with an emphasis in Geographic Information Science and Technology or the emphasis in Water, Climate, and Ecosystems are required to complete MATH 140 and MATH 140X . Non-STEM and Undeclared majors are required to complete one of the following pairs of courses: MATH 110 and MATH 110X ; MATH 210 and MATH 210X ; PSY 280 and PSY 280X ; STAT 119 and STAT 119X ; or ECON 201 /GEOG 104 /LING 270 /PHIL 120 /POL S 201 /SOC 201 and CAL 201X .

Earn a satisfactory score on the SDSU Mathematics Placement Assessment.

Earn a C- or better grade in an approved, transferable college mathematics course that satisfies CSU General Education in Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning.

Mathematics and Chemistry Departmental Placement Assessments

Prior to enrollment in certain mathematics and chemistry courses, students may be required to pass a Mathematics Placement Assessment or Chemistry Departmental Placement Assessment as part of the stated prerequisites. These examinations assess preparation in mathematics and chemistry beyond the elementary level. The Mathematics Placement Assessment evaluates knowledge of algebra and trigonometry as needed for MATH 124 , MATH 141 , and MATH 150 . The Liberal Studies Mathematics Proficiency Assessment evaluates concepts related to numbers and operations, geometry, and measurement. The Chemistry Department Placement Assessment evaluates student preparation for success in CHEM 200 or CHEM 202 .

Writing Testing Requirements: First-Year Students

The SDSU Written Communication Assessment requirement is satisfied in one of the following ways:

Pass one of the following national or state tests at the minimum score* or level indicated below:
1. Scholastic Aptitude Test or Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) Evidence-Based Reading and Writing/Critical Reading:
  - Score of 550 on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing if taken after February 2016
  - Score of 500 on Critical Reading if taken between March 1995 and March 2016
  - SAT Verbal score of 470 if taken before March 1995
2. American College Test (ACT) English Test:
  - Score of 22 if taken after October 1989
3. College Board Scholastic Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations:
  - Score of 3 or higher on Language and Composition or Literature and Composition
4. International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level English Examinations:
  - A score of 4 or above on Higher Level English A: Language and Literature or Higher Level English A: Literature
5. College Board Achievement Test/SAT Writing Test:
  - Score of 600 on English Composition with Essay (if taken before March 2016)
  - Score of 680 or above on the SAT Writing section (if taken before March 2016)
6. CAASPP Early Assessment Program (EAP) - English (11th Grade):
  - Result of “Standard Exceeded: Ready for CSU or participating CCC College-Level Coursework in English”
7. CAASPP Early Assessment Program (EAP) - English (12th Grade):
  - Result of “Standard Met: Conditionally Ready for CSU or participating CCC College-Level Coursework in English” if the conditional requirement is satisfied by completing an approved 12th grade English course with a grade of “C” or better. Students who do not meet the conditional requirement must participate in the SDSU’s FAST summer program, unless an exemption is satisfied through one of the following:
    - New SAT: Score of 510-540 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section (if taken after February 2016)
    - Old SAT: Score of 460-490 on the Critical Reading section of the old SAT Reasoning Test (if taken before March 2016)
    - American College Test (ACT): Score of 19-21 on the English section

*These scores apply only to students who satisfy the requirement upon matriculation in this catalog year or who take the examinations during this catalog year.

Based on first-year skills assessment and subsequent placement, students must successfully complete a two semester writing sequence: RWS 105A and RWS 105B ; or LING 100A and LING 100B .

Earn a grade of C- or better in an approved, transferable college composition course that satisfies CSU General Education in English Composition or Critical Thinking.

II. Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)

All undergraduate students must demonstrate competency in upper division writing skills as a requirement for the baccalaureate degree. (Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree in nursing are considered to have satisfied the GWAR through their first baccalaureate degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association.)

Transfer students from another California State University campus who have fulfilled the GWAR will not be required to repeat it. However, a course listed for the major may still be required. Students who believe this requirement has been fulfilled at another CSU campus should contact the Contact the Office of the Registrar.

Approved upper division writing courses:

ECL 306W (Liberal Studies majors only)

ECL 308W

ECL 508W (Required for English and Comparative Literature majors; open to other majors)

III. Major and Minor Requirements

Preparation for the major. Every major requires a set of introductory and/or skills courses designed to prepare students for upper division study in the field. Courses taken for this purpose may also satisfy General Education requirements if they are approved for General Education.
Major. Completion of a departmental or an interdisciplinary major is required. Students must meet the major requirements in effect at the time the major is declared, provided continuous enrollment has been maintained, except as otherwise provided in the California Code of Regulations, Chapter 5, Section 40401, Election of Regulations. If a major is impacted, students must meet the major requirements in effect at the time the premajor is declared, assuming continuous enrollment. A major is an area of specialized study that provides students with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and its organizing concepts. It consists of 24 or more upper division units for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees, and 36 or more units for the Bachelor of Science degree. At least half of the units must be completed at SDSU unless specifically waived by the department; however, in no case shall a student be allowed to complete fewer than 12 units in the major at SDSU. Units earned through SDSU extension courses - except those offered for resident credit during summer term and through Open University beginning spring 1998 - do not apply toward the residency requirement. Unless otherwise stated, a student may, with department approval, apply no more than three units of coursework from a basic certificate program toward a major or minor.

A summary list of all majors appears in the curricula by department, where the full statement of requirements for each major can be found. Upper division courses taken in the major department may not be used to meet requirements in a minor. Courses graded Credit (Cr) may not be used to fulfill upper division requirements in the major except for those courses identified in the course listing as graded Cr/NC. The minimum grade point average required for awarding a major at the time of graduation is 2.0 (C) or better in all upper division units applied to the major, including those completed in the major department, required courses taken in other departments, and applicable upper division transfer coursework.

A student may declare up to three majors. In such cases, the requirements for each major must be satisfied. Units for courses that could satisfy the requirements in more than one major are counted only once. At the time of graduation, students with two or more majors will have all majors listed on a single diploma. Students who complete requirements for two or more majors under the same bachelor’s degree will have all majors acknowledged on the diploma. Students who complete requirements for two or more majors under different bachelor’s degrees will have all degrees and majors acknowledged on the diploma. Students may verify major information through the unofficial SDSU transcript or degree evaluation prior to the last day of the semester or term for which graduation has been requested. The diploma and transcript issued will note the degree(s) earned with all completed majors. Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree in nursing are not eligible to declare an additional major. Students admitted to SDSU with an Associate Degree for Transfer who add another major or minor that requires more than 60 units to complete violate the program’s guarantee of graduation within 60 semester units.

A lower division student may request a change from one premajor to another. An upper division student may request a change from one major to another. A student may earn two majors within one department only when the specific combinations of majors are authorized by the department and the college. All requirements for both majors must be satisfied; units for courses that could satisfy requirements in both majors can be counted only once. In most cases, students pursuing two majors within one department will be required to file a master plan with the Office of the Registrar that has been approved by the major department.

Time Limit on Completion of Requirements for the Major. As authorized by Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Section 40401, departments may require that specific academic requirements be completed within seven years of awarding an undergraduate degree. Such requirements typically include advanced courses and examinations in areas of knowledge that change rapidly, where information may become obsolete after seven years. In cases where a student is required to repeat a course taken more than seven years previously, only the most recent grade will be used in computation of grade point averages.
Minor. Completion of a minor is required if mandated by the major; otherwise, the decision to pursue a minor is left to the student. Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree in nursing are not eligible to declare a minor. Like the major, the minor provides an integrated and coherent pattern of coursework, combining lower and upper division courses in proportions appropriate to the discipline. A student may declare a minor in up to two departments. A minor shall consist of 15-24 units, with normally 12 units at the upper division level. At least six upper division units must be completed at SDSU. The minimum grade point average for awarding a minor at the time of graduation is 2.0 (C) or better in all units applicable to the minor, including applicable transfer coursework. Courses graded credit (Cr) may not be used to fulfill upper division requirements in the minor except for those identified in the course listing as graded Cr/NC. Courses numbered 296, 496, 596 may be applied to the minor only with the approval of the department chair. A summary list of all minors appears at the close of this chapter; the full statement of requirements for each minor can be found through the Index. Because certain minors require special prerequisites, consultation with the minor department is advised before enrolling in courses. Courses in the minor may not be counted toward the major or another minor but may be applied to preparation for the major and General Education requirements. Completion of a minor is recorded on the SDSU official transcript only and does not appear on the diploma.
Declaration of Major and/or Minor. Declaration of a major or minor occurs with approval from the appropriate advisor and submission of a Declaration of Major or Minor form to the Office of the Registrar.
Language Requirement: Some majors may require competency in a language other than English. Language competency is typically demonstrated at a level equivalent to three semesters of college study. Native speakers of a language other than English who have completed high school or the equivalent in that language are generally considered to have satisfied the requirement. Departments may determine how students can fulfill the language requirement through coursework, proficiency exams, or other approved methods. Students should consult the catalog entry for their specific major and speak with their department advisor for details on whether a language requirement applies and how it may be satisfied.

IV. American Institutions Requirement

Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Article 5, Section 40404 and CSU Executive Order 1061 require that all students demonstrate an understanding of American history and American Government including (1) the historical development of American Institutions and ideals; (2) the Constitution of the United States and the operation of representative democratic government under that Constitution; and (3) California state and local government.

The American Institutions requirement can be satisfied in any of four ways:

San Diego State University courses. By passing any combination of courses covering the three topics in American Institutions (1. U.S. History and Ideals, 2. U.S. Constitution, and 3. California State and Local Government). A maximum of six units may be used to satisfy both American Institutions and General Education. Additional courses within the American Institutions category may be applied to General Education.

Transfer courses from outside California or Advanced Placement credit. Students who completed coursework outside California or who have Advanced Placement (AP) credit may have already satisfied American History and United States Constitution portions of the American Institutions requirement through one of the following:
1. Advanced Placement (AP) credit in American History or Government/Politics: American.
2. Course(s) in American history covering a minimum of 100 years of U.S. history, including the establishment of the U.S. Constitution.
3. An American history course covering a minimum of 100 years of history AND a course in American Government.

Students who meet the requirement above may still need to complete the California State and Local Government portion of the American Institutions requirement. This requirement may be satisfied by either:

Passing the California Government examination offered through the Testing Services Office,

OR
Completing one of the following SDSU courses: AAS 100 , AFRAS 170B ; AMIND 141 ; CCS 120B , CCS 141B ; HIST 110 *, HIST 410 , HIST 445 ; POL S 102 **, POL S 320 , POL S 321 , POL S 422 ; REL S 390B ; WGSS 341B .

Transfer courses from accredited California colleges and universities.
1. Full Certification of American Institutions Requirement: Students transferring from a regionally accredited California community college, liberal arts college, or university may fulfill the American Institutions requirement through certification from the sending institution. Certification must appear on an official transcript or other official document indicating that the requirement defined in Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Article 5, Section 40404 has been satisfied.
2. Partial Completion of American Institutions Requirement: Students who transfer coursework from a California institution without certification may receive credit toward partial completion of the American Institutions requirement. Remaining components must be completed at SDSU.
3. Certification Based on High School coursework: Certification based solely on high school coursework is not accepted.
Students who have previously earned a baccalaureate degree from an institutionally accredited college or university are exempt from this requirement.This exemption applies to students seeking a second bachelor’s degree in nursing.

*Credit will not be granted for this course if an equivalent post-Civil War American History course or AP credit in United States History has been completed.

**Credit will not be granted for this course if an equivalent American Government course or AP credit in Government/Politics: United States has been completed.

V. Unit Requirements

Overall unit requirement. The minimum number of units required for a bachelor’s degree is 120. Courses numbered 99 or below, as well as 397, do not apply toward a bachelor’s degree and are not included in the calculation of total units. Some majors and degrees require more than the minimum number of units, as listed below:
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering: 120-126 units
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance: 132 units
- Bachelor of Music: 132 units
Upper division unit requirement. The total number of upper division units required for a bachelor’s degree is as follows:
- Bachelor of Arts: 40 units
- Bachelor of Science: 45 units
- Bachelor of Fine Arts: 48 units
- Bachelor of Music: 48 units

Courses offering upper division credit are numbered 300 through 599. All units from upper division courses - except those numbered 397 in any department - count toward the upper division unit requirement, including units from courses in the major and the minor, as well as courses used to satisfy the American Institutions and the General Education requirements.

Unit limit totals. The maximum number of special units accepted toward a bachelor’s degree is as follows:
- Transferable community and junior college courses: 70 units
- Credit by examination (excluding AP/IBACC credit): 30 units
- Extension, Open University, and correspondence courses (including courses taken before and after matriculation): 24 units
  (NOTE: Only 24 units from Extension, Open University, and Special Sessions courses combined are accepted toward the degree if completed prior to admission as a non-matriculated student. There is no limit on Special Session courses completed after matriculation.)
- Courses graded credit (Cr)*: 15 units
- Topics courses numbered 296, 496, 596: 9 units
- General Studies courses numbered 200 and 400: 6 units
- Courses numbered below 100, and courses numbered 397: 0 units
- Special Study courses numbered 299, 499, 599: 9 units
  (NOTE: Examination credit awarded for a 299 course is excluded from the nine unit limit.)
- Courses numbered 499 from one department (except GEOL 499 ): 6 units
- Aerospace Studies, Military Science, and Naval Science courses: 24 units
- MUSIC 170 -MUSIC 189 , MUSIC 370 -MUSIC 389 , MUSIC 570 -MUSIC 589

For non-majors, music majors for the B.A. degree, and B.M. degrees in Music Education, Global Composition, and Professional Studies: 14 units
For music majors for B.M. degree in Performance and Jazz Studies: 18 units

*Upper division courses in the major and minor must be taken for a letter grade unless offered only credit/no credit.

VI. Residence Requirements

To qualify for a bachelor’s degree, students must complete the following unit requirements at San Diego State University:

A. A minimum of 30 units total, of which at least 24 units must be upper division courses (numbered 300-599).

B. At least half of the upper division units required for the major must be completed at SDSU, unless waived by the major department; however, in no case shall fewer than 12 upper division units in the major be completed at SDSU.

C. If a minor is completed, a minimum of six upper division units in the minor must be completed at SDSU.

D. At least nine units in upper division General Education courses shall be taken within the California State University (CSU) system.

(NOTE: Courses taken in Open University prior to spring 1998, for extension credit, and units earned through credit-by-examination may not be applied to these requirements.)

Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree in nursing must complete a minimum of 30 post-baccalaureate units in residence at SDSU, of which at least 15 units must be upper division courses in the nursing major (numbered 300-599).

VII. Grade Point Average Requirements

Four grade point averages, each 2.0 or better, are required for graduation, including for students seeking a second bachelor’s degree in nursing:

A. SDSU GPA: An average based on all courses attempted at SDSU.

B. Cumulative GPA: An average based on all courses attempted at SDSU and transferable courses from other universities, liberal arts colleges, and community colleges. For students seeking a second bachelor’s degree in nursing, the cumulative GPA is based on all post-baccalaureate credit attempted at SDSU and transferable courses at other institutions.

C. Major GPA: An average based on all upper division courses attempted in the major department. Upper division courses required for the major but taught outside the major department are also included in this average.

D. Minor GPA: An average based on all units applicable to a minor, if a minor is being completed for the degree.

Information on the computation of averages can be found in the University Policies section of this catalog under Grades.

VIII. General Education

For information on General Education Requirements, please review the General Education Requirements section of this catalog.

IX. Ethnic Studies

For information on the Ethnic Studies Graduation Requirement, please review the General Education Requirements section of this catalog.

Application for Graduation

Graduation is not automatic upon completion of degree requirements. Students intending to graduate must take the initiative and submit an application for the term in which all degree requirements are anticipated to be completed. Enrolled students apply through my.SDSU, selecting the “Application for Graduation” menu option and submitting the application prior to the published deadline. Application deadlines are provided each year in the academic calendar and on the Apply to Graduate website: www.sdsu.edu/applytograduate. Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree in nursing must submit an undergraduate application for graduation.

All degree requirements must be completed by the end of the term for which the application was submitted. After the degree is granted, changes cannot be made to the undergraduate record. Candidates for graduation are not eligible to register for terms following the graduation date unless an application for readmission as a post-baccalaureate student has been filed with Graduate Admissions.

Students who do not complete all degree requirements by the end of the term for which they applied to graduate will have their application transferred to the next term. Candidates wishing to change their projected graduation date after submitting an application must file an Undergraduate Graduation Application Transfer form. Additional information regarding the graduation application is available at www.sdsu.edu/applytograduate.

Graduation requirements are determined by the continuous enrollment regulations. Students not in a period of continuous enrollment at the time of filing for a bachelor’s degree must meet the catalog requirements in effect at the time of filing. Continuous enrollment is defined as attendance in at least one semester or two quarters within a calendar year. See the Election of Regulations for Graduation section below for complete regulations.

Time Limit on Completion of Requirements for the Major. As authorized by Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Section 40401, departments may require that specific academic requirements be completed within seven years of granting an undergraduate degree. Such requirements typically include advanced courses and examinations in areas of knowledge that may become obsolete after seven years. In cases where a course taken more than seven years previously must be repeated, only the most recent grade will be used in computation of grade point averages.

NOTE: San Diego State University does not backdate degrees. The semester in which all degree requirements are completed is the semester in which the degree will be posted to the academic record, provided an active application for graduation is on file.

Election of Regulations for Graduation

An undergraduate student maintaining enrollment in regular session at any California State University campus, any California community college, or any combination of California community colleges and CSU campuses may, for the purpose of meeting graduation requirements, elect to follow the catalog requirements in effect at San Diego State University either at the time the student began such attendance, at the time of entrance to SDSU, or at the time of graduation. Substitutions for discontinued courses may be authorized or required by the appropriate campus authorities.

For the purpose of this policy, “Attendance” is defined as enrollment in at least one semester or two quarters within a calendar year. Absence due to an approved educational leave or for attendance at another accredited institution of higher learning shall not be considered interruptions in attendance if the absence does not exceed two years. When students change or declare majors, they must adopt the requirements of the major and any minors in effect at the time of the change or declaration.

Commencement

Commencement exercises are held once a year at the end of the spring semester for undergraduate and graduate students who graduated in the previous fall, as well as for candidates for graduation in the current spring and summer terms. The president of the university, by the authority of the trustees and on recommendation of the faculty, awards the degrees. Details regarding commencement exercises are mailed to prospective participants in March and are made available on the Commencement website: https://www.sdsu.edu/commencement.

NOTE: Select courses are offered at SDSU Imperial Valley. All courses are available at the San Diego campus.