About SJSU

Students walking through the Cesar Chavez monument on the SJSU campus.

Silicon Valley's Public University

San José State University is in many ways the original Silicon Valley startup, continually evolving over more than 160 years to meet the needs of the region, state, nation and world. A comprehensive university education, granting bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in 250 areas of study, SJSU is an essential partner in the economic, cultural and social development of Silicon Valley and California. With more than 36,000 students, 4,300 employees and over 350,000 alumni, the Spartan spirit is deeply ingrained across the globe.

A diverse group of students sit around our Statue of John Carlos and Tommie Smith.

Mission, Vision and Values

We proudly proclaim that we are Spartans. What it means to be a part of San José State University requires clearly outlining our foundation — our mission, vision and values embody our present identity and our future as an institution. 

Review our mission, vision and values

An aerial view of campus within downtown san jose.

Transformation 2030 — SJSU's Strategic Plan

Together - with Transformation 2030 as the blueprint - our university’s students, faculty, staff, alumni and other supporters are all helping to realize San José State’s position as a nationally prominent urban public university.

History

SJSU History, Normal school

The SJSU Story Begins with People

Founded in 1857, San José State's history began before the Civil War, as the first State Normal School, which trained teachers who educated the people of a young California. Now, SJSU is a dynamic comprehensive university that anchors the 10th largest city in the United States, and Spartans are found around the globe. 

Our People

SJSU Students.

Students

Students discover what inspires them through a breadth of majors, unique programs and opportunities for research—as well as more than 450 student organizations and Division I athletics. 

SJSU Faculty

Employees

Our world-class faculty and dedicated staff members educate and support our students in all phases of their educational journey. 

Mission

Alumni

Through our dynamic campus community and international network of more than 350,000 alumni, opportunities abound for sharing a broad range of perspectives.

Our Place

Aerial view of Tower hall and campus.

Discover SJSU

Explore the events and resources available to students and visitors experiencing campus in person or virtually.

Aerial view of downtown San Jose.

Explore Silicon Valley

Live the Spartan Life as SJSU students do in the most innovative region in the world.

Aerial view of SJSU Campus

Campus Map

Navigate around the SJSU campus and all university properties around San José and beyond.

A students stands at the top of a high mountain while working on equipment to track wildfires.

Give to SJSU

With the support of alumni, parents, corporations, foundations, and others in the Spartan community, SJSU students can follow their passions and discover their “why” at SJSU.

Give Now