FAQ

Questions relevant to new students

• I'm entering as a freshman. What do I do?

  • 1. Make sure to attend frosh orientation[BROKEN LINK], as described in the material sent to you by the university upon your acceptance.

    2. Strongly consider enrolling for Science 2 (Sci 002) in your first semester. 

    3. At the beginning of the semester, meet with the College of Science Student Success Center (CoS-SSC) advisor, as described on the CS department advising web site.

    4. Become familiar with the Schedule of Classes, the university catalog, and the BSCS requirements and sample program.  Be aware that this program is only a sample, and will not be appropriate for every student.  The department web site contains a prerequisite chart.

    5. Also see the answer to the question about the computing devices you will need as an SJSU CS major.

    modified, April 2020

• Does the department participate in the Four-Year Graduation Pledge Program?

  • Yes, although the conditions for BSCS students are very strict due to the large number of required courses in the program. In addition to all university requirements, you must get grades of C- or better in all courses, not repeat any courses, be ready to start calculus in your first semester, and stick with the sample program publicized by the department unless your advisor has approved a deviation.  You may need to avoid probation, since students on probation may be allowed to register for only a limited number of units, and may be best advised to take optional workshop courses.
    
    For more details, contact the undergraduate CS coordinator.
    
    slightly modified, August 2016

• What is Science 2? What is Science 90T?

  • Science 2 (Sci 002) is a course designed to improve retention rates in science and engineering and poor student preparation in general. Effective Fall 2007, it is a permitted General Education course under Area E. It is an appropriate course for a substantial proportion of frosh CS majors. Since the course is a General Education course, you can count it toward graduation (if you have not already taken another Area E course).
    
    See the Science 2 web site[BROKEN LINK] for more information.
    
    There is a similar course for transfer students, Science 90. This course is not approved for GE. Note that different sections of this course may have different subtitles.
    
    slightly modified, April 20

• Does the first computer science course (CS 46A) assume any background in computing?

  • Officially, no. However, a number of students in the past have attempted to take the course with little experience with computing. Many of these students have not succeeded.

    If you don't have any computer experience, you might consider first taking CS 22A. Note that CS 22A will not count toward the BSCS degree.  Another possibility is to take an introductory programming course at a community college.  At many schools, an appropriate course is the prerequisite course to the CS 46A equivalent.  Such a course, however will not count toward the BSCS degree.

    modified, April 2020

Questions relevant to transfer students and potential transfer students

• What is the STAR Act?  What is SB 1440?  What is C-ID?  What is an AS-T degree?

  • SB 1440, the STAR act, is a California law designed to improve the interface between community college programs and CSU degree programs. C-ID is a course numbering system used in the implementation of this act. Students with an appropriate AS degree (an "AS degree for transfer", or "AS-T degree", in computer science) are automatically exempt from certain BSCS requirements.

    You do not need to have an AS-T degree in order to transfer from a community college to the BSCS program at SJSU.

    One provision of the STAR act effectively requires that students with an appropriate AS-T degree need at most 60 units beyond the AS to complete the 120-unit BSCS program at SJSU.  Sample programs for the various BSCS requirements showing how the BSCS can be attained in 4 semesters of 60 total units are available on the CS department web site.  Such a sample program will not be appropriate for every student.

    Students with an AS-T degree in CS will be given BSCS credit for Math 30 and 31 and 42, Physics 50 and 51, CS 46A and 46B, and 47, and all but 12 units of General Education. AS-T students are exempt from the Physical Education requirement at SJSU.

    The sample program assumes that students will be able to pass the Writing Skills Test (WST) without any additional coursework, and have completed the American Institutions requirement as part of their AS degree. Students for whom these assumptions are not true should see the undergraduate coordinator to see how they can complete the BSCS in only 60 additional units.

    slightly modified, December 2015

• I'm considering entering as a transfer student.  What do I do?

  • For general information about transferring to SJSU, see the university web pages on Transfer Admission Requirements and SJSU Undergraduate Degrees and Impaction.  Pay special attention to the section on transferring as a lower-division student if this is relevant to you, since this kind of transfers may not be possible in a given semester.  Impaction is important since it is likely to result in a minimum GPA requirement for transfer, which you can check by clicking on the impaction link.

    If you are reasonably sure that you want to be a CS major, you are a community college student, and you think you will be attending SJSU or another California State University, you should seriously consider getting an AS-T degree in CS.  Also check the section on transfer associate degrees on the web page mentioned above.

    If you are not able to complete all of the coursework that is part of an AS-T degree in CS by the time you are ready to transfer, you should at least try to complete the Computer Science portion of the program. The other courses can be made up easily when you arrive at SJSU.

    Since SJSU uses Java for its introductory courses, if the institution you are attending gives you a choice between a Java-based introduction to computing and an introduction that uses another language, it will probably be better for you to take the Java-based introduction.

    There is a 70-unit limit on units transferred from a two-year college, but this limit is irrelevant for determining which requirements in the major you have satisfied.

    Ideally you will be prepared to take the Writing Skills Test (WST) when you arrive at SJSU.

    Also see the answer to the next question.

    somewhat modified, August 2015

• I'm entering as a transfer student.  What do I do?

  • Attend a transfer orientation session

    Make sure to attend one of the campus Transfer Orientation sessions, as described in the material sent to you by the university upon your acceptance.  

    Are you ready to start upper-division coursework in Computer Science?

    Determine, preferably in consultation with an advisor, whether you are ready to start upper-division coursework in Computer Science.  

    If you have successfully completed equivalents of CS 46A and CS 46B that use the Java language, then you have the computing background needed for CS 146 (Data Structures and Algorithms) and CS 151 (Object-Oriented Design).  You should consider taking these courses in your first semester at SJSU if you have met their mathematics prerequisites.

    If you have successfully completed equivalents of CS 46A and CS 46B that use a language other than Java, then you should enroll in CS 49J (Programming in Java) as soon as possible.   After completing CS 49J successfully, you should take CS 146 and CS 151 as soon as you can.

    If you have successfully completed a CS 46A equivalent but not a CS 46B equivalent, then if the CS 46A equivalent used Java you may enroll in CS 46B.  Otherwise you should consider enrolling in CS 49J and then CS 46B, and then following the instructions above for students who took equivalents of CS 46A and 46B in Java.  CS 49J may be counted as an elective for the CS major. If you have not successfully completed a CS 46A equivalent, then you should enroll in CS 46A.

    If you want, you may instead take a 46B equivalent at the same institution where you took your 46A equivalent, and then follow the instructions above for students whose 46A and 46B equivalencies didn't use Java.

    A third possibility is to simply take CS 46A at SJSU.  Your 46A will almost certainly count as equivalent to CS 49C if it used C or C++, and will likely count as an elective for the CS major -- consult the Computer Science Department's undergraduate coordinator.

    Take the Writing Skills Test (WST)

    Take the Writing Skills Test (WST) as early as you can -- unless you have been exempted from the CS 100W and General Education Area Z requirements. This test is a prerequisite for CS 100W, and all other SJSU studies courses.  Many students transferring into the CS major have satisfied all graduation requirements except for SJSU Studies and coursework in the Math and CS departments. If you are one of these students and you haven't taken the Writing Skills Test, then in your first semester you will either have to take all your classes in Math or CS, or take classes that won't help you graduate.  And you may not be able to take very many classes in Math or CS, depending on which prerequisite courses you have taken, and on your knowledge of Java.

    Take CS 100W

    It is a good idea to take CS 100W as early as possible, since it helps you in all of your other courses.  In particular, CS 100W is a prerequisite for the required software engineering course CS 160.  It's not uncommon for students to have to delay their graduation because they did not take CS 100W early enough.

    Use these resources

    Become familiar with the Schedule of Classes, the university catalog, and the web pages containing the BSCS requirements and the associated sample programs). In particular, check the prerequisites for the courses you plan to take.  The department web site contains a prerequisite chart that shows the mathematics and CS prerequisites for all CS courses that count toward the BS in CS. 

    modified, April 2020

• Can I get credit toward the BSCS degree based on Advanced Placement (AP) exams?

  • Current CS Department policy is to give 3 units of credit and a CS 46A waiver to any student scoring 3 or better on the Computer Science A exam. The department currently grants a Math 30 waiver to any student scoring 3 or better on the Calculus AB exam. We give waivers for both Math 30 and Math 31 to any student scoring 3 or better on the Calculus BC exam.

    The department grants a Physics 50 waiver to any student scoring 3 or better on Part 1 of the Physics C exam. We grant a Physics 51 waiver to any student scoring 3 or better on Part 2 of this exam.

    Since they are accepted as equivalents to GE courses, credit toward the 14-unit science requirement will be given for the Physics B exam or the Chemistry AP exam, to students who are not also counting a substantially similar course toward the BSCS science requirement.  Neither of these exams may be used to satisfy the 5-unit science requirement, or the additional science course BSCS requirement in effect before Fall 2014.

    modified, April 2020

• Can lower-division courses I have taken at other institutions count toward the BSCS degree? If so, will they be recorded on MySJSU?

  • The university maintains a list of articulation agreements for SJSU courses. If an SJSU course is articulated with a course at another institution, then this latter course is automatically accepted in place of the SJSU course with which it is articulated. You may view the university's list of articulated courses either sorted by college or sorted by subject.

    Statewide information regarding transfers and transfer credit is available at http://www.assist.org/.

    In addition to articulated courses, lower-division courses that are substantially similar to CS courses at SJSU may be used to satisfy major requirements.  

    However to make sure that university officials know which BSCS requirements you have satisfied, and to make sure that your course instructors know that you have met course prerequisites, you need to meet with an advisor to make sure that your prior coursework gets recorded properly.  The best time to do this is at your Transfer Orientation session. 

    Make sure you bring:

    1 - transcripts showing all work you are attempting to transfer toward the BSCS (unofficial transcripts are fine, but make sure that each one includes your name or other information that identifies the transcript as yours), and

    2 - catalog information (in the English language if at all possible) from the schools and years when and where you took the courses you are trying to transfer. Your advisor MIGHT be satisfied with looking at the school's web site, or at course green sheets, outlines, or syllabi.

    If you have transfer courses that count toward the BSCS, you and your advisor will fill out a Course Equivalency Form [pdf]. It's this form that you can use to demonstrate to instructors of your first semester's classes that you have the appropriate prerequisites.

    The course equivalency form is not appropriate for General Education courses. GE courses taken elsewhere are approved by a separate process [pdf].

    Courses that are articulated with SJSU courses will appear on MySJSU with an indication of the articulated SJSU course once the transcript is posted on MySJSU. This may take as long as a semester. The articulation will then be considered  in the computation of how many of your graduation requirements you have met. 

    modified, April 2020

• Can I use courses taken elsewhere to satisfy upper-division BSCS requirements at SJSU?

  • In general

    Upper-division courses that were taken at a UC or CSU before entering the CS major, and that closely match SJSU courses allowable for that major, may be used to waive the corresponding SJSU BSCS requirements.

    A lower division linear algebra course is likely to be accepted for waiver of the Math 129A requirement. A combined course in linear algebra and differential equations of at least 5 semester units is likely to be accepted for waiver of the Math 129A requirement.

    For current CS majors, waiver of upper-division courses by coursework taken elsewhere while a student is a CS major at SJSU must be approved IN ADVANCE by the department.  This includes courses taken at SJSU outside the CS department.  

    In rare cases, a lower-division course taken at a topnotch institution before a student enters the CS major at SJSU may be used to waive an upper-division BSCS requirement at SJSU.

    Otherwise, waivers or substitutions for upper-division BSCS requirements are very unlikely to be approved.

    Notes

    Note that waiving a requirement is not the same thing as substituting one course for another. Using a lower-division course to waive an upper-division course means you have satisfied the upper division requirement with a lower division course. It does not mean that you get credit for the upper division units. In particular, the courses that you use for "Support for the Major" and "Requirements in the Major" must still include the proper number of units of upper division mathematics and computer science coursework, excluding CS 100W and CS 110L.

    To make sure that equivalent courses are credited toward your BSCS, you should follow the procedure described in the previous question.

    Upper-division GE courses (SJSU studies courses) generally need to be taken at SJSU.  The one exception to this policy is detailed in the discussion of CS 100W in the answer to the question on SJSU studies.

    modified, April 2020

Questions about entering the CS major or minor

• How can I change my major to computer science?

  • Entry into the CS major at SJSU is now competitive. The rules for applying to change your major to computer science are given on the CS department's web site. They apply to students seeking a double major and students returning who were not in good standing in the major or the university when they left, as well as to students seeking to change their only major.

    Note that if you take CS courses in the hopes of being admitted to the major, and are not admitted, you will have a very good start toward the CS minor.

    modified, January 2018

• How do I go about getting a minor in computer science?  

  • You must meet the following requirements before you can declare a CS minor:

    SJSU Cumulative GPA of 2.7 or better.

    Complete the following courses with a B- or better average and with a grade of C or better in each:

    1. Math 42.
    2. CS 46A (or equivalent course in Java).

     

    More Information

    If you are interested in declaring a CS minor, it's wise to see the Computer Science Minor advisor. 

    The requirements for the computer science minor are listed on the Computer Science department web site.

    If you cannot preregister for a class, there is space available in the class, and you have the prerequisites for the class, most CS instructors will be happy to add you to their class. However during some semesters many or most classes are full by the first day of instruction, and you may not be able to add the courses you need. So there's a significant chance that even students who complete the first few classes for their minor will not be able to get the remaining classes.  This means that your progress toward the minor may be halted at any point, and you should be aware of this possibility before beginning the coursework toward the CS minor.

    If you cannot complete your CS minor, submit this form [pdf] to drop the minor.

    modified, October, 2024

• What is disqualification from the university?  How does it differ from disqualification from the major?  Can I get back into the major after I have been disqualified?  What is academic probation?

  • An undergraduate student whose SJSU GPA falls too far below 2.0 is subject to disqualification from the university. The university's policy on disqualification is given in the university catalog.  If you are disqualified from SJSU, then you are no longer enrolled at SJSU, although you may petition for reinstatement.  Disqualified students are eligible to take courses through Open University[BROKEN LINK].

    For information about petitioning for reinstatement, check the Office of the Registrar. The university's policy on reinstatement is given in the university catalog.

    Reinstatement is not automatic.  Petitioners generally need to demonstrate that they are capable of succeeding in university level work.  Except for the occasional hardship case, this is done simply by raising one's SJSU GPA back to 2.0. 

    Note that if you are disqualified from the university, then you are no longer enrolled in any major. If you become eligible for reinstatement, you must reapply to the university. You may reapply in a different major than your original major. Reinstatement into the computer science major for disqualified students is subject to the same requirements as for ordinary changes of major, and is very unlikely to be possible.

    Academic probation is a first step toward disqualification from the university. The relevant SJSU policy is given in the university catalog.  Every semester, a registration hold is placed on all students on academic probation.  For information about removing this hold, and for general advising information related to probation, see the question on removing advising and probation holds.

    Effective Fall 2014, Computer Science majors are now subject to disqualification from the major and probation in the major.  The policy in both cases is that of the College of Science.  The university policy on disqualification from the major is given in the university catalog.  Again, reinstatement into the computer science major for disqualified students is subject to the same requirements as for ordinary changes of major, and is very unlikely to be possible.

    somewhat modified, June 2022

Questions about particular courses or groups of courses

• Are there any General Education requirements that are satisfied automatically by the major?

  • Yes. The calculus courses in the major cover Area B4.  Areas Z and V of SJSU Studies are also covered with the required courses CS 100W  (Technical Writing Workshop) and Phil 134 (Computers, Ethics, and Society).

    For students using the requirements in effect before Fall 2014, Phys 50 is required and will satisfy GE Areas B1 and B3.  It is also possible (and common) for students to satisfy Area R (or Area B2) and the "additional science requirement" of these requirements with a single course.

    For students using the requirements in effect Fall 2014 or later, GE Areas B1, B2, B3, and R may and should be satisfied within the required 14 units of science.

    For more information about Core GE, SJSU studies, and the General Education requirements, check the Schedule of Classes (in the online version, select the appropriate semester's Policies, and Procedures, and then follow the General Education (GE) link).  Or see a CoS-SSC advisor or a General Education advisor.

    somewhat modified, August 2015

• What is Phil 134?

  • Phil 134 (Computers, Ethics, and Society) is a General Education course that satisfies the Area V  requirement.  It was designed specifically for Computer Science majors, and focuses on the ethics and social impact of computing.

    See the following question for information about substitutions for Phil 134.

    somewhat modified, August 2015

• What is SJSU Studies?

  • SJSU Studies is the advanced portion of General Education.  It consists of four requirements -- one course each from Areas R, S, V, and Z. Two requirements are met by BSCS Support Courses -- the Area Z requirement is met by CS 100W  (Technical Writing Workshop) and the Area V requirement is met by Phil 134 (Computers, Ethics, and Society).

    Students using requirements in effect before Fall 2014 may use certain courses to satisfy both the "additional science requirement" and the Area R requirement -- many students have taken advantage of this double counting.
    
    Note that Phil 134 is specifically a course in the ethics and social impact of computing. No substitute course is available at SJSU. If you are a second baccalaureate student, you will still need to satisfy this requirement, even though you are exempt from all GE requirements. On the other hand, if your degree is from another institution and you've already taken a course or courses with significant coverage of the ethics and social impact of computing, you may be able to waive the Phil 134 requirement. However in this case, you will still need to satisfy the Area V requirement (unless you are a second baccalaureate student).
    
    All SJSU studies courses officially require completion of Core GE and successful completion of the Writing Skills Test (WST) (or an exemption from 100W).  Many SJSU Studies courses have 100W as at least a corequisite.  The university expects you to take the WST in the semester in which you achieve 75 earned units (counting no more than 70 community college units). The SJSU Advising Hub gives suggestions on what you can do if you cannot pass the WST.
    
    For the BSCS, a sufficiently high score on the WST will exempt you from the 100W requirement.  The only other exemption that is routinely granted by the CS department is for students who passed an appropriate 100W course while enrolled as a math or science or engineering major. However note that for BSCS students, Engr 100W may count only toward Area Z, and not toward Area R.
    
    Sometimes the department will waive the CS 100W requirement for second baccalaureate or other transfer students based on upper-division writing courses taken at other institutions. Almost always in these cases the Area Z requirement is also waived by the university, although there is no guarantee that this will happen. Occasionally, if the other institution's course is not a technical writing course, the Area Z requirement is waived for a student but the CS 100W requirement is not.
    
    For more information about General Education requirements, or the related but distinct American Institutions requirements, check the Schedule of Classes. Select the Policies and Procedures, and the General Education (GE) links. Or see a CoS-SSC advisor or a General Education advisor.
    
    somewhat modified, August 2015

• What are the physics requirements for the BSCS?

  • For students using the requirements of Fall 2014 or later, no physics  course is required. But see the answer to the next question (I don't understand the BSCS science requirements.)

    For other students, two calculus-based physics courses with labs are required. The first covers primarily mechanics; the second covers electricity and magnetism. Phys 50 and 51 will satisfy these requirements; these courses are recommended for CS majors who take these physics courses at SJSU. At many community colleges the equivalent courses are called Phys 4A and 4B.

    For students using a set of requirements in effect before Fall 2014, either Phys 52 or CS/Phys 120A may be used for the additional science course requirement for the BSCS. CS/Phys 120A may be counted as a CS elective as well.
    
    Phys 50 will satisfy both GE Area B1 and GE Area B3 for BSCS students.
    
    slightly modified, August 2015

• I don't understand the BSCS science requirements.

  • Current Requirements

    For the requirements in effect for Fall 2014 or later, 14 units of science coursework must be taken from a specified list, including 5 units from a sublist of this list.  If you don't count any of these 5 units toward GE, then you may satisfy the remaining 9 units with GE Areas B1/B3, B2, and R.  A more detailed statement of the requirements is available on the BS in CS Science Requirements page.

    Earlier Requirements

    The BSCS requirements are for three courses: two physics courses, and an additional science course.  This course must either be listed in Note 5 of the blue sheet describing these BSCS requirements, or acceptable for some science or engineering major. Check in the CS department office to see the relevant blue sheet.

    CS/Phys 120A (Laboratory Electronics for Scientists I) may count as both the additional science course and as an elective in the BSCS program.  But be aware that neither CS 120A nor 120I counts towards the courses that must be chosen from a specified list

    The first of the required physics courses satisfies GE Areas B1 and B3.

    Other Requirements

    There is also a separate GE requirement (Area B2) for a life science course. Biol 1A, 1B, and 23 may be used as the additional science course, but only if they are not also be used for Area B2.

    It is not necessarily the case that each of the science courses is offered every semester.

    slightly modified, August 2015

• What is the difference between the calculus courses Math 30 and Math 30P?  What are Math 19, Math 19W, Math 30W, Math 31W, and Math 32W?

  • Math 30P is an alternate entry point into the traditional calculus sequence of Math 30, 31, and 32. In other words, either version of Calculus I, Math 30 or Math 30P, may be used as a prerequisite for Math 31, provided that you get a C- or better in the course that you take. Math 30P is 5 units and Math 30 is 3 units. This difference stems from the fact that Math 30P contains some precalculus material.

    Math 19 is a traditional precalculus course.  Math 19W, 30W, 31W, and 32W are workshop courses that have been developed to help increase student success in precalculus and calculus..

    modified, April 2020

• How do I know whether I have satisfied the language prerequisite for CS 46B (or 49J or 146 or 151)?

  • If you took CS 46A at SJSU, you have satisfied the language prerequisite for CS 46B.  If you took CS 46B at SJSU, you have satisfied the language prerequisite for both CS 146 and 151.  If you took CS 49J at SJSU, you have satisfied the language prerequisite for both CS 146 and CS 151.  If you took CS 46A at SJSU, you should not take CS 49J.

    If you haven't satisfied one of these language prerequisites by taking an SJSU course, you should have learned at your initial CS advising session whether you have satisfied these prerequisites.  If so, this information should be recorded on a course equivalency form [pdf] that you can show your instructor.  If not, then you should see the undergraduate coordinator.

    The instructor of the course whose prerequisite you are trying to satisfy may be able to assist you, or may refer you to an advisor.

    slightly modified, August 2015

• Does the department offer courses on current computing topics?  

  • Yes, the department offers CS 85C and CS 185C. 

    Most CS 85C and CS 185C courses will count as CS electives.  Normally only one BSCS elective may be satisfied in this way.  

    If you take CS 85C, you are still responsible for taking the right number of upper-division units in math and CS courses.

    modified, April 2020

Questions about courses in general

• Can I make substitutions for courses in the BSCS program?

  • In some cases, yes, with approval from an advisor (subject to approval by the department's undergraduate coordinator).

    For lower-division courses, many substitutions are accepted automatically based on articulation with SJSU courses, many have been approved in advance by the CS department, and many are approved after consultation with an advisor.

    See the question on SJSU Studies for information about substitutions for CS 100W and Phil 134.  See the question on Engineering courses regarding courses taken from the SJSU College of Engineering.  See the question on transferring upper-division courses for information on other upper-division courses.  See the question on credit by examination for the current policy on this issue.

    Graduate courses are never approved automatically for BSCS requirements, but they are allowed under certain circumstances.

    Substitutions based on extension courses or work experience are rarely approved.

    somewhat modified, June 2016

• Can I take a course without having taken the prerequisite courses?

  • This is really two questions:  (a) Can I take a course ..., and (b) Should I take a course ...

    In the vast majority of cases, the answer to (b) is "no". The department recognizes that there are rare cases in which a student is prepared for a course without having taken the official prerequisite courses. Thus the department allows instructors to admit such students at their discretion. These courses can be recognized in the catalog by a phrase like "or instructor consent" in the list of prerequisites. So the answer to (a) is technically "yes, if you get the consent of the instructor".

    modified, October 1995

• When and how can I drop classes?  When and how can I add classes?

  • University policy S09-7 [pdf] states that for a student to drop after the first two weeks, there must be serious and compelling reasons.  In the last 20% of the semester, exceptions are granted only if these serious and compelling reasons are beyond your control.

    The policy also establishes a limit on the number of course units that can be dropped between the drop deadline and the last 20% of the semester.  This limit is 18 units for undergraduate students, 12 units for postbaccalaureate students, and 9 units for graduate students. Units dropped based on the granting of an exception do not count toward these limits.

    More specific information about registration issues, including course adds and drops, is available through the Schedule of Classes (start by following the Policies and Procedures and Registration links).

    modified, June 2012

• Is there a way of retaking a course to improve my grade?  If so, how does it work?

  • SJSU has a provision for "grade forgiveness", allowing undergraduate students to retake an undergraduate course to improve their grade in the course. Constraints on the use of grade forgiveness can be found in the university catalog.

    A course may be repeated with grade forgiveness only once. As for any other repeated course (that is not designated as "repeatable for credit"), the original grade must have been less than a C. You need not petition for grade forgiveness -- it is automatic for students and courses that meet the conditions above.  You will need to petition not to use grade forgiveness for a given course if you are eligible to use it for the course, but don't want grade forgiveness. In particular, if you got a C- in a course but choose to re-enroll in it to improve your understanding, the university will assume that you are seeking grade forgiveness unless you petition otherwise.

    You cannot use grade forgiveness for a class and also preregister for the class, since you cannot preregister for a course that you have already taken.  By department policy, instructors of computer science classes must give priority for adds to students who are not repeating the course, except that graduating seniors have highest priority for adds regardless of whether they have taken the course before.  Among students wanting to repeat the course, CS instructors must not have a policy of giving lower priority to students using grade forgiveness.

    If you repeat a course and do not use grade forgiveness, both grades will be counted in your GPA (assuming that the earlier grade was C- or below).  

    You may use grade forgiveness even if you have been disqualified from the university (and are therefore not a registered SJSU student). In this case you will need to take the course through Open University[BROKEN LINK].

    Repeating a course more than once requires special approval from the registrar's office, as well as the signature of the course instructor and of the department chair (or associate dean).

    There is also an "academic renewal" policy for disregarding work of previous semesters. Petitions for academic renewal are available from the Undergraduate Studies Office.

    modified,  April 2020

• Can I use a graduate course to satisfy a BSCS requirement?

  • Current departmental policy is to allow this only if the student has at least a 3.0 GPA in upper division CS courses, and receives written approval of the instructor and from the undergraduate coordinator prior to taking the course.

    modified, September 2024

• I think I already know the material in a particular course.  Can I get credit by examination?

  • The department currently allows credit by examination only for CS 46A, and only by taking the Computer Science AP Exam, as required by the new university policy for credit by examination [pdf]. 

    modified, June 2016

• Can I use courses taken in the College of Engineering to satisfy BSCS requirements?

  • In many cases, yes, but only if you took the course while you were an engineering major.  For example, Engr 100W may be used to replace CS 100W if you took the former course while an engineering major. However note that when it comes to SJSU Studies, BSCS students may count Engr 100W toward Area Z only, and not toward Area R.

    A number of other courses, from several different Engineering departments, may be counted as equivalent to BSCS requirements or electives, by students who took these courses while Computer Engineering majors. A list of equivalent courses is available online. Note that this list is subject to change from semester to semester. If you took any of these courses while enrolled in another engineering major, they are likely to be approved, but you will need to consult the undergraduate coordinator to be sure.

    somewhat modified, June 2016

• Does the department offer credit for extension courses taken elsewhere?  For work experience?

  • Since extension courses vary so widely and offerings change so frequently, it is not possible for us to evaluate the vast number of extension and online courses being offered. Therefore, it is our policy not to accept extension courses as equivalent to SJSU courses, unless the course is accepted in a university's CS degree program.

    Similarly, we are not equipped to give academic credit for work experience, with the exception of CS 190I (Internship Project).

    modified, June 2014

Questions about certificates, programs, and resources

• Does the department offer any certificate programs?

  • The department now offers a Basic Certificate in Cyber Security Fundamentals.  All of the courses in the certificate program may count toward the B.S. in Computer Science.  There are several lower-division prerequisites for the courses in the program, so it will be difficult to complete except for majors in Computer Science or a related area.

    An Advanced Certificate in Cyber Security is also available. This is a three-course program, two of which are graduate courses.

    The certificate in Unix System Administration is no longer being offered.

    modified, October 2015

• What CS offerings are available in software engineering?

  • The Computer Science department now offers an undergraduate software project course (CS 161) along with the longstanding undergraduate course in software engineering (CS 160) and the graduate software project course (CS 240).

    Several years ago, the CS department joined with the department of Computer Engineering to create a B.S. degree in Software Engineering. The program is described in the university catalog. Other current information on the program is available at http://bsse.sjsu.edu/.

    A brief discussion of the differences between the computer science field and the software engineering field is given in the MSCS FAQ.

    According to the catalog descriptions of the CS and SE programs, the SE program has 17 more units beyond the level of support courses.  Most of this 17-unit difference consists of hybrid GE/SE courses and 3 units are in math courses.  The rest is explained by GE and physical education waivers granted to the SE program.  The CS program allows considerably more electives than the SE program.

    modified, April 2020

• Are there internship or co-op programs for BSCS students?

  • Yes. The CS department has an internship program, and BSCS students are eligible for the math department's Center for Applied Mathematics and Computer Science (CAMCOS). The SJSU Career Center also provides support for seeking and profiting from internship opportunities.

    The department's program offers students the opportunity to earn academic credit (in CS 190I -- Internship Project) for work done at corporate partners of the department. Students must interview with and be chosen by the corporate partner.  For more information, consult the CS 190I course instructor.

    In a CAMCOS project, sponsors from industry and elsewhere present problems to a team consisting of 4 to 8 students working under a faculty supervisor. Students receive 3 units of credit through enrollment in Math 203. Math 203 can in many cases be counted toward the BSCS degree; check with the undergraduate coordinator for information about particular projects.  Information about the CAMCOS projects available in particular semesters is publicized on the CAMCOS web site.

    Many students in the department have obtained jobs in industry on their own, and attend class part-time or at night. A check of this semester's schedule of classes (follow the direct link from the CS department web site) will show that the department makes an effort to schedule many courses, especially graduate and advanced undergraduate courses, in the evening or early in the morning.

    modified, April 2020

• What computing devices will I need as a Computer Science major?

  • You will need a device with internet connectivity so that you can access the university's wireless network.  The network is available in every classroom.  For account or password information about the network, check the SJSUOne web site.

    The department does have some equipment available for loan for emergencies (e.g., if your device breaks down).  The library also has some equipment available for loan.               

    Some software is available through the CS club, and through the university.

    somewhat modified, June 2016

• Are there jobs available through the CS department?

  • A very few jobs are available. Check with the department office or see the question on financial assistance in the FAQ for the MS program. Keep in mind that this discussion refers to aid available through the department, rather than through the university.  Also, teaching associate positions are unlikely to be offered to undergraduates.

    somewhat modified, August 2015

• Is there any software that is available at special rates to CS students?

  • The CS Club web site often has links to such software, and to other resources as well.

    slightly modified, April 2020

Questions about rules and requirements

• What is an advising hold? What is a probation hold?  Why do I have one? How can I get it removed?

  • An advising hold is a mechanism by which students are prevented from registering for classes until they have seen an advisor.  For every semester's registration, advising holds are now placed on all Computer Science majors, graduate and undergraduate students alike.  Probation holds are registration holds for students on academic probation.

    To remove either kind of hold, see the advisor given by the instructions at the CS department web site. It is important to remove advising holds before the end of each semester, since you cannot count on your advisor being on campus between semesters.

    To the meeting with your advisor to remove an advising hold, you should bring a signed course equivalency form if you have one, and a filled-out advising release form. Advising release forms may be obtained through the CS department office in MH 208, or from the department's web site.

    slightly modified, April 2015

• Haven't the BSCS requirements changed recently? Which requirements should I use? How can I find the most up-to-date statement of the requirements?

  • Changes in the science requirements went into effect for Fall 2014.  Other changes went into effect at that time, and also for Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Fall 2013, Fall 2009, Spring 2007, Fall 2006, and Spring 2006.  The other two questions will be answered after a brief summary of the changes.

    The changes

    The requirements over the years differ largely in

    1. the size of the program (120 units, effective Fall 2013),

    2. the minimum number of elective units (17 units, effective Fall 2015)

    3. the number of elective units that must be chosen from a specified list, and

    4. the number of elective units counted toward the BSCS that must be upper-division Math or CS courses, excluding CS 100W and CS 110L (37 units, effective Fall 2014)

    The change for Fall 2016 was to change the third unit count above from 4 to 5. This is unlikely to affect any student in the CS major at that time.

    The changes effective for Fall 2015 are to change the second unit count above from 16 to 17, and to reduce the number of units for CS 47 (Introduction to Computer Systems) from 4 to 3.

    The changes for Fall 2014 were to change the second and fourth unit count above to 16 (from 10) and to 37 (from 34). In addition, the science requirements were liberalized. The requirement for CS 49J and 49C was removed (most  students may now count one of them as an elective). To keep the program size at 120 units, students were assumed to take the sequence AMS 1A/1B.

    The changes for Fall 2013 were to reduce the four unit counts above from 121 to 120, from 12 to 10, from 6 to 4, and from 36 to 34 respectively.  Also, the number of units for CS 47 (Introduction to Computer Systems) was increased from 3 to 4.

    Changes not listed above include changes in prerequisites and introduction of new courses. For information on how these are treated, see the question on these topics.

    Deciding which requirements to use

    Within limits, you can determine which requirements to use.  You have "catalog rights" in your choice, meaning that you may continue to use a set of requirements even if the requirements change, again within limits.  The limits are that

    1. you can always use the newest requirements, and

    2. you can use any set of older requirements (from the last 10 years) as long as you have maintained continuous attendance between a time when they were in effect and the time when you graduate, and

    3. you cannot mix old and new requirements.

    The university is now maintaining the choice of catalog rights of each student, in part to make the Degree Audits on MySJSU more accurate.  

    The official definition of continuous attendance (sometimes called "continuous enrollment") is given in the university catalog. For most students, maintaining continuous attendance means being enrolled for one semester (or two quarters) in each CALENDAR year.

    The conditions determining whether students need to reapply for admission after an absence from SJSU are not the same as for continuous attendance. You may need to reapply even though you have maintained continuous attendance.

    Students using the Fall 2013 or Fall 2014 requirements may use the 3-unit version of CS 47.

    Students eligible to use either the Fall 2014 requirements or the Fall 2015 requirement should choose the Fall 2014 requirements, since the Fall 2014 requirements are strictly more liberal. 

    Statements of the requirements

    Since changes to degree requirements (as opposed to changes in course offerings and prerequisites) may change only for fall semesters, the university catalog will contain the most recent set of major requirements.  Some information on other changes may be available from MySJSU, from the department's web site (including these FAQs), and the bulletin boards outside the department office.

    Announcements regarding experimental courses or "topics courses" (e.g., CS 85C or CS 185C) cannot be made in the catalog. Check the department's bulletin boards and web site for information on these courses.

    Relying on friends for information on official department policies has gotten students into trouble in the past.  The safest thing to do is to check with your advisor.

    modified, April 2020

• May I count a newly created elective? Must I follow a newly imposed prerequisite?

  • The answer to the first question is yes, subject to any explicit restrictions placed on doing so. 

    In every case, the use of electives is subject to the distributional constraint on electives, and the constraint on upper-division units in Math and CS courses.

    New prerequisites, on the other hand, need to go into effect uniformly for all students, no matter when they entered the major. 

    modified, September 2024

• Who should I see if I am having trouble with department or university rules and regulations?  Who should I see for other types of assistance?

  • For assistance with Computer Science issues

    For most CS issues, you should start with the appropriate advisor, as given on the CS advising page.

    For more complicated CS issues, or if you have problems with your graduation, you may consult the undergraduate coordinator. The undergraduate coordinator has the authority to approve modifications to the major requirements in special cases, and to make rulings on curriculum-related matters in cases where the rules are unclear. If you have problems with your graduation, you should see the undergraduate coordinator.  On rare occasions you may need to consult the department chair or the graduate coordinator. Appointments may be made with the department chair through the CS department office in MH 208.

    For other assistance

    In some cases, it is possible to petition the university for waiver of university rules. In some cases it is not.  The web sites of the the office of the registrar[BROKEN LINK] and the Undergraduate Education Office provide petition forms for many of the most common cases.

    Many university facilities also stand ready to assist you, including the following:

    the College of Science Advising Center,

    Peer Connections (for tutoring),

    the SJSU Writing Center (for assistance with writing),

    the SJSU Advising Hub,

    Academic Advising & Retention Services,

    SJSU Counseling and Psychological Services (for counseling from professionals),

    the SJSU Career Center,

    the Division of Student Affairs

    somewhat modified, August 2015

Questions about graduation

• How do I apply for graduation?

  • To apply for graduation, you must follow the steps outlined on the Office of the Registrar website.

     

    modified, October 2024

• When do I apply for graduation?

  • This question is answered in the registrar's graduation Application Central page. The importance of priority registration and graduating senior status is discussed below, in the answer to What is a graduating senior?

    The registrar's graduation page is a good reference for other questions about graduation. 

    modified, January 2018

• What is a graduating senior?

  • By university policy [pdf], graduating seniors are to be given priority in registration for courses that they need to take in order to graduate on time. In particular, they are to be given priority over other students for adding courses. In recent semesters, the registrar's office has been providing special cards to graduating seniors that they may use to identify themselves to instructors.

    Graduating senior status is available to students in the semester before their final semester, if they turn in their graduation application early enough. So you should apply for graduation early to ensure that you can qualify for two semesters of priority registration as a graduating senior.

    If you miss a university deadline for filing for priority registration and getting a graduating senior card, you should still file as early as you can. You may be able to get the card as early as you had hoped, even though there's no guarantee. 

    modified, April 2020

• I'm trying to fill out my major form. What do I do on the form about courses I still need to take?

  • You should include these courses on the form.  List the semester you intend to take them.

    In the case of electives, you should make your best guess about which electives you will be taking, and when you will be taking them, and put these guesses on the form.

    If you end up taking different courses than the ones you indicated on the form, you need to fill out a course substitution form [pdf] reflecting the change.  

    If you end up taking a course in a different semester than you indicated on the form, you needn't do anything.

    slightly modified, January 2018

• I've already turned in my major (or minor) form, but I will not be taking one or more of the courses listed on the form. What do I need to do?

  • This is a fairly common occurrence. Of course you will need to replace the courses you won't be taking with other courses, and the new set of courses still has to satisfy some set of major or minor requirements that you are entitled to use. A simple form called the Major/Minor Course Substitution Form [pdf] is used to amend a major (or minor) form. You can download the form from the Office of the Registrar website.

    You need only list on the form (1) those courses which were listed on the major or minor form and will not be taken, and (2) the courses that will be taken instead. If any of these courses are offered by an institution other than SJSU, the name of that institution should be given along with the course prefix and number.  If you are replacing a course by a course at another institution that you have not yet taken, make sure that the SJSU Registrar's office gets a copy of the appropriate transcript(s).

    There is space on the Course Substitution Form for comments. You shouldn't write anything in this space. It's the responsibility of the undergraduate coordinator to determine how and whether you will be satisfying the major or minor requirements after the substitution, and to document for the Registrar's office any special circumstances.

    The Course Substitution form is appropriate only for changing courses. If you end up taking a course in a different semester than you indicated on the form, you needn't do anything. If you want to change your date of graduation, there is a separate form to do that.

    slightly modified, April 2020

• What are the requirements for graduation with honors?

  • The requirements for graduation with honors are described in the CS department's section of the university catalog. These are departmental honors, as distinct from university honors at graduation.

    The Humanities Honors Program in General Education is not related to graduation with honors.

    slightly modified, June 2012

• Is it difficult for CS majors to get a minor in another field? 

  • With one exception, minors for CS majors require considerable extra coursework, since the BS program in CS has little or no room for free electives. This exception is the mathematics minor. The math minor requires 18 units, including Calculus 1, Calculus 2, and 9 upper-division units in mathematics courses.

    CS majors automatically satisfy the Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 requirement, and have 9 qualifying lower-division units (from calculus and discrete math). Qualifying upper-division courses are Math 129A, Math 161A, and any of several math courses listed as BSCS electives in the BSCS requirements (including the crosslisted courses 143C and 143M in numerical analysis and scientific computing). Any of these may count toward the BSCS.

    The university regulation that minors require 12 units distinct from the major is also satisfied, if you take Math 129A (as opposed to a lower-division linear algebra course).  This is because courses in support of the major (like Math 30, 31, 42, and 129A) do not count as major requirements for the purpose of determining 12 distinct units).

    So it's possible to get a math minor without taking any extra courses at all, if you choose your major courses carefully. In any case, the cost of a math minor is a small number of additional courses.

    Do be aware, when deciding which electives to take, that there is a constraint on electives used for the BSCS. None of the math courses that count as BSCS electives appear in this list.

    Also be aware that adding and changing minors are no longer automatically allowed.

    modified, April 2020