FAQs BS CMPE and BS SE Change of Major Policy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the required GPA to change my major to CMPE or SE?
A. The Computer Engineering Department Change of Major Policy does not specify a minimum
GPA for the change of major. The Department admits students until it meets capacity.
All students must be in good academic standing (SJSU GPA of 2.0 or higher). The students
with the highest GPA are given preference.
Q. Which courses are required for change of major?
A. Applicants to either the BSCMPE or BSSE must complete a set of required courses with a C or better by the end of the semester the application is submitted:
BSCMPE Required Courses
- For students with fewer than 60 units earned: CMPE 30, MATH 30, MATH 31, PHYS 50
- Students may complete optional courses (0.2 Major GPA bump per completed course): MATH 42, MATH 32, PHYS 51
- For students with 60 or more units earned, but less than 90: CMPE 30, MATH 30, MATH 31, MATH 42, PHYS 50, PHYS 51
- Students may complete optional courses (0.2 Major GPA bump per completed course): ENGR 10, MATH 32
BSSE Required Courses
- For students with fewer than 60 units earned: CS46A, CS46B, MATH 30, MATH 42
- Students may complete optional courses (0.2 Major GPA bump per completed optional course): MATH 31, MATH 32, PHYS 50
- For students with 60 or more units earned, but less than 90: CS46A, CS46B, MATH 30, MATH 31, MATH 42, PHYS 50
- Students may complete optional courses(0.2 Major GPA bump per completed optional course): ENGR 10, MATH 32, PHYS 51
Q. I have just being admitted as a freshman or as a transfer student to SJSU but in
a different major (including undeclared). Can I request a change of major to SE (or
CMPE) right away?
A. No, you need to take courses at SJSU that are part of the major for at least one
semester.
Q. I am a current SJSU student and I want to change my major to SE (or CMPE) which
classes should I take?
A. You need first to complete the required courses listed above. Then in order to
improve your chances to get to the major, you should take STEM classes required in
the major. But you need to remember that getting to the major is not guaranteed even
if you meet the requirements. So you need to explore other majors as well.
Q. Does the department assist students in enrolling in the classes needed for change
of major?
A. Unfortunately, no. The department has no control over how other departments manage
enrollments in their classes. The only required CMPE course is CMPE 30 which is open
to non-major students.
Q. Q. Do I need a study plan to change my major to SE (or CMPE)?
A. No. The department is no longer using study plan for change of major.
Q. One or more of the required classes is full at SJSU, can I take the required classes
at a community college?
A. Yes, as long as they are articulated with SJSU and the grades will be posted at
MySJSU at the time of the review.
Q. When can I apply for change of major and which documents are needed?
A. The department starts reviewing applications twice a year: Applications will be
accepted twice per year, with deadlines of December 15th for Spring semester (notification
by approximately January 1st) and May 15th for Fall semester (notification by approximately
June 1st).
To receive a link to the applications for Change of Major, please contact the Engineering Student Success Center at success-engineering@sjsu.edu and provide your student ID.
Q. I am an international student admitted to a different major, how can I change my
major to SE (or CMPE)?
A. You still need to take courses at SJSU as described above. We follow the same procedure
for all students.
For additional information about changing majors please contact the Engineering Student Success Center at success-engineering@sjsu.edu and provide your student ID.
