Changing Majors

Colleges and Universities A-Z San Jose State University
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I was recently admitted into SJSU for Biological Sciences/Molecular Bio, and was looking to change my major to either Software/Computer Engineering or Computer Science. Does anybody know how likely it would be for me to get into those programs?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

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Change of Major

Due to impaction constraints, every prospective lower division student is required to submit a Change of Major application for departmental review. Admittance cannot be guaranteed and will depend on the applicant’s overall academic progress and performance in key Engineering or CS courses.

To change your major, you must meet the major impaction criteria, apply and be accepted into the department the major resides so for Computer Engineering (College of Engineering) and for Computer Science (College of Science).

  • Due to impaction, admittance is not guaranteed and will depend on the capacity of the major. Strive for the highest GPA possible in the prerequisite courses necessary to apply for the major. (Impaction | Admissions).

  • During orientation, an advisor will work with you to plan your first semester. You may discuss changing your major into the College of Engineering or switching your major to a different department. Advising helps you clarify your decision.

Computer Science

Applicants who completed five course requirements were admitted above a 3.90 GPA.
Applicants who completed four course requirements were admitted above a 4.10 GPA.**
Applicants who completed three course requirements were admitted above a 4.30 GPA.**
This major did not have the enrollment capacity to admit applicants with fewer than three course requirements completed.

**Applicants could achieve a GPA higher than 4.0 if they are a local applicant

Software Engineering

Applicants who completed seven course requirements were admitted above a 3.40 GPA.
Applicants who completed six course requirements were admitted above a 3.60 GPA.
Applicants who completed five course requirements were admitted above a 3.80 GPA.
Applicants who completed four course requirements were admitted above a 4.0 GPA.
Applicants who completed three course requirements were admitted above a 4.20 GPA.**

Computer Engineering

Applicants who completed seven course requirements were admitted above a 2.40 GPA.
Applicants who completed six course requirements were admitted above a 2.60 GPA.
Applicants who completed five course requirements were admitted above a 2.80 GPA.
Applicants who completed four course requirements were admitted above a 3.00 GPA.
Applicants who completed three course requirements were admitted above a 3.20 GPA.
Applicants who completed two course requirements were admitted above a 3.40 GPA.
Applicants who completed one course requirement were admitted above a 3.60 GPA.
Applicants who did not complete any of the course requirements were admitted above a 3.80 GPA.

I would definitely work with the academic advisor but Computer Engineering or Software Engineering look like they are more viable options vs. Computer Science.

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D has enrolled for Comp Eng at SJSU. When we went for Admitted Students Day, someone else asked this question when they had the Engineering orientation. Here is a jist of what I gathered from their response:

  • Once you have been admitted, you have to have a SJSU GPA on record to be able to request change of major. (So if you are already admitted, you cannot get the major changed unless you complete at least one semester at SJSU with your admitted major)
  • When you request a major, the department you want to get into (new major) sets the expectations of what prerequesites/core courses need to be completed for you to be able to declare the new major(so some of what you have completed in your admitted major may not count towards your new major and this can sometimes set you back in your time to graduate)

So they certainly don’t make it easy and even more so given how impacted everything is. But it isn’t impossible either.

Good luck!

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