Bachelor of Arts, Major in Humanities with Concentration in American Studies

at San Jose State University USA

The Bay Area needs well-trained technical writers and editors. The high-tech companies of Silicon Valley require people who are able to write quality manuals, reports, and web updates; write clear business reports and promotional materials; communicate effectively both with consumers and within the company; and understand each step of the publication process.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that demand for technical writers will continue to increase for the foreseeable future, especially in regions of the country like ours. Download more information about the demand for technical writers. [pdf]

So what is Professional and Technical Writing (PTW)? Simply put, PTW is writing done in a workplace environment designed to persuade, inform, or instruct. While “professional” generally applies to business writing and “technical” generally applies to writing about technical topics, most professional writers would find the distinction superficial because they are frequently required to do both.

The Literature program offers students a solid grounding in literary genres, periods, and critical approaches to British, American, and World Literatures. Students are exposed to a wide range of canonical and non-canonical texts, and they learn to read closely and critically, and to write clearly and effectively. During their time at San Jose State, students will have an opportunity to develop and carry out research projects, and they will learn to locate, evaluate, and organize information effectively. Graduates of our program excel in close reading, critical thinking, and clear writing—all of which are crucial, marketable skills in today’s job markets.

Over the past 30 years, our nationally recognized program has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the most comprehensive photography programs in the West. Located within the School of Art & Design, the Photography Program at San José State University is the largest in the California State University system and one of the largest in the Western United States. Our curriculum engages students in a diverse range of contemporary practices in the medium, from traditional silver-based photography and historic alternative photo processes, to innovative approaches to digital and video imaging.

In addition to our emphasis in photography as a fine art, our program also includes a strong commercial photography component, a feature that makes our undergraduate program unique. Covering a full spectrum of technical, aesthetic, conceptual, and theoretical issues, one of our primary objectives is to enhance the student's ability to conceptualize an idea and gain the ability to visually articulate concepts.

Throughout its 150-year history, photography has served as a powerful means of self-expression, a catalyst for cultural change and a medium for social commentary. We encourage students to produce thoughtful artwork that deals with meaningful issues. We also recognize the increasing interdisciplinary nature of photography, and encourage interested students to explore related media including installation, film and video, and electronic media.

The MS in Computer Engineering program provides students with an educational experience that combines electrical engineering and computer science with the best of academia, the high-tech industry, and the Silicon Valley. The high-tech industry increasingly requires engineers to be equipped with both hardware and software development knowledge and skills. The program provides in-class theory with hands-on hardware design and software development exercises to give students the skills necessary to create contemporary microelectronic  products that are typically embedded computing systems containing both hardware and software. Graduates with an MS in Computer Engineering can expect to find significant opportunities in digital and computer hardware design and verification, system-level software development, and prototyping and testing as well as technical support and marketing.

• Founding member of the national Cybersecurity Research Center (TRUST) and of the NISA Center
• World finalist team in the Microsoft Embedded Systems Challenge
• Supported by Intel, Cadence, Xilinx, Cisco, Oracle, Sun, BEA, IBM, Microsoft, and more

Program Learning Outcomes

• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of advanced knowledge of the practice of computer engineering, from vision to analysis, design, validation, and deployment.
• Be able to tackle complex engineering problems and tasks using contemporary engineering principles, methodologies and tools.
• Be able to demonstrate leadership and the ability to participate in teamwork in an environment with different disciplines of engineering, science, and business.
• Be aware of ethical, economic, and environmental implications of their work, as appropriate.
• Be able to advance successfully in the engineering profession and sustain a process of life-long learning in engineering or other professional areas.
• Be able to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms.

The undergraduate degree, offered by the Department of Psychology, assures a broad coverage of the major areas of content and methods in psychology identified by the American Psychological Association as the backbone of a strong degree program. The goal of the breadth part of the degree requirements is to provide a strong background in general psychology. In addition, sufficient flexibility is offered through choices in fulfilling these requirements and through the electives so that students, in consultation with their advisors, can design a program of study which focuses on each student’s particular area of interest.

This program prepares students for intellectually and aesthetically challenging careers in Graphic Design by providing courses that emphasize theory and professional practice. The curriculum concentrates on the organization and visual communication of information and includes typography, form and image, information architecture, user interface, interactive design, and motion graphics. Additionally, students have the opportunity to attend special classes and workshops led by studio professionals and faculty members.

To be admitted to the program, students must pass two portfolio reviews. To advance to the BFA GD program, students must pass two Junior and two Senior Reviews.

The graduate concentration in exercise physiology will help prepare students to meet societal challenges for health and wellness. This area of study provides an advanced theoretical and research background in exercise physiology, as well as hands-on experience gained through a required internship. There are 3 areas of focus in the exercise physiology graduate program.

• General Exercise Physiology
• Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Strength & Conditioning

The Professional Science Master of Biotechnology Program (MBT) is a formal 2-year degree program that integrates advanced, hands-on training in laboratory-based biotechnologies with MBA-level business courses from the College of Business. Through elective choices, students supplement the core program with additional hands-on science or MBA courses to support their career goals. MBT program graduates are highly trained individuals who have had direct exposure to the biotechnology corporate world and are ready to make immediate contributions to biotechnology companies. Graduates have been hired for research, product development, marketing, regulatory affairs, clinical affairs, project management, quality control, and other types of positions.

Established over thirty years ago, the main objective of the Industrial Design Program is twofold: first, for students to understand the evolving needs of humanity; and second, for students to address those needs by giving form to solutions. Graduates will emerge from the program prepared to design sustainable solutions to world problems. They will be trained in designing for and from all perspectives and to take into account the diversity of human existence. In our program, students will get to put their concepts into practice from the convenience of our Seid Lab, funded by an alumni and holding the most cutting edge fabrication equipment, available strictly to Industrial Design students.

Our distinguished faculty recognizes that, to become impactful industrial designers, students must have a firm comprehension of all things related to the human experience. As such, the program takes full advantage of the university setting by collaborating with SJSU’s Anthropology, Business, and Engineering programs. Additionally, because of our ideal location at the center of Silicon Valley, guest speakers from local tech companies and design studios are often invited to give talks, as well as critique student work.

Industrial design is not just the design of objects that facilitate everyday living; it’s also the design around experiences and services. With the world in constant flux, we aspire to equip future industrial designers with essential tools—a balance of theory, skill, and practice—necessary to become global citizens and effect change throughout the world.

Professional degree programs lead to careers in performance, composition, jazz studies, and music education including a fifth year credential program. We highlight core courses in our curriculum that include experience in performance, music systems (theory), technology and improvisation. Beyond the core courses, individual contracts or concentrations within the BA and BM degree address professional opportunities that include:

• Credentialed school instruction
• Private school instruction
• Vocalists or instrumentalists for the concert stage, opera, musical theater, jazz
• Composers and/or arrangers for film, television, multimedia
• Sound engineering and music technology
• Conductors in all performance areas
• Arts and education administration
• Writer/scholar in Music or Dance

This is a flexible program of general studies with minimum performance requirements that allows students to combine studies in music with other fields of interest. An entrance audition is required. All students must complete the core classes and then consult the Music Advisor to design a Capstone that includes elective coursework from at least three different areas. BA students wishing to participate in private lessons must also be enrolled in an ensemble.