What are Academic Programs (AP)?

Academic Programs offered through Special Session, give working people a chance to earn graduate and other degrees from San José State University while they work. Graduate degrees in business, engineering, library sciences, biotechnology and healthcare are available to qualified students in parallel with standard SJSU degrees. Courses are taught by SJSU faculty and are offered during evenings, in condensed formats, off campus, and online for the convenience of our students. Finally, rather than paying tuition, AP students pay per unit so costs are based on courses taken rather than lump sums for limited time periods.

Why Choose Academic Programs?

The advantage of AP is that students enrolled in a degree program can earn credit towards a graduate degree without interrupting their career and without paying standard tuition. Students in AP earn the same degree as on-campus students, but take courses in more innovative ways. There are courses online, off campus and delivered in weeks rather than semesters. Instead of halting a career to get a degree, professionals can work while earning an advanced degree and advance their career.

Who Can Enroll in Academic Programs?

AP is designed for working professionals who have earned bachelor's degrees in their career subject, but others are welcome to take courses and to earn graduate degrees. Although commonly AP students are professionals working toward degrees to further their career, the program is also open to stay-at-home parents, workers on leave from their jobs because of disability or other reasons and students who seek courses for personal enrichment.