Physical Education (PE) Requirement

Please consult with an advisor before submitting the petition. 

Purpose: Allow undergraduate students who matriculate at SJSU (admitted and enrolled) and need to complete one or two units/activity courses to meet the Physical Education (PE) Requirements per University Policy S14-11 [pdf]. By substituting of one or both units with an activity course not currently articulated to PE. Ask to be exemption/waiver from one or two activity units based on documented extenuating circumstances that interfere with the completion of the PE requirement. Or challenge of one or both units by demonstrating a range of competencies. Please consult with Dr. Seung Ho Chang (seungho.chang@sjsu.edu), Physical Activity Program Coordinator in the Department of Kinesiology, for the challenge procedure.

Required Attachments:

1) Personal statement: You must provide a detailed explanation for the reason you are submitting this request.

2) Supporting documentation:

  1. catalog description from the year when the course was taken and course syllabus (international courses, documents must be in English)
  2. Healthcare Provider Verification of Medical Condition [pdf] for any medical reasons, must have dates of when the restrictions will start and/or end.
  3. Other documentation related to request.

3) Transcripts from the institution where the course work was taken (unofficial OK). Official transcript showing the course must have been submitted at the time of admission, or before submitting this petition if taken concurrently with SJSU coursework.

Form: Fill out the Physical Education Requirement Form [DocuSign]

Note to the student

Petition will be DENIED if support documentation and/or personal statement are missing.

Online physical education (PE) options are now available at SJSU and many community colleges. PE requests based on the need to avoid in-person classes will be denied.

Requirement can be fulfilled by...

a. Taking two units of physical education activity courses.

b. Taking two physical education activity courses (of less than one unit).

c. Taking one single activity course of 2-or-more units.

d. Participating in Intercollegiate Athletics (one unit per sport).

e. Taking the Adapted Physical Activities (KIN 1), designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities (repeatable for credit with instructor consent).

f. Completed an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) that waives the PE.

g. Completed at least one year of active duty in the armed services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard or Space Force). Please consult with the Veterans Resource Center (VRC)

h. Some majors waive physical education requirement with completion of degree, see Exceptions for University Graduation Requirements.