Jackson State University requires all students pursing baccalaurate degrees to complete between 120 and 128 semester hours, depending upon the specific major. Students in the College of Business must earn 121 semester hours. The university permits a maximum of 93 hours to be transferred from another four-year institution. However, a student must complete the final 30 hours "in residence," or at the campus.
Undergraduates must complete 120 hours of community service. The university offers service-learning courses for students to meet this requirement. As part of the course work, the student performs 30 hours of service at an agency or organization assigned or suggested by the professor based upon the subject. Freshmen must complete a "University Success Course," which the university uses as a service-learning course to emphasize citizenship, service and leadership. Service-learning courses are offered throughout various academic disciplines. The "Computer and Society" course explores moral and legal issues involving computers and the impact of computers on society. The university advises students to complete 30 hours of service each year.
Undergraduates must complete a general education curriculum, which covers a broad scope of subjects and disciplines. The courses include English composition, world literature, science, math, computer literacy, philosophy, social sciences, world history, health education, physical education activity, writing, speech and university success.
Students must achieve a 2.0 grade-point average, or a "C" grade, in all undergraduate courses taken at the university and in their majors. The College of Business requires a "C" average for courses taken in the college.
Students must complete an online "Application for Degree." The student must verify or correct the name, address, telephone number, electronic mail and degree information.
Jackson State University requires undergraduates to pass the English Proficiency Exam. The test measures basic writing skills. Students must, within one hour, write an essay from a chosen topic. Possible scores range from 1 (lowest) to 6 (highest), with a minimum of 4 required to pass. The university requires students to take the exam upon completing sophomore English requirements.