Summary of Degrees
Jacksonville State University is a regional, comprehensive institution, located in northeast Alabama, offering the following undergraduate degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
- Bachelor of Public Health (B.P.H.)
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
- Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)
- Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (B.S.R.T.)
- Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.)
The University also offers basic engineering and pre-professional training for medicine, law, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy.
Students may pursue a second major within the same degree. Students seeking an additional bachelor's degree should consult the Academic Regulations section.
The university also offers graduate study leading to the following degrees:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
- Doctor of Science (D.Sc.)
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Master of Athletic Training (M.A.T.)
- Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
- Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
- Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
- Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Master of Science in Education (M.S.E.)
- Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)
- Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Detailed information concerning these degrees may be found in the Graduate Catalog published separately.
General Studies Requirements
A foundation in the liberal arts is the basis for every university degree. This coursework prepares the student for success in all aspects of life.
Undergraduate degrees consist of three groups: general studies courses, courses in student's chosen major(s) and/or minor(s) and elective courses for additional academic exploration. The following summary of general studies requirements included in all undergraduate degrees, represent minimum requirements. Specific degree programs and majors may have additional requirements.
General Studies Curriculum (60-64 Semester Hours)
Course | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Area I-Written Composition | 6 | |
Select one by placement: | ||
English Composition I | ||
Honors English Composition I | ||
Enhanced English Composition I and Writing Studio I | ||
Select one: | ||
English Composition II | ||
Honors English Composition II | ||
Enhanced English Composition II and Writing Studio II | ||
Area II-Humanities and Fine Arts | 12 | |
Some programs specify which courses are required. Students must complete a minimum of three semester hours in the fine arts and a minimum of three semester hours in literature. Students must complete a six-semester hour sequence in either literature or history. | ||
Fine Arts | ||
Survey of Art I | ||
Survey of Art II (WI) | ||
Creative Thinking | ||
Art Appreciation | ||
Honors Art Appreciation | ||
Introduction to Creative Writing | ||
Introduction to Film | ||
Introduction to Music | ||
Honors Introduction to Music | ||
Advanced Intro to Music (WI) | ||
Introduction to the Theatre (Formerly DR 242) | ||
Honors Introduction to the Theatre (Formerly DR 252) | ||
Humanities | ||
Speech | ||
American Literature I: Beginnings to 1865 | ||
American Literature II: 1865 to Present | ||
British Literature I: Beginnings to 1800 | ||
British Literature II: 1800 to Present | ||
Literature for Life I: Beginnings to 20th Century | ||
Literature for Life II: 20th Century to Present | ||
Honors Literature I | ||
Honors Literature II | ||
World Literature I: Beginnings to 1660 | ||
World Literature II: 1660 to Present | ||
Beginner's French I | ||
Beginner's French II | ||
Intermediate French I | ||
Intermediate French II | ||
Beginner's Spanish I | ||
Beginner's Spanish II | ||
Intermediate Spanish I | ||
Intermediate Spanish II | ||
Area III-Natural Sciences and Mathematics | 11 | |
Some programs specify which courses are required. Students must complete at least three semester hours in mathematics as required by major and at least eight semester hours in the natural sciences, which must include two laboratory experiences. | ||
Natural Sciences | ||
Biology Lecture | ||
Introductory Biology I | ||
Introductory Biology II | ||
Honors Introductory Biology I | ||
Honors Introductory Biology II | ||
Essentials of Biology | ||
Biology of Disease | ||
Environmental Biology | ||
Biology Laboratories | ||
Introductory Biology Lab I | ||
Introductory Biology Lab II | ||
Honors Introductory Biology Lab I | ||
Honors Intro Biology Lab II | ||
Chemistry | ||
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Laboratory I | ||
General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Laboratory II | ||
Concepts of General Chemistry I | ||
Concepts of General Chemistry II | ||
Geology | ||
Physical Geology and Physical Geology Lab | ||
Historical Geology and Historical Geology Lab | ||
Geography | ||
Physical Geography I: Atmospheric Patterns and Processes and Physical Geography Lab I | ||
Physical Geography II: Landscape Patterns and Processes and Physical Geography Lab II | ||
Physics | ||
College Physics I and College Physics Laboratory Techniques I | ||
College Physics II and College Physics Laboratory Techniques II | ||
Physics for Scientists and Engineers I w/Lab (Formerly PHS 211 & PHS 213) | ||
Physics for Scientists and Engineers II w/Lab (Formerly PHS 212 & PHS 214) | ||
Mathematics | ||
Finite Mathematics | ||
Precalculus Algebra | ||
Precalculus Trigonometry | ||
Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry | ||
Calculus and Its Applications | ||
Calculus I | ||
Calculus II | ||
Basic Statistics | ||
Calculus III | ||
Area IV-History, Social, and Behavioral Sciences | 12 | |
Some programs specify which courses are required. Students must complete a minimum of three semester hours in history (HY courses). Students must complete a six-hour sequence either in literature or history. | ||
Introduction to Anthropology | ||
Principles of Microeconomics | ||
Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
Honors Principles of Microeconomics | ||
Honors Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
World Regional Geography | ||
Human Geography | ||
Western Civilization I | ||
Western Civilization II | ||
Honors Western Civilization I | ||
Honors Western Civilization II | ||
World History I | ||
World History II | ||
American History I | ||
American History II | ||
Honors American History I | ||
Honors American History II | ||
Survey of Latin America to 1810 | ||
Survey of Latin America since 1810 | ||
Introduction to American Government | ||
Introduction to Political Science | ||
Introduction to State and Local Government | ||
Honors Introduction to American Government | ||
Principles of Psychology | ||
Honors Principles of Psychology | ||
Human Development | ||
Introduction to Sociology | ||
Honors Introduction to Sociology | ||
Social Problems | ||
Area V-Pre-Professional, Major and Elective Courses | 19-23 | |
Some programs specify required courses and/or electives appropriate for the chosen major. | ||
MAJOR/MINOR REQUIREMENTS/ELECTIVES: | 60-67 | |
Total Minimum | 120-129 |
Bachelor of Arts
The requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) are listed under the departments offering this degree. Majors for the B.A. degrees include:
- Art
- Biology
- Communication
- Economics
- English
- Film
- Foreign Languages
- History
- Integrated Studies
- Music
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Theatre
Minors may be selected from any fields in which minors are offered. Students may only select a second (double) major from subjects permitted in this degree.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
The requirements for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) are listed under the Department of Art and Design.
Bachelor of Public Health
The requirements for the Bachelor of Public Health (B.P.H.) are listed in the section entitled Department of Kinesiology.
Bachelor of Science
The requirements for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree are listed under the departments offering this degree. Majors for the B.S. include:
- Accounting
- Applied Manufacturing Engineering
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Information Systems
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Business Economics
- Emergency Management
- Exercise Science and Wellness
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Finance
- Forensic Investigation
- Geography
- Industrial Leadership
- Management
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Occupational Safety and Health Management
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Sport Management and Recreation Studies
Students may only select a second (double) major from subjects permitted in this degree.
Bachelor of Science in Education
The requirements for various degrees in education vary considerably. See the section entitled College of Education and Professional Studies for the requirements of degrees in early childhood education, elementary education, family and consumer science education, secondary education, and collaborative/special education. Information regarding teaching fields may be found under the respective department or college. The requirements for a degree in physical education may be found in the College of Health Professions and Wellness. The requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education may be found in the College of Arts and Humanities.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) are listed in the section entitled School of Nursing. Programs of study are listed for both general students and licensed registered nurses seeking degree completion.
Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy
The requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (B.S.R.T.) are listed in the section entitled Department of Respiratory Therapy. Programs of study are listed for both general students and practicing respiratory therapists seeking degree completion.
Bachelor of Social Work
The requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree are listed under the Department of Social Work. Specific general studies requirements and social work requirements are detailed there. Double majors are not allowed in the B.S.W. degree.
Pre-Engineering
Students entering pre-engineering will consult their engineering advisor and the program outlined under the Department of Applied Engineering.
Pre-Health Professions
Jacksonville State University provides the necessary academic experience for students who plan to seek admission to a health professional school in medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, physician assistant, etc. In most instances, students are expected to have completed a four-year program of study leading to a baccalaureate degree. While a specific major is not required for the health professions, most students who successfully matriculate in a health professional school, including medical school, have elected a major in biology or chemistry.
Admission to a health professional school will require successful performance on the appropriate entrance examination (the MCAT, DAT, VAT, OAT, etc.), a high GPA in a rigorous program of study, and a successful personal interview. These achievements are usually preceded by a serious dedication to academic studies and a high degree of competitiveness achieved through activities that demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, such as undergraduate research. Admission requirements to specific schools and programs vary; therefore, students considering health profession careers must seek advice from one of the pre-health professional advisors very early in the course of study.
Pre-Law Information
There is no single prescribed course of study which pre-law students must follow in order to gain admission to law school. Law schools prefer applicants from a variety of backgrounds, so there is no designated pre-law major, minor, or concentration. However, we do suggest courses which allow students the opportunity to develop their verbal and writing skills and which foster critical and analytical thinking. Students should take challenging courses in various disciplines in order to better prepare for law school.
In addition to having an undergraduate degree, pre-law students are required to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) prior to entering an ABA accredited law school. This should be done late in the student’s junior year or early in the student’s senior year. Information regarding the law school admission process may be obtained from the Law School Admission Council at www.LSAC.org. Additional information regarding pre-law may be obtained from the Senior Director of Undergraduate Studies and Special Programs, located in 107 Martin Hall. A detailed web page is maintained by the Office of Undergraduate Studies and Special Programs that includes information related to frequently asked questions, available resources, suggested time line for preparing for and applying to law school, and employment options. The Office of Undergraduate Studies and Special Programs also administers a free, practice LSAT at least twice a semester for students from all majors. Visit the web page at http://www.jsu.edu/prelaw for the most current information related to the law school application and admission process or call (256) 782-8335.