Summary of Degrees/Requirements

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 Arts12
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 Sciences12
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 Courses19-23
Some programs specify required courses and/or electives appropriate for the chosen major.
MAJOR/MINOR REQUIREMENTS/ELECTIVES: 60-67
Total Minimum120-129

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.