Academics
Jackson State University is all about elevating its students, helping them to excel in education, community service, and technology. JSU students can choose from more than 45 undergraduate degrees, 35 master’s programs, 13 doctoral areas of study, and a specialized education program, and the school is one of the only universities in Mississippi and the surrounding states to offer a comprehensive Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology. The school’s development of tomorrow’s leaders and pioneers extends beyond the undergraduate curriculum to include a renowned doctoral program. JSU has also earned the esteemed classification of a “high research activity” university by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, which means it has awarded at least 20 research/scholarship doctoral degrees in a given year with at least $5 million in research and development expenditures.
Career
The Alice Varnado Harden Center for Service and Community Engaged Learning is a fundamental part of the Jackson State University experience, one that cultivates and sustains stronger communities through civic engagement. By linking student learning to civic responsibility, the Harden Center develops engaged citizens ready to act on social issues that are important to them. Prospective leaders are encouraged to be active in a thriving student government. There are also plenty of recreational offerings: more than 60 organizations for JSU students to explore. And for those active in their faith, the school remains in touch with its spiritual roots through groups like the Baptist Student Union, a chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the JSU MassChoir. The Greek community is also strong at JSU, with active chapters from all the Divine Nine of the Panhellenic Council.
Culture
Jackson State University alumni can be found in fields ranging from education and social work to business, technology, and research. Notable alumni include De Anna Ward, the first woman and Black vice president of Media & Communications for the Tampa Bay Rays; Donald Comer, Vice President of Operations Analysis for FedEx; Rod Paige, the former United States Secretary of Education under President George W. Bush; and NFL Hall-of-Fame running back Walter Payton. JSU meteorology grads regularly go on to careers in television and emergency relief services. According to Payscale.com, Jackson State graduates earn an average base annual salary of $62,000.
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