Non-Degree Seeking Students
For adult learners age 21+ who want to take JSU courses without pursuing a degree program. Requirements: high school diploma (or equivalent) and completion of the Non-Degree Seeking Student Consent Form. Six-step streamlined enrollment process.
Continue your learning — on your own terms
Jackson State University® is an environment that inspires you to grow, learn, and reach beyond the ordinary. This is a “home away from home” where every student can find their place.
Our team in Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment is committed to assisting prospective students and their families through the acceptance and enrollment process by providing essential information to help students successfully transition into the university. This webpage will provide you with the necessary information to guide your educational goals.
Test-Optional Policy Notice
The published policy statement reads: “Jackson State University is test optional for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years.” Note for non-degree seeking students: ACT/SAT scores are not listed among Non-Degree Seeking Student requirements (source shows only age, HS diploma, and consent form). Please contact Undergraduate Admissions to confirm current test requirements for non-degree seeking students.
Three key requirements
Non-degree seeking students must meet three requirements and comply with specific credit-hour limits.
21+
Not less than 21 years of age
HS Diploma
High school diploma or equivalent
12 Hours
Maximum 12.0 semester hours per semester
Who is a Non-Degree Seeking Student?
A special non-degree student is one who is not pursuing a degree program. Admission may be granted provided the student is not less than 21 years of age and has a high school diploma or its equivalent.
The special non-degree student is subject to all University regulations governing registration, attendance, and academic standing. Credit earned in non-degree status is recorded on the student’s permanent academic record.
⚠ Credit-Hour Limits
12.0
Semester Hours
Maximum per regular semester
6.0
Semester Hours
Maximum per summer term
Transition to degree-seeking status
Non-degree students can transition to degree-seeking status by meeting specific academic and application requirements.
Non-Degree → Degree-Seeking
Non-Degree Seeking
Taking classes at JSU with 12/6 semester-hour limits without pursuing a degree.
Degree-Seeking
Admitted to a degree program with up to 18 credit hours applied toward a baccalaureate degree.
Requirement: Satisfactorily complete twelve (12) hours with a “C” or better average in the general education core.
Credit Cap: Once admitted to a degree program, a maximum of eighteen (18) semester hours credit earned as a non-degree seeking student may be applied toward a baccalaureate degree, if approved by the dean of the college or school from which the degree is sought.
Application Required: Students seeking admission to a degree program must submit a formal application indicating the desired major. Credits may be applied when the student satisfactorily meets entrance requirements established by the University and approved by the Dean of the School in which the student wishes to major.
Warning: The student is subject to dismissal if the minimum grade point average is not earned while in this status.
Six streamlined steps
Non-degree seeking students follow a streamlined six-step process — fewer steps than degree-seeking applicants because non-degree students typically don’t need FAFSA, scholarships, housing, or Welcome Week.
Visit Our Campus
Are you ready to visit our beautiful Jackson, MS campus? Join us for a tour and explore life at Jackson State. Your visit will consist of a brief orientation session and a 1½ hour walking tour. Tours are conducted by recruitment office staff and student ambassadors. You’ll learn about undergraduate admission requirements, degree options, housing, student life, and the legacy of the university, and see notable buildings including our Student Center, Residential Facilities, Recreation Center, and Library.
Schedule a Campus Visit →Get Admitted to JSU
Applying to Jackson State University takes 2 easy steps for non-degree seeking students:
- Submit an online application at
jsums.orgby clicking the “Apply” link on the homepage. - Make arrangements to meet with your admissions counselor to complete and sign the Non-Degree Seeking Student Consent Form.
Please allow at least 7-10 business days from the receipt of all required documents for an admission decision.
Send Immunization Record
All students born after December 1956 who plan to attend classes on one of our campuses must submit proof of immunization compliance for measles, mumps, and rubella. Online students are excepted. A copy of your immunization record (or your state’s immunization compliance form) can be submitted directly to the Health Center.
For more detailed information on JSU’s health screening requirements, including for international students and exemptions, visit the JSU Health Center webpage.
Register for Classes
Whether you are taking a class online or on campus, please schedule a meeting with an academic advisor.
Complete Registration or Set Up a Payment Plan
The source page displays this step title as
“Complete Registration or Set up a Payment
Plan Copy”. The trailing word
“Copy” appears to be a
WordPress “Duplicate Page” plugin
artifact that was never removed after page
duplication. Rebuild corrects the title to
“Complete Registration or Set Up a Payment
Plan” while preserving the source content of the
step.
“Completing Registration” is the phrase used to describe the Business Office acknowledgement or verification of how fees are to be paid for the current semester. Once this information is officially communicated to the Business Office, we will accept the charges and payments for the current semester which in turn protects the student’s classes from being purged.
Two Ways to Officially Communicate
- Automatic Registration Complete — The most popular way. Once a student has selected classes (along with housing and meal plan), the system will review all eligible accepted financial aid. If the remaining balance is less than $200, the student’s registration will be completed automatically.
- Online Payment Plan — The plan divides the balance due into four (4) installments. The initial installment plus $100 (the deferment fee) is required to complete registration. The remaining three (3) installments are due in 30-day increments.
Late fees of $70 begins on the 1st day of class. Complete registration on time to avoid additional charges.
Verify Status via JSU PAWS
- Select the “Student” tab.
- Select “Registration”.
- Select “Fall Registration Service”.
- Select “Check Registration Status”.
- If registration is complete, a congratulatory message will be displayed.
- If not, a message will display instructing you to your next required step.
Get Your Student Identification
To enhance the safety and security of the campus community, faculty, staff and students are required to obtain a University-issued photo ID card. The University mandates that all faculty, staff, and students display his/her ID card visibly at all times while on campus. Non-degree seeking students are able to obtain their ID after Step 5 registration is complete.
The source states: “First-year students are able to obtain their ID after registration is complete (Step 8).” But this page has only 6 steps — Step 8 does not exist. This is a copy-paste from the HSE/Home-Schooled 12-step pages. Rebuild corrects the reference to Step 5 (the actual registration completion step on this page) and updates “First-year students” to “Non-degree seeking students” since non-degree students are adults 21+, not traditional first-year freshmen.
Priority deadlines
Two schedules — Traditional and JSUOnline
Priority Deadlines
- Fall Semester August 21st
- Spring Semester January 15th
- First Summer Session May 27th
- Second Summer Session June 26th
Priority Deadlines
- Spring – 1st 8 Weeks January 7th
- Spring – 2nd 8 Weeks March 4th
- Summer May 15th
- Fall – 1st 8 Weeks August 20th
- Fall – 2nd 8 Weeks October 11th
Ready to Continue Your Learning?
Contact JSU Undergraduate Admissions at 1-866-843-3578 for personalized assistance with your non-degree seeking student application.
Contact Information
Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 17330
Jackson, MS 39217