College of Liberal Arts
A public HBCU raising up leaders and advancing society through transformative ideas.
Where scholarship meets creativity
At the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) at Jackson State University, we are proud to give our students a versatile and engaging education that prepares them for a variety of career options, develops them into leaders, and allows them to compete effectively.
Our 10 departments offer a rich array of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in fields like journalism, media, psychology, political science, and public policy and administration. We promote innovative scholarship and creative expression, and encourage interdisciplinary learning and applied practice through institutes like the Margaret Walker Center and the COFO Center.
- College
- College of Liberal Arts (CLA)
- Departments
- 10
- Centers & Institutes
- 5
- Programs
- 34 (UG, Master's, Doctoral, Certificate)
- HBCU Ranking
- #7 (College Consensus)
- Alumni Worldwide
- 51,000+
- Phone
- (601) 979-7036
CLA at a glance
1,597
Bachelor Degrees
Bachelor degrees awarded in 2020.
#7
HBCU Ranking
Ranked HBCU by College Consensus.
51K
Alumni
Alumni worldwide across all CLA departments.
10
Departments
Distinct academic departments across the liberal arts.
Quality education across the liberal arts
The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) at Jackson State University promotes and supports significant research, innovative scholarship, and creative expression in the arts, humanities, social and behavioral sciences.
By offering a rich array of undergraduate and select graduate programs, the CLA provides a diverse and engaged student body with an outstanding education founded on nurturing relationships between students and distinguished faculty. Our academic disciplines, programs, interdisciplinary centers and institutes strive to cultivate skills in research and analysis, written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and visual literacy.
We encourage a commitment to service to the city of Jackson and the global community.
34 programs from graphic design to clinical psychology
We offer 34 different programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, ranging from graphic design to clinical psychology. Explore our programs and discover which one is right for you!
Our 10 academic departments
Each of our 10 departments provides engaging academic programs taught by our supportive and diverse faculty members.
Five centers advancing research and culture
CLA's centers and institutes offer interdisciplinary research, cultural programming, and community-engaged work.
CLA alumni in their own words
Jackson State has given me all the tools that I need to succeed in life.
Roosevelt Hawkins, '18
History
At the CLA, we give you the tools you need to compete effectively, during and after your time at JSU. From applied learning to fostering relationships with your professors, you are fully supported in your college journey.
Explore Our History DepartmentHonoring HBCU heritage through scholarship
I want to highlight the roles that Black people have played in American history and history at large. I want to have a career that helps bring our stories to life.
Alissa Rae
Oral Historian · Margaret Walker Center
While we welcome and serve a diverse student population, our strong HBCU roots influence everything we do. The CLA plays a large part in contributing to Black culture and history through our Margaret Walker Center.
Visit the Margaret Walker CenterMake a contribution to CLA
Whether you are a JSU alum looking to give back, or a supporter who wants to invest in our students, making a gift to the College of Liberal Arts allows us to continue nurturing and educating the next generation of global leaders.
Begin your journey at the CLA
Explore our 10 departments, 5 centers, and 34 programs. From journalism to clinical psychology, from music to political science — find your path at JSU.
Contact the College of Liberal Arts
Jackson State University
1400 John R. Lynch Street
Jackson, MS 39217-0280