FAQ Related to the Graduate Program
Q1.: I have an undergraduate degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Engineering Technology, Architectural Engineering Technology, or Industrial Technology, and I would like to get a MS in Engineering with Civil/Environmental Engineering Concentration. Are my undergraduate courses transferrable? What are my options?
A: You basically have two options:
Option 1. First obtain a B.S. in Civil engineering, and then pursue a MS degree. This is a much more preferred option. With this option, you are better prepared to take FE Exam and PE Exam, and you get a broad knowledge of civil engineering. This option takes longer to complete since you have to satisfy all course degree requirements for the B.S. in Civil Engineering Program, and the courses are typically offered once a year. The technology courses are not transferable. There may be some exceptions such as Surveying, Engineering Economy, Engineering Graphics, and a construction elective which may be transferred. Your adviser will determine if these can be transferred. See also information for transfer students.
Option 2. The second option is to take articulation courses first and then pursue a graduate program (See the list of articulation courses; https://www.jsums.edu/civilengineering/graduate-programs/). This option can be completed faster, but does not give you a broad knowledge of civil engineering.
Q2. I have an undergraduate degree in Science such as Chemistry, Physics, Biology, or Mathematics and I would like to get a MS in Engineering with Civil/Environmental Engineering Concentration. What are my options?
A: You basically have two options:
First obtain a B.S. in Civil engineering, and then pursue a MS degree. This is a preferred option. With this option, you are better prepared to take FE Exam and PE Exam, and you get a broad knowledge of civil engineering. This option takes longer to complete since you have to satisfy all course degree requirements for the B.S. in Civil Engineering Program. Some of the courses that you have taken and are part of the civil engineering curriculum are transferrable. Your adviser will determine if these can be transferred. See also information for transfer students.
The second option is to take articulation courses first and then pursue a graduate program (See the list of articulation courses; https://www.jsums.edu/civilengineering/graduate-programs/). This option can be completed faster, but does not give you a broad knowledge of civil engineering.
Q3. Is GRE required for admission to the MS and Ph.D. Program?
No. GRE is not required.
Q4. Is TOEFL is required for international students?
A satisfactory TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS score must be submitted or proof of successful completion of ESLI for all international student applicants from non-English speaking countries. Minimum Scores: TOEFL = 69; IELTS = 6.5. Conditional admission to Jackson State University may be granted to international students with a stipulation of successfully completing all levels of English study at the English as a Second Language Institute (ESLI). See the “Division of Graduate Studies” for up to date information. https://www.jsums.edu/graduateschool/international-students/. In addition, contact the “Division of Graduate Studies”, if you have any questions.
Q5. When should I submit my application for Admission to the Graduate Program?
You should submit before the deadline. For international applications, since the processing and also obtaining visa may take a long time, it is suggested to submit very early.
Q6. If I have a question about the Admission Process, who should I contact?
The Graduate Admission.
Q7. How should I check the status of my graduate application for admission?
You should contact the Graduate Admission. For international students, after the Graduate Admission completes its evaluation, it is forwarded to the International Studies. Certified Declaration of Financial Support and immunization records are needed for this office. You can then check with the International Studies to check the status of I-20.
Q8. Where should I send the recommendation letters and the Statement?
Graduate Admissions Office. It should say “To Whom It May Concern”. No particulate format is needed.
Q9. What financial assistances may be available?
- See the Dept. web site, and click on “scholarships”. You can see information related to “Out of State Fee waiver”https://www.jsums.edu/civilengineering/files/2016/06/scholarship.grad_.outofstate.pdf and the “diversity scholarships”.
- You can also contact faculty for possible opportunities to work on their research projects for highly qualified students.These are awarded on a very competitive basis. https://www.jsums.edu/civilengineering/scholarships/
- See CSET Application for Graduate Assistantship See attached file.
- Also, visit the “Division of Graduate Studies”, web site. https://www.jsums.edu/graduateschool/graduate-funding-financial-aid/
Q10. For Civil Engineering emphasis area, what information should I include on my statement?
Indicate whether you are more interested in geotechnical, transportation, water resources, or structures area? You will be required to take courses in most of these areas. Also, describe your career objectives and goals, and research interests (numerical or experimental or both, if applicable)
Q11. How do I choose my adviser?
You choose your adviser based on your research interests?
Q12. I am a prospective Ph.D. student, should I contact my potential adviser prior to admission?
You can contact your potential adviser, and inquire about research projects and areas, and advice on graduate programs.
Q13. I am a current graduate student at JSU. Can I take courses outside the published curriculum?
No. You have to follow the curriculum very strictly. In very special cases, the adviser may request to substitute one course. This needs to be approved by your adviser, and the Department Chair in advance.