School of Lifelong Learning
College of Education and Human Development
The Professional Interdisciplinary Studies and University Studies programs offer adult learners flexible pathways to degree completion through fully online, hybrid, and face-to-face instruction. Our programs provide opportunities to engage in relevant coursework and training designed to build 21st century professional competencies such as lifelong learning, research skills, strategic problem solving, teamwork, communication, and habits of leadership.
Continuing Education Learning Center (CELC)

The Continuing Education Learning Center (CELC) consists of the following programs:
- General Education Development (GED) and Basic Skills Training
- Educational Workshops
The Learning Center provides self-paced, individualized, computer-based instruction on an on-going basis. The CELC along with the School of Lifelong Learning academic and non-academic credit units act in concert to provide substantive development programs for e-City and other community development projects in literacy, workforce, and health.
Program Offerings
* Pre-GED Classes
* GED Preparation (Math, Social Studies, Science, Reading/Writing)
* Basic Skills Training
* Employment Skills Training
Class Schedule
Classes are offered weekly. Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, closed for lunch from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Registration
* If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you will need a withdrawal form from the last school that you attended, along with a MS state ID and social security card.
* If you are 18 years of age or above, you will only need a MS state ID and social security card.
Questions & Answers
* How much does it cost to take GED classes?
The cost is free.
* How long will it take before I get my GED?
The program is self-paced and dependent upon the learning ability of the student.
* Can I register to take my GED test without taking classes?
Yes, but it would be helpful to have at least 12 hours of class preparation before you take the test.
* How do I register for the test?
Just go to ged.com or hiset.org to register, and you must have a valid email address. Also, you must have a debit/credit card to pay for the test.
* What do I need to score to make a minimum passing score on each of the five tests, as well as a passing average score overall?
There must be a minimum of 145 on each test when taking the GED exam.
There must be a minimum score of 8, with a total scale score of 45 when taking the HiSet exam.
* What are the costs to take the GED test?
The cost for each test is $36 per subject (4 subject areas).
The cost for each HiSet per subject is $22 (5 subject areas).
* Is there a graduation ceremony?
Yes, there is a graduation ceremony that takes place in May and December.
* Can I go to college with a GED?
Yes, the GED is equivalent to a high school diploma; therefore, it is recognized by colleges/universities, training schools and employers. You will have skills attainment, improved work skills and transitions into further academic/vocational training or employment.
* Study materials and sample questions are provided by the GED Testing Service at:
Continuing Education Learning Center
Physical Address
1325 Hattiesburg Street
Jackson, MS 39204
STAFF
|
Dr. LuFunya Porter |
Coordinator of CELC |
lufunya.porter@jsums.edu |
601.979.2935 |
|
Ms. Stephanie Payne |
ABE/GED Instructor |
stephanie.l.payne@jsums.edu |
601.979.0212 |
PURPOSE
The Adult Training for Lifelong Advancement Support Services (ATLASS) Scholarship, within the School of Lifelong Learning at Jackson State University, provides financial support services for students majoring in the Bachelor of Science in Professional Interdisciplinary Studies and the Bachelor of University Studies in the form of tuition assistance.
REQUIREMENTS
- Financial Aid Documentation
-
- If you do qualify for financial aid, please submit your Financial Aid Award Letter along with a copy of your current semester Account Summary.
Or
-
- If you do not qualify for financial aid, please submit documentation showing an established payment plan. If you are registered for at least one (1) class, please provide proof that all mandatory student fees and virtual course material fees have been paid.
The ATLASS Scholarship will not be applied to your account until this requirement is met.
- Academic Standing
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- Maintain a minimum of 2.0 GPA (or equivalent) and continuous class attendance.
- Application Completion
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- Submit an ATLASS application form with required attachments through SoftDoc in Banner.
GUIDELINES
- Scholarships cannot be used to reimburse a student who has already paid tuition or made arrangements to pay tuition.
- Awards are contingent on fund availability and may vary annually.
- Scholarships will be awarded and disbursed during the Spring, Summer and Fall semesters.
AWARD DETAILS
Each scholarship awarded will cover at least the cost of one 3-credit hour course. Award amounts may vary based on individual eligibility and available funding.
RENEWAL AND DURATION
- ALL applicants must reapply for a scholarship each academic semester for which they qualify.
- The School of Lifelong Learning reserves the right to determine the type of scholarship awarded each recipient.
- A scholarship recipient working toward an undergraduate degree can receive the scholarship for a maximum of eight semesters if they qualify.
DEADLINES
| Semester | Deadline |
| Spring | End of December |
| Summer | End of April |
| Fall | End of July |
For more information, please contact us at (601) 979-8778. We look forward to meeting with you and seeing how our program can help you achieve your goals.
READY TO JOIN?
Fill out the Student Interest Form
Or scan the QR code below

