Skip to main content

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.

Professional Development Center

The Center for Professional Development offers non-academic credit courses for professional and personal development.  The Center sponsors workshops, seminars, institutes, and conferences.  The Center awards credit in the form of Continuing Education Units (CEUs), Certificates of Completion, and Certificates of Attendance.  In collaboration with other units and agencies, the Center offers Social Work Units to licensed social workers, School Executive Management Institute (SEMI) credits to school administrators, and other non-academic credit units sponsored by professional associations.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Southwest Mississippi Education Consortium (SMEC) 

The Center for Professional Development is also the home of the Southwest Mississippi Education Consortium’s (SMEC) Regional Education Service Center that currently helps more than 24 school districts in 18 counties meet the professional development needs of their teachers, teaching assistants and administrators. Educators are able to meet their recertification needs, solve problems, and meet program improvement needs through the center’s offerings.

 

Institute for Educational Renewal (INFER) 

The Institute for Educational Renewal (INFER) is a continuing academic support unit designed to provide university support to public schools as they endeavor to meet the needs of all learners — prenatal through adulthood — and their families.  

 

Online Workshops via Ed2Go – Professional Interdisciplinary Studies and University Studies majors are highly encouraged to take advantage of Ed-2-Go self-paced online micro courses.  These micro courses allow students to get a competitive edge in a rapidly-changing workforce. Visit our online workshops to access self-paced, manageable courses spanning various topics that allow you to learn new skills, enhance your degree, and/or elevate your degree or competitive edge: Online Workshops via Ed2Go

 

Elevate Yourself and Your Career

Contact us: 

Carolyn Mack, Professional Development Center Director 

carolyn.j.mack@jsums.edu  

Phonel: 601-979-8887

SCHOOL OF LIFELONG LEARNING

Location

3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211

Contact

(601) 979-8777

Curriculum and General Requirements

The School of Lifelong Learning academic credit programs are open to all students, particularly nontraditional, adult learners who wish to study on a full-time or part-time basis.  Students must meet all admissions requirements set forth by Jackson State University.  Readmission – Readmission is required for former students not enrolled during the previous semester. For more information, call 601-979-2100 or log onto the website at https://www.jsums.edu/apply/

The Professional Interdisciplinary Studies Curriculum includes: 

45-47 Credit Hours *

General Education Core

9 Credit Hours

Pathway Options

24 Credit Hours

Interdisciplinary Concentration (Courses from two disciplines)

17 Credit Hours

Major Core Courses/Degree Program Requirements

27 Credit Hours

Professional Concentration (General or HRD)

124  Total Credit Hours

 

* See General Education Core Overview: https://www.jsums.edu/theepathway/home/gec/

The University Studies Curriculum includes the same major requirements.  However, students who pursue this degree must be formally admitted to the Complete to Compete Program.  Upon verification of eligibility, students will be able to apply 90 or more previously earned credit hours toward the completion of the stated program requirements.  

Learn More (General Requirements/Curriculum)

Scholarships

The School of Lifelong Learning recognizes that adult learners often have specific challenges financing the completion of their undergraduate degree.  Students who are accepted into JSU, who select Professional Interdisciplinary Studies as their academic major, and who complete an application for ATLASS support will be considered for a one-time, need-based departmental ATLASS award.  Contact the Interim Director of the School of Lifelong Learning, Dr. Jie Ke for additional details.  

Looking for additional ways to pay for your tenure at Jackson State University? Fear not! We are here to help. Browse Scholarships in our Scholarship Portal to see what you qualify for today.

Apply for Scholarships