This page includes information and tips especially for community college transfer students. If you have additional

questions, do not hesitate to contact us, and we will be happy to provide you with answers and guidance.

1. What courses should I take at community college to best prepare myself for the JSU music program?
2. What community college music courses will transfer to JSU?
3. What do I need to know about the Upper Division Proficiency Exam at JSU?
4. Will I be able to complete my music degree in a short amount of time?

What courses should I take at community college to best prepare myself for the JSU music program?

• Most music courses at the community college level will transfer to Jackson State University, but additional      courses may be recommended or required if deficiencies are found through upper division exams administered during the student’s first year on campus.
• Take writing classes, especially if you are not comfortable expressing yourself through written word. You will be required to write several papers and pass a writing test for your music major at Jackson State University. Good writing skills are essential.
• Review the JSU degree programs for music majors and minors for specific course requirements.

What community college music courses will transfer to JSU?

• In general, most core music courses will transfer to Jackson State.  Contact the Department of Music (link to contact page) for specific questions.
• For non-music courses, the University will generally accept up to half of the credits that are needed to complete the JSU degree.
• The Registrar makes the final decision as to which classes will transfer. You must have earned at least a C in the courses you wish to transfer.

What do I need to know about the Upper Division Proficiency Exam at JSU?

• Because you will be transferring into our program with several semesters of college study already completed, you will be taking the Upper Division Proficiency Exams within the first or second year that you are at JSU.
• See the most current Student Handbook regarding content for the exam. It includes 1. an oral presentation and performance, 2. written and aural theory evaluations, and 3. a music history/written communication evaluation.
• The written theory exam will be given the week before classes begin in the fall semester.
• The history/writing exams will be given according to guidelines set forth by the musicology faculty.
• Transfer students may seek an exemption from the music faculty to passing all phases of the upper division exams prior to taking upper division courses through their advisor.
• The Music Theory proficiency exam covers concepts and content over four semesters of theory and ear training courses.
• The Music History proficiency exam covers concepts and content over three semesters of music history courses.
• A study guide for Music History and a study guide for Music Theory are available on our website.

Will I be able to complete my music degree in a short amount of time?

• For transfer students with four or more semesters completed, it is quite possible to finish a music degree at JSU in 2 or 3 years if:
  • You have taken appropriate music and core curriculum courses that transfer.
  • You do well in your classes at JSU, and do not have to retake any classes due to a failing grade.
  • You are prepared for the Upper Division Proficiency Exam so that you can begin to take 300 and 400 level music courses at the designated time.