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.
Quality Education
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, as well as encourage a commitment to service to the city of Jackson and the global community.
1,597
Bachelor degrees
awarded in 2020.
#7
ranked HBCU by
College Consensus.
51K
alumni worldwide.
Explore Our Programs
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!
Undergraduate Programs
The College of Liberal Arts offers over ten undergraduate degree programs to suit your interests including Journalism and Media Studies, Political Science, Psychology, and more.
Graduate Programs
We offer over six master’s degree programs, two doctoral degree programs, and new certificate program in Disaster Preparedness & Community Resilience Among Vulnerable Populations.
Supporting the Next Generation
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.
"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.
"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, Margaret Walker
Center Oral Historian
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.
