Classification of Students
Students are classified according to the total number of hours earned.
| Year | Hours |
|---|---|
| Freshman | 0-29 semester hours |
| Sophomore | 30-59 semester hours |
| Junior | 60-89 semester hours |
| Senior | 90 or more semester hours |
Students may also be classified by class load (full-time or part-time), objective (degree or special non-degree), and by year or class.
By Class Load
A student is a full-time undergraduate student if they carry 12.0 or more semester hours of credit per semester. The full-time credit hour load in a ten-week summer term is twelve (12) semester hours of credit. A student may earn six (6) or more semester hours each five-week summer session.
By Objective
A degree student is one whose immediate educational objective is such that their program consists entirely of work normally creditable toward a Jackson State University degree.
A non-degree student is one who is not pursuing a degree program. Such students are either students who have not declared a major or students and graduates with previous college credit:
- who do not want degree status;
- whose applications for degree status are incomplete;
- who are not eligible for degree status;
- who are working towards teacher certification;
- who are workshop applicants; or
- who are visiting (transient) summer school students.
A visiting (transient) student is one who is enrolled at the University with the sole intention of using credits earned toward graduation elsewhere.