Frequently Asked Questions
Is JU accredited?
Jacksonville University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
JU is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the National Association of Schools of Dance, and the curricula in music and dance meet association standards. Education programs are approved by the Florida Department of Education for the purpose of teacher certification. The School of Nursing offers a National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) accredited generic-track program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The School also holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing degrees. The School of Orthodontics offers an Advanced Specialty Education Program in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthodontics that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
What types of majors are offered at JU?
To see a complete list of majors offered, please click here.
The College of Arts & Sciences offers majors in Biology, Chemistry (concentration in Biochemistry), Communication, Computing Sciences, Elementary Education, Engineering – Dual Degree (degree options in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Physics), English, French, Geography, History, Humanities, Marine Science, Mathematics, Nursing, Philosophy, Physical Education (concentrations in Exercise Science, Sports Administration, Teaching), Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, and a University (interdisciplinary) major. Programs include Pre-Law, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Dental Medicine, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Pre-Osteopathic Medicine, Naval Science, and Secondary Education.
The Davis College of Business offers majors in Accounting, Aviation Management, Aviation Management & Flight Operations, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, International Business, Management, and Marketing.
The College of Fine Arts offers majors in Art (concentrations in Ceramics, Painting, Photography, Sculpture), Computer Art & Design (concentrations in Animation/Interactive Media, Graphic Design), Dance, Dance Education, Glasss, Jazz Studies, Music, Music Business, Music Composition & Theory, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Theatre, and Theatre Arts.
Does JU offer any online classes or degrees?
In general, JU does not offer online courses or degrees. However, JU does offer an RN to BSN completion track for registered nurses through an online distance learning format.
How big are the classes?
The average class size is 18 students.
What are the requirements for admission?
If you are a first-year student, you must complete a Jacksonville University application (available online), request an official high school transcript, and submit official SAT or ACT scores. If you are a transfer student, you must complete a Jacksonville University application for admission and request an official transcript from each college or university which you have attended. If you have completed fewer than 24 college semester hours, you must also request an official transcript from your high school and official SAT or ACT scores.
What services do you offer for students with disabilities?
Students who register with the Office of Disability Support Services are eligible for accommodations, support services, and/or academic adjustments based on their individual needs as determined by the disability counselor and their documentation. Students who request accommodations must present this request for services in sufficient time for the university to coordinate these services. Some services may require a minimum of two weeks notice to arrange. Students must request services prior to the beginning of the semester
The following is a list of the types of disabilities that may be eligible to receive support services.
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Hearing Impairment
- Learning Disabled
- Physical/Mobility Impairment
- Psychological Disorder
- Speech Impairment
- Visual Impairment
Is JU accessible to students with a physical disability? Does it have ramps, elevators and other accommodations for handicapped students?
Yes, JU is accessible to students with a physical disability. Most areas have ramps, elevators and other accommodations for students with disabilities. If an area is not accessible JU will work to remove the barrier, i.e. a class assigned to the second floor of a building without an elevator will be relocated to an accessible area.
How flexible are the course schedules?
All JU students must complete 120 semester hours to graduate, including a core curriculum of 37-38 hours, in addition to courses required for their major. Major requirements vary widely. Students in some majors will have more flexibility to pursue electives, second majors and minors than students in other majors.
If I transfer with an Associates of Arts degree, will I have to retake any of my General Education classes needed for the associate’s degree?
In accordance with JU’s articulation agreement with the Florida community college system, students who have earned an A.A. degree in state are not required to complete the JU core curriculum. Their A.A. will wholly satisfy the JU core curriculum. However, students in certain majors may be required to complete certain prerequisites for classes in their major.
If students earned Associates of Arts degrees outside the State of Florida, their courses will be considered for transfer credit on an individual basis. All core curriculum requirements must be fulfilled individually.
Are there fraternities and sororities to join?
Jacksonville University hosts seven national fraternities and seven national sororities. Fraternities include Kappa Alpha Psi, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Gamma Delta, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, and Sigma Phi Epsilon. Sororities include Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Delta Delta, Gamma Eta, Gamma Phi Beta, and Delta Sigma Theta.
Are there other student clubs and organizations that I can join?
Students may join dozens of different clubs and organizations at JU including fine arts performance groups, religious and service organizations, academic and professional organizations, intramural sports, sports clubs, honorary organizations, media organizations, and clubs for students with other special interests.
Is Jacksonville University public or private?
JU is a private, independent university.
What part of Jacksonville is JU located in?
JU is centrally located in the Arlington area of Jacksonville, about a 10-minute drive from downtown. The campus is on the banks of the St. Johns River.
What are JU’s most popular majors?
- Aviation Operations and Flight Management
- Nursing
- Management
- Biology
- Physical Education
How many students attend JU?
About 3000 students attend JU overall (around 1800 undergraduates).
When was JU founded?
Jacksonville University, originally named William J. Porter University, opened its doors in 1934 as a two-year community college. Within a year, it was renamed Jacksonville Junior College. In 1950, the campus was moved to its current location along the St. Johns River, and in 1956, it became a four-year university and was renamed Jacksonville University.
Does JU have athletics programs?
Jacksonville University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I (Division I-AA in football).
Men’s sports include Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, and Track.
Women’s sports include Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track, and Volleyball.
Club sports include Rowing, Sailing, Surfing, Wakeboarding, and Wrestling.
Intramural sports include Archery, Basketball, Flag Football, Horseshoes, Sailing, Shuffleboard, Softball, Table Tennis, and Volleyball.
To learn more about JU Athletics, please click here.
Does Jacksonville University have teaching assistants?
No, all JU courses are taught by professors, not TA’s or graduate students.
What does the City of Jacksonville have to offer?
A city of over one million residents, Jacksonville offers professional sports, concerts, shopping malls, miles of beaches, and cultural events. With a strong economy, Jacksonville also offers students the opportunity to participate in internships for numerous companies.
Does JU offer Study Abroad programs?
Yes, JU students may study, volunteer, or even intern overseas. Programs are offered in Australia, Bolivia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, and other countries.
To learn more about Study Abroad at JU, please click here.