While each doctoral program has its own admission requirements, the Graduate School specifies the following minimum criteria for doctoral matriculation:

Step 1.  Submit the following admission credentials to the Graduate School

• An application for admission to Graduate School – Click Here to Apply
• All applicants must submit one (1) official copy of transcripts from all 4 year regionally accredited colleges and universities attended. Community College transcripts are not required.
• Every application requires an official copy of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Official transcripts can be sent electronically using escript, Parchment or another approved electronic service to  gradtranscript@jsums.edu, or by mail to:

• Students with International transcripts: Please visit the International Admissions web page for additional information regarding transcripts.
• Graduate School requires a 3.00 GPA (on a 4.00 Scale) at the undergraduate level or a Masters’ degree (See program requirements).
• Admission by a major department. Departmental requirements are listed in the Graduate Catalog or in the application packet
• All applicants must submit a $25.00 application fee. Applications will not be processed without payment of the application fee. Payment is made by  using a credit/debit card at the time of application.  Application payments are processed as part of the application.
• International applicants must submit satisfactory TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• International applicants must also file a Certified Declaration of Financial Support with the University with the Division of International Studies. Click for: Form I-134, Affidavit of Support (pdf).
• The student should consult the major department for additional requirements.

Step 2.  Other Requirements

Immunization Requirement

• All applicants must submit immunization records showing proof of immunization compliance for measles and rubella, unless born prior to 1957, to:  JSU, Health Services, P.O. Box 17097, Jackson, MS  39217.  Telephone:  (601) 979-2260. Click here for details

Departmental/Program Requirements for Doctoral Applicants:  Please check with the program/department for specific requirements.

• Department/program application
• Three letters of recommendation
• A written statement of purpose
• All required national examination scores.(GRE, GMAT or MAT). University Test Code= 1341
• Meet the minimum GPA requirement of the desired program

Additional Application Material are required for all Doctoral programs Click here for Program Contact info

General Priority Application Deadlines

Fall – March 1
Summer – March 15
Spring – October 15

Program Specific Deadlines 

Fall Admission: January 15

• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
• Ph.D. in Educational Administration

Fall Admission: March 1

• Ph.D. in Chemistry & Biochemistry
• Ph.D. in Data Enabled Science & Engineering
• Ph.D. in Engineering
• Ph.D. in Environmental Science
• Ph.D.in Public Administration
• Ph.D. in Social Work
• Ph.D. in Urban & Regional Planning
• Dr.PH. in Public Health
• Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education

​Fall Admission: March 15

• Ph.D. in Business Administration
• Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education