University Profile
Jacksonville University is a distinctive institution built on engaged learning, the integration of thinking with doing, and the combination of professional preparation with a strong liberal arts foundation. As an intimate, comprehensive, independent university community, JU provides personalized service, close student-faculty interaction, and an extensive array of educational and co-curricular programs, including select graduate programs designed to build on the campus’ unique location and strengths. We help students realize their full potential and prepare them for lifelong learning and growth through our investment in them as individuals.
A private, independent institution, the University offers a balanced approach to coeducational higher education, combining the best attributes of the liberal arts and sciences tradition and professional studies. As a result, students are equipped to succeed in meaningful careers and advanced study at the graduate level and to function as well-educated, engaged global citizens. This balanced educational approach allows students to respond confidently to evolving career or personal opportunities. Jacksonville University offers a rigorous curriculum that addresses the diverse interests, curiosities, educational, and intellectual needs of the total person. While its Core Curriculum exposes students to the broad spectrum of human thought and accomplishment, each major offers specialization for specific career or life pursuits.
As a community that prizes personal interaction among faculty, staff, and students, Jacksonville University recognizes the importance each individual brings to campus. Domestic and international students are admitted with the expectation that they will successfully complete meaningful academic work; faculty offer exceptional instruction while undertaking impactful research and discovery; and staff enhance the learning environment and overall community by supporting the institutional mission and our students. Our institution operates through shared governance and works to ensure the academic freedom of all community members.
Situated on the banks of the St. Johns River in the historic Arlington neighborhood, Jacksonville University is located in a vibrant, urban setting, rich with opportunities for students to engage in applied learning while also providing community-oriented service. Located in a diverse area with students from across the globe, the JU residential community aims to prepare students for leadership roles in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Jacksonville University is a community in which students, faculty, and staff will be individually recognized and prepared for lifelong success—where knowledge, experience, and compassion come together to benefit all.
The College of Arts and Sciences, the Davis College of Business & Technology, the Linda Berry Stein College of Fine Arts & Humanities, the Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences, the College of Law, the Marine Science Research Institute, and the Public Policy Institute conduct JU’s traditional undergraduate and graduate academic programs. Offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, the University confers the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Music Education. Pre-professional studies are available for students interested in dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. The Aviation Program is offered in cooperation with L3 Harris Flight Academy, owned by L3 Commercial Training Solutions.
Graduate programs in Business, Choreography, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Education, Exercise Science, Health Informatics, Implant Dentistry, Law, Marine Science, Medical Science, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Orthodontics, Speech Language Pathology, and Visual Arts infuse the community with highly skilled professionals who are instrumental in strengthening the local economy, improving the quality of elementary and secondary education, and meeting the health care requirements of our citizens.
The College of Arts and Sciences offers a Master of Science in Leadership and Learning and the Master of Arts/Master of Science degree in Marine Science. Students may pursue a 5-year combined Bachelor of Science/Master of Arts degree in Marine Science.
The Davis College of Business & Technology has a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) offered in both traditional and executive programs. The Davis College of Business & Technology also offers a Master of Science in Organization Leadership, a Master of Science in Applied Business Analytics, and a Doctor of Business Administration degree program. A 4+1 undergraduate degree/Master of Business Administration degree is offered through the Davis College of Business & Technology. Also, dual Masters degrees are offered in cooperation with the Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences, and the Public Policy Institute. Through the School of Aviation, a Master of Science in Aviation Leadership is available online.
The Linda Berry Stein College of Fine Arts & Humanities & Humanities offers the Master of Fine Arts degree in Choreography and in Visual Arts.
The Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences offers a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) with cognates in Clinical Nurse Educator, Leadership in Healthcare Systems, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner with the option of Emergency Nurse Practitioner Specialization, Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner, dual Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Informatics, and a dual degree program with the Davis College of Business & Technology: Master of Science in Nursing & Business Administration, as well as Master of Science degrees in Speech-Language Pathology, Health Informatics, Medical Sciences, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Respiratory Care. The college also offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in both a post MSN to DNP program and a BSN to DNP program, and a new Doctor of Occupational Therapy, which started in the Summer of 2018. The School of Orthodontics offers a combined Orthodontics Certificate and Master of Science in Dentistry, a combined Comprehensive Oral Implantology Certificate and Master of Science in Dentistry, and a Fellowship in Clinical Orthodontic Research.
The Public Policy Institute offers a unique interdisciplinary Master in Public Policy degree. Additionally, the Institute offers the following dual degrees: a Master of Public Policy/Master of Business Administration (MPP/MBA) degree in cooperation with the Davis College of Business & Technology; and a Master in Public Policy/Master of Arts in Marine Science (MPP/MA) or Master of Science in Marine Science (MPP/MS) degree in cooperation with the Marine Science Research Institute.
The strength of our programs is a function of the University’s nationally recognized faculty, some of whom are honored by such organizations as the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, the Pew National Fellowship Program, the Fulbright Scholarship Program, and the American Council on Education. Each of Jacksonville University’s full-time professors is committed to classroom teaching.
A low student-to-faculty ratio assures students of individual attention and meaningful interaction with professors and classmates. JU’s average class size is 16. Although JU faculty place high priority on teaching, they also pursue research and writing projects, not as ends in themselves, but as means to maintain and enhance the quality of instruction. This concern for students is an incalculable advantage to those who seek an academic environment that is both stimulating and supportive.
Jacksonville University embraces diversity, including geographical and cultural diversity. Half of our students hail from out-of-state, mostly from the east coast. Our current population represents all 50 states and territories, including Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and 51 foreign countries. In the traditional undergraduate program, women comprise 61% of JU’s student body; men, 39%. Approximately 93% of JU’s traditional undergraduate student body attends full-time and the majority of our students live on campus.
Jacksonville University maintains a legacy of service to the community. It has been an ardent supporter and provider of cultural and educational programs that enhance the quality of life for Florida’s First Coast.