Jacksonville, AL – JSU’s Program Recognized for Exceptional Preparation and Comprehensive Offerings
In a recent accolade that solidifies its position as a leader in emergency management education, Jacksonville State University (JSU) has been named one of the top 10 institutions in the nation for online emergency management degrees by Forbes. The recognition highlights the university’s commitment to preparing students for careers in disaster mitigation across various sectors, including government and the private industry.
JSU’s emergency management program stands out as the sole program in the United States to offer degrees and certificates at all three academic levels – bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Notably, it is home to Alabama’s only Doctor of Science in Emergency Management program, a distinction that further emphasizes the program’s exceptional stature within the field.
Dr. Tanveer Islam, Professor and Head of the Department of Emergency Management and Public Administration at JSU, remarked on the program’s significance, stating, “We have about 500 students in all of our programs, which makes us possibly the largest emergency management program in the country as well.” He also highlighted the department’s nationally acclaimed student chapter of the International Association of Emergency Managers, showcasing the breadth of resources available to students.
The department’s offerings encompass a wide range of academic pursuits, including Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Master of Public Administration degrees with a concentration in emergency management. Additionally, the program provides opportunities for specialization through graduate certificates, undergraduate micro-credentials, and minors in related fields such as cybersecurity and homeland security.
JSU’s faculty members are renowned for their high-quality research, supported by federal grants from prestigious agencies including the National Science Foundation, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Department of Homeland Security. Dr. Islam underscored the program’s robust partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, including the hosting of the Division G Emergency Operations Center at Ft. McClellan for Alabama Emergency Management Agency.
In addition to the recent recognition from Forbes, JSU’s emergency management program has received acclaim from other notable sources. Intelligent.com ranked it as having the No. 3 Best Online Master’s Degree in Emergency Management in the US, while OnlineU.com recognized it as the No. 8 Most Affordable Online Master’s Program in Emergency Management.
Reflecting on the Forbes ranking, Dr. Islam expressed his satisfaction but emphasized that it was in line with the program’s consistent performance in various rankings over the years. “We have been consistently ranked No. 1 on Intelligent.com for the past several years, as well as other websites, so the Forbes’s recognition was nothing unusual,” he noted.
As JSU continues to excel in its provision of top-tier emergency management education, its recognition by Forbes serves as a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence in preparing future leaders in disaster response and mitigation.
