Jacksonville State University
Assistant Professor of Public Administration
Jacksonville State University invites applications for a tenure track Assistant Professor of Public Administration beginning August 2026.
This position will be responsible for teaching graduate and undergraduate courses. The candidate will contribute to teaching the core curriculum of the MPA program, in particular courses in the areas of Organizational Studies, and Public Personnel. Subfields of interest include state-level bureaucracy and American government. The candidate must be committed to teaching in different modalities especially in an online format. The MPA program at JSU is unique in that it offers concentrations in the following areas: political science, emergency management, criminal justice, and administrative management.
Required Qualifications:
- Doctorate in Public Administration or a related a field
Preferred Qualifications:
- Doctorate in public policy, social policy, public administration
- Master’s in public administration
- Teaching experience at the college/university level
- Experience in teaching online MPA courses
- Evidence of teaching effectiveness in public administration involving innovative teaching practices aimed at engaging students and enhancing program visibility.
- Evidence of consistent involvement in research and grant-writing experience in the field of public administration.
- Success in scholarly activities such as publishing in peer-reviewed journals
- Evidence of ability to collaborate in the leadership of the Master of Public Administration Program.
About the Department:
JSU’s Department of Emergency Management and Public Administration offers a Graduate Certificate, Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Science (DSc) degrees in Emergency Management and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree.
The Department has 13 full-time faculty members and offers a NASPAA accredited MPA program. At the undergraduate level, the department offers a BS degree in Emergency Management and an APCO Public Safety Telecommunications International Certificate.
At the graduate level, the department offers a DSc in Emergency Management, an MS degree in Emergency Management, the Masters in Public Administration (with five concentrations) and a graduate certificate in Emergency Management. Preparing our students for a professional career
in emergency management and public administration is of primary importance and we do so by focusing on professional practice, real-world experiences, interdisciplinary, and comprehensive analysis and applied research necessary for the complex work associated with the disciplines.
About the College:
The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers quality academic programs through traditional, hybrid, and online course offerings. We proudly serve the central Alabama region, as well as students from all over the world who want an excellent and affordable education. Our College offers professional degree programs for immediate careers at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral level and preparation for success in graduate school.
Our faculty and staff seek to serve students in a manner that leads to transformative educational and interpersonal experiences. Students work with accomplished faculty who are engaged in innovative forms of teaching, scholarship, and service. Our goal is to provide students with opportunities and experiences that lead to life-long personal and professional success.
Graduates are prepared for work in criminal justice and forensics, emergency management and disaster preparedness, politics and public administration, psychology, sociology, social work, military and veteran services.
About Jax State:
Located in the Appalachian foothills of northeast Alabama, midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State is home to over 10,000 students representing 63 countries. As a learning-centered university, it strives to challenge students academically in a responsive environment, meeting their educational, career, and personal goals. As an academic institution, it aims to produce broadly educated graduates who are prepared for global engagement. As a public, comprehensive university, it promotes excellence in scholarly and service activities consistent with its academic and professional strengths. For a complete list of Goals, Core Values, and Strategies to fulfill this Mission, go to the JSU Strategic Plan home page.
Academically, Jax State offers 113 academic programs and concentrations, including bachelor's, master's, post-baccalaureate, doctoral, and advanced certificate programs in a variety of disciplines that prepare graduates for meaningful careers and ongoing education. More than 40 online programs are offered. The University features six colleges on its 459-acre campus – Arts, Humanities and Sciences; Business and Industry; Education and Professional Studies; Health Professions and Wellness; Social and Behavioral Sciences; and Library. Most academic programs have discipline-specific accreditations, a reflection of their quality and JSU’s commitment to excellence. For a complete list of Goals, Core Values and Strategies to fulfill this Mission, go to http://www.jsu.edu/president/strategic_planning.html
Application materials include:
- Cover letter that clearly summarizes the candidate's qualifications as a scholar and interest in this position.
- Current curriculum vitae.
- Teaching statement that conveys the candidate's interest in undergraduate/graduate teaching, describes the candidate's ideas or philosophy for equitable and inclusive teaching and identifies courses which the candidate could offer.
- Contact information for three potential references.
Review of applications will begin immediately after the posting closes on January 31, 2026. Final candidates are required to undergo and successfully pass a background check. If you have questions you may contact: talentacquisition@jsu.edu.
Clery Notice: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, https://clerycenter.org/policy-resources/the-clery-act/ the Jacksonville State University Police provide information on crimes statistics, crime prevention, law enforcement, crime reporting, and other related issues for the past three calendar years. The JSU Annual Campus Security and Fire Report is available online at: http://jsu.edu/police/docs/CleryAnnualReport.pdf
Equal Employment Opportunity: Jax State is an Equal Employment and Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
