Jacksonville State University College of Commerce and Business Administration

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Rankings & Lists

Students Say - Academics
The blend of "affordable tuition" and an "excellent location" makes Jacksonville State University a good pick for penny-wise professionals in Northern Alabama. Despite the low cost, this public school maintains a high academic standard. JSU professors "have a wealth of experience" and they often use "real-world examples in order to show us how to apply the concepts being taught." A current student adds, "All graduate professors I have dealt with are published authors in reveered business journals." Classes are challenging, and professors are "tough, but fair. They understand what's going and realize that every student has a tough road ahead of them." At the same time, the atmosphere is participatory and collaborative, not cut-throat. At JSU, professors "see you as a well-prepared professional" and not with just a "small number of students per class," you feel that "your opinion counts in the classroom." A student adds, "I have had a great experience as an international student at JSU. The way instructors treat us inside and outside of class is terrific." Jacksonville State University's MBA program is designed to cover business fundamentals, while also addressing the international business environment and changing business technologies. The curriculumâ€"which can be completed through a mix of online and campus coursesâ€"consists of 24 credit hours of foundation coursework, plus 30 credit hours of graduate business coursework. Students appreciate the ease and convenience of online courses, which allow busy professionals to complete classes as their schedule permits. A current student shares, "I have never had any technical difficulties, and if it weren't for distance learning courses, it would take me longer to graduate." On the flip side, some students feel the in-person education at JSU is superior. A student shares, "I prefer the traditional class because I get more out of the lecture and it is cheaper. There is interaction among the class and professor that cannot be imitated by online classes." For those who aren't working fulltime, JSU also offers graduate assistantship programs "to help pay for school." Known to many as the "friendliest campus in the south," graduate students report a positive experience with the JSU administration and staff. In fact, the "Business school and all of its staff knows who you are and where you are coming from; it is like a big family where you gather knowledge and meet friends." When a problem arises, "The school's administration is always able and willing to take care of any needs you may have." A student shares, "My advisor and dean are as good as they get and are available for comment and discussion conveniently. They are very respected throughout the university and community."

Students Say - Admissions
Students must apply to the Flint MBA program through a two-step process. First, students must meet acceptance criteria to the College of Graduate Studies; then they must meet admissions requirements for the business school. The business school measures applicants based on an admissions index number, calculated with a prospective student's GPA and GMAT scores. Therefore, a slightly lower undergraduate GPA may be offset by higher GMAT scores, and vice versa. All forms required for the application are available on the school's website.

Students Say - Campus Life
There is a diverse community at JSU. Within the MBA program, "The age of the students varies greatly from fresh undergraduates to 40+, married professionals. Also, the ethnic and gender profiles are diverse with many students from other countries along with high percentages of females and African Americans." On the whole, students are "pleasant, outgoing, and friendly," and tend to "share a largely conservative opinion." However, as JSU is predominantly a "commuter school," for the great majority of MBA candidates, "life at school is strictly business." While "there are lots of activities for students to get involved with during the week," they admit that, "Most MBA students are too busy with course work and family to get involved." Come Friday, "very few students are actually on campus during the weekend unless there is a football game of merit. Even then, most students are elsewhere and only locals and local alumni are present." While there isn't much of a social life at JSU's business school, it is still a "great environment for students." JSU is located on a "beautiful campus that is safe, friendly, and very accessible." The business school is "clean and maintained," though "newer facilities would be very welcomed." A student explains, "The business building was built about 1969 and has had few modifications, although new technologies and computers are readily available."

Students Say - Careers
JSU Career Placement Services serves the undergraduate and graduate community at the university, offering online job boards, campus career fairs, resume critiques, mock interviews, and career workshops. Students may also sign up for email notification of new job opportunities, as well as the option of having their resume automatically forwarded to employers seeking someone with their skill set. Services are principally targeted at graduating seniors from the undergraduate college, though graduate students and alumni are also invited to use the center. The Career Placement Services center also assists with internship placements and coordinates on-campus recruiting efforts with regional employers.

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