Savannah State University (SSU) and Georgia Southern University (GS) are teaming up to bring new program options to the Hinesville, Ga., area. The GS Liberty Campus houses a state-of-the-art facility extending a variety of opportunities for local students, especially those affiliated with the military. By enrolling at GS’s Liberty campus, students can earn a SSU degree entirely in Hinesville.
The presidents of the universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last month, making the cross-institution partnership official.
“One of Savannah State University’s priorities is to provide degree options to its students beyond the Savannah campus. This partnership enables the university to offer its homeland security and emergency management program in Hinesville, home to so many of our military personnel and first responders,” said SSU President Cheryl Davenport Dozier. “We look forward to partnering with Georgia Southern University on this project and expanding workforce development around the state.”
“By joining together, Georgia Southern and Savannah State University are providing students in our region with flexible educational options to ensure their success,” said GS President Shelley C. Nickel. “This is a great opportunity for students to take advantage of dynamic high demand degree programs where they live and work.”
The first program that will be offered through this partnership is SSU’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) bachelor’s degree. SSU is the first institution in the state of Georgia to offer a bachelor’s degree in HSEM. The SSU HSEM program prepares students to assume leadership roles in emergency management, homeland security and/or public policy; participate in employer-directed training for specific roles and career advancement; and pursue graduate study in government, business, public policy, international affairs, law enforcement, policy planning or law.
The core curriculum focuses on areas such as all-hazard risk and vulnerability assessment, planning, terrorism, emergency and security policy, communication, leadership and planning for diverse populations. Students gain hands-on practice with software used in emergency operations centers and other real-world emergency management and homeland security settings.
There are plans to expand partnership offerings to include forensic science, social work and business administration.
Program and admissions information is available at SavannahDegrees.com.