Kennesaw State University (KSU), located in Kennesaw, Georgia, is a dynamic public institution within the University System of Georgia. Founded in 1963 as Kennesaw Junior College, it evolved into a four-year college in 1976 and gained university status in 1996. In 2015, KSU merged with Southern Polytechnic State University, expanding its offerings to over 180 undergraduate and graduate programs across 13 colleges, including the Coles College of Business, Bagwell College of Education, and the College of Science and Mathematics. With more than 43,000 students, KSU is the third-largest university in Georgia by enrollment, emphasizing student success, research, and community engagement.
The university operates two main campuses: the 581-acre Kennesaw Campus and the 200-acre Marietta Campus, both in the Atlanta metropolitan area. This strategic location near major employers like Coca-Cola and Lockheed Martin provides ample opportunities for internships and collaborations. KSU's commitment to employer branding in higher education makes it an attractive destination for professionals seeking impactful careers.
Jobs at Kennesaw State University span faculty, staff, and administrative roles, catering to diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Faculty positions include tenure-track professors, lecturers, and adjuncts in fields like nursing, computer science, and international affairs. For a full breakdown, explore university job types.
KSU prioritizes roles that align with its R2 research classification (high research activity), offering opportunities in research jobs funded by NSF grants and industry partnerships.
To understand jobs at Kennesaw State University, key terms include:
Jobs at Kennesaw State University demand specific qualifications tailored to the role. For faculty positions, a PhD in the relevant field is standard, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for nursing roles or PhD in Civil Engineering for construction management.
Research focus varies by college: the College of Computing emphasizes cybersecurity and data science, while the School of Music prioritizes performance and composition. Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 5+ in top journals), grant funding (NSF or NIH awards averaging $200K+), and teaching excellence demonstrated by student evaluations above 4.5/5.
Administrative jobs may require a master's in higher education administration and 5+ years in academia. Learn more about higher ed admin jobs.
The application process for KSU jobs begins on the university's careers site, where candidates submit a CV, cover letter, transcripts, and references. Searches often involve committee reviews, teaching demos, and research presentations.
Average hiring timeline is 4-6 months. Tips: Quantify achievements (e.g., "Secured $500K grant") and highlight Georgia ties for local advantage.
KSU champions diversity through the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity, offering training via the Inclusive Excellence Certificate. Initiatives include the Latinx Faculty/Staff Association, PRIDE Center for LGBTQ+ support, and the Myrdal Grant for underrepresented scholars ($5K awards). In 2023, 45% of faculty hires were from diverse backgrounds, exceeding national averages. Programs like the Presidential Scholars Academy promote underrepresented student success, extending to staff development.
KSU fosters work-life balance with flexible schedules, remote options for some roles, and 24/7 gym access. Employees enjoy tuition waivers (up to 6 credits/semester), parental leave (12 weeks), and wellness programs like free counseling. Campus life buzzes with events: Owl Palooza festivals, athletics (NCAA Division I Atlantic Sun Conference), and cultural centers. The Kennesaw Campus features trails and art installations; Marietta offers tech makerspaces. Proximity to Atlanta provides concerts and dining, while suburban settings ensure family-friendly living. Surveys show 85% employee satisfaction with balance.
KSU offers competitive salaries (associate professors ~$95K), growth in a growing metro area, and impact on 43,000+ students. From lecturer jobs to executive leadership, opportunities abound in a supportive environment.
In summary, pursuing jobs at Kennesaw State University means joining a thriving community. Explore higher ed jobs, career advice at higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your opening via recruitment and post a job.
