Job Posting Details

Position

Assistant Professor, Mass Communication

Department

College of Fine Arts, Fain

Job Classification(s):

The following positions will be considered for this opening.
Please use the links below to open job description(s) in a NEW WINDOW.

• Assistant Professor

Starting Date

Fall 2026

Responsibilities

The Department of Mass Communication in the Lamar D. Fain College of Fine Arts at Midwestern State University invites applications for a full-time tenure-track, Assistant Professor to begin in August 2026. We are looking for a colleague who is excited to work with students and who believes journalism has an essential place in our society.

As a faculty member, you will be expected to:

1) teach a range of journalism courses (including print, digital and broadcast journalism) and other courses in the major as needed; 2) serve as an academic adviser; 3) lead students to participate in extracurricular activities such as student media and internships; 4) maintain a record of scholarly activities commensurate with rank; 5) actively recruit; 6) engage in other departmental, university and community service; 7) develop relationships with area professionals; 8) be a positive representative of the department both on and off campus; and 9) perform other duties as assigned  

About the College:

The Lamar D. Fain College of Fine Arts encompasses undergraduate programs in art, mass communication, music and theatre. The college prides itself on ensuring that its students do what they study and is committed to offering individualized instruction in functional, safe, modern surroundings. Emphasis is placed on applying classroom learning to process and performance. Students are taught to create within their disciplines and are also challenged to evaluate the quality of what they have created, to assess the effect of their creations on the wider culture, and to aspire to professionalism and excellence.

About the Department/School/Area:

The mission of the Mass Communication program is to prepare graduates for employment in the multidiscipline media arena and/or graduate education. Our curriculum stresses theoretical principles, such as First Amendment law, media ethics and media history, as well as practical application, including skills such as writing, editing, production and digital media. Our students win awards in state, regional and national competitions on an annual basis. Alumni have won Pulitzer Prizes and gone on to some of the best graduate schools in the country.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

1.    A doctorate or terminal degree in mass communication or a related field is required for the rank of assistant professor on tenure track. Candidates who are ABD and within one year of a completed doctorate will be considered for instructor and can be converted to tenure-track after completion of the doctorate. 

2.    Related teaching experience, especially at the undergraduate level (full-time teaching experience is preferred but we will also consider those with experience teaching as a graduate assistant); professional experience in the field of journalism; ability to teach core courses such as Mass Media and Society, Film Appreciation, and Interpersonal Communication.

3.    Proven research agenda or the potential to implement a research agenda.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, individuals with the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply: experience in advising student media; experience in academic advising; experience with recruiting; or experience with video and/or multimedia production.

Standard Requirements

Requires the ability to maintain positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the community. Must adhere to University’s core values: People-Centered, Community, Integrity, Visionary, and Connections, per the MSU Texas Values Journey. Personal cell phone usage may be required to complete position duties, including multi-function authentication requirements. Regular reliable attendance is required.

This position is designated as security sensitive (Mod) and requires a criminal background check. Position is designated as a Responsible Employee as outlined by Title IX. May serve as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.

Please send information to the contact listed below.