1

Assistant Professor Counseling Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Professor Counseling information

What is the difference between Assistant Professor Counseling vs Assistant Professor Psychology?

AspectAssistant Professor CounselingAssistant Professor Psychology
Required CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Counseling or related field; often a Ph.D. or Ed.D.Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Psychology
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, counseling centersUniversities, research institutions, clinics
Employer & IndustryHigher education institutions, mental health organizationsAcademic institutions, research organizations
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Assistant Professor Counseling and Assistant Professor Psychology share similar academic requirements and work environments within higher education. However, Counseling focuses more on mental health counseling, therapy, and student support, while Psychology emphasizes research, psychological theory, and broader mental health studies. Both roles involve teaching, research, and service, but their specialization areas differ, making them distinct career paths within academia.

What is an assistant professor counseling?

Assistant Professor Counseling positions are academic roles in colleges or universities focused on teaching, research, and service in the field of counseling. Individuals in these positions typically instruct undergraduate or graduate courses in counseling, advise students, conduct scholarly research, and participate in departmental and university service. They are often involved in curriculum development and may supervise student clinical experiences. Assistant Professors are usually on a tenure-track, meaning they are working toward earning tenure based on their performance in teaching, research, and service. These roles require advanced degrees, usually a doctorate in counseling or a related field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant professor of counseling?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor of Counseling, you need an advanced degree in counseling or a related field, relevant teaching experience, and a strong research background. Familiarity with learning management systems, counseling assessment tools, and professional licensure (such as LPC or NCC) are typically required. Excellent interpersonal skills, mentorship abilities, and strong communication help foster student growth and collaboration within academic settings. These skills and qualifications ensure effective teaching, student engagement, and meaningful contributions to departmental goals and research.

What are typical collaborative opportunities for assistant professors in counseling within academic departments?

Assistant Professors in Counseling frequently collaborate with colleagues on research projects, curriculum development, and community outreach initiatives. They often partner with faculty from related disciplines, such as psychology or social work, to design interdisciplinary courses or joint research studies. Additionally, they may work closely with school counseling centers, local agencies, or clinical supervisors to provide students with practical training experiences. This collaborative environment supports both professional growth and the enhancement of counseling programs.
Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Counseling job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Assistant or Associate Professor of Counseling

University of Detroit Mercy

Detroit, MI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


University Of Detroit Mercy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

529th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description


Job ID

UF9955-0110-1946


Position Summary  

University of Detroit Mercy Department Counseling program invites applications for a tenure-track position at the assistant or associate professor rank in our nationally-recognized Counseling program to begin August, 2026. The Counseling program offers Master's programs with specialties in Addiction, Clinical Mental Health, and School Counseling, and a doctoral program to be launched in Fall, 2027. Responsibilities include teaching core courses in the Counseling program, engaging in research and scholarly activities, student advising, curriculum oversight, and providing an array of service activities. Teaching is exclusively and intentionally face-to-face, delivered in our campus-based counseling program in the heart of the city of Detroit. The Counseling program also operates a completely no-cost Counseling Clinic to serve the mental and behavioral health needs of the public while also operating as a teaching Clinic. 


Typical teaching load includes nine credit hours per semester with a nine-month appointment. Supplemental summer appointments in teaching are also available. 

Requirements


Minimum Qualifications  

  • Ph.D. in Counseling from a CACREP-accredited program within a non-profit, traditional academic institution;
  • Master's degree in Counseling from a CACREP-accredited program from a non-profit, traditional academic institution;
  • Clinical practice experience; 
  • Licensed Professional Counselor/equivalent and/or ability to attain full licensure in Michigan;
  • Potential for or record of successful teaching;
  • Potential for or record of scholarly productivity;
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice and advocacy. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Significant counseling experience excluding practicum and internship;
  • Record of peer-reviewed publication(s) and/or other scholarly publishing;
  • Experience working in an urban environment and/or experience with marginalized individuals.

Physical Requirements  

The job may require lifting lightweight objects (1 to 15 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping.


Work Environment  

Regular exposure to a standard office and classroom conditions.


Salary/Pay Information

Rank and salary will be commensurate with experience. The university has excellent benefits including medical and dental insurance, retirement plan with match and tuition benefits for employees and their dependents. 


Anticipated Schedule  

Schedule subject to change pending semester workload.


Additional Information   

Consideration of Associate Professor Rank:

To be considered for the rank of Associate Professor, applicants must currently hold the rank of Associate Professor. Such applications will be evaluated consistent with department, college, and university criteria for Associate Professor rank that include but are not limited to demonstrated excellence in teaching, a strong record of scholarship, and a record of service at various levels within the University and to the profession.

Applications should include

  • Current CV
  • Names and contact information of 4 references.
  • A letter of interest indicating one's qualifications for the position. 

Applications are due June 20, 2026, and review of applications will begin immediately until the position is filled. Please direct any questions about the position to Dr. Nancy Calleja, Department Chair, at calleyng@udmercy.edu 


Employee Benefits

At the University of Detroit Mercy we continually strive to provide a high-quality, comprehensive benefits package to our valued employees. We offer our employees the following: 

Medical -

      o Three health plans to choose from with a large national provider network

Dental -

     o Option to purchase additional dental plan through Sun Life 

Dental Care is available at the School of Dentistry to the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents (dependents shall be as defined for Internal Revenue Service purposes).

The fee for such services shall be waived for the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents, up to a cap of $3,000 per individual per calendar year. Beyond the $3,000 cap amount, employees will be responsible to pay 25% of any remaining fees for the balance of that year.

Vision - 

o Option to purchase additional vision plan through Heritage

Vision benefits available at Detroit Mercy Eye Institute

$35 Comprehensive Eye Exam

Contact Lens Exam starting at $7o

50% off Optical Frames

25% off Sun Frames

30% off Prescription Lenses

20% off Prescription Contact Lenses

*Cannot be combined with insurance*

Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options

Employee Assistance Program -

     o Provided to everyone in your household

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

Life and AD&D - 

      o One times base salary up to a hundred thousand dollars

Option to purchase additional life insurance, accident insurance, and/or critical illness insurance

Tuition Remission Benefit for you, your spouse, and children

Retirement Plan - 

Employees have a choice of the following:

Employees who contribute 3% shall receive an Employer contribution of 6%, and employees who contribute 4% in the plan shall receive an Employer contribution of 8%.


Michigan's largest, most comprehensive private University, University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University's mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a diverse student body and welcomes persons of all backgrounds. 


What University Of Detroit Mercy employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom