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Assistant Professor Political Science Jobs in Michigan

... sciences. This is a University-year appointment at the Assistant Professor level. The expected ... start date is August 25, 2025. Qualifications We seek applicants with a research agenda focused on ...

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Assistant Professor Political Science information

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$37K

$69.8K

$117.7K

How much do assistant professor political science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor political science in Michigan is $69,777.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $79,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant professor of political science do?

An Assistant Professor of Political Science teaches undergraduate and sometimes graduate courses in political science, conducts research in their area of expertise, and publishes scholarly work. They also advise students, participate in departmental and university service, and may apply for research grants. This position is typically an entry-level, tenure-track faculty role at a college or university.

What are some typical challenges assistant professors of political science face during the tenure-track period?

Assistant Professors in Political Science often balance teaching, research, and service commitments, which can be demanding, especially during the tenure-track years. Managing a heavy teaching load while producing high-quality, publishable research is a common challenge. Additionally, building a professional network, securing research funding, and actively participating in departmental service or committees are essential for career advancement. Developing a clear research agenda and seeking mentorship from senior faculty can help navigate these challenges and set a strong foundation for tenure review.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant professor of political science, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor of Political Science, you generally need a Ph.D. in political science or a closely related field, along with a strong record of research and teaching. Familiarity with academic research databases, statistical analysis software such as SPSS or Stata, and learning management systems like Canvas or Blackboard is typically required. Excellent communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster student engagement and contribute to a collegial academic environment. These competencies are essential for effective teaching, advancing research, and building a positive reputation within the academic community.

What is the difference between Assistant Professor Political Science vs Lecturer Political Science?

AspectAssistant Professor Political ScienceLecturer Political Science
Required CredentialsDoctorate in Political Science or related fieldMaster's degree often sufficient; PhD preferred
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, research, teachingPrimarily teaching-focused, often contract-based
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, research institutionsUniversities, colleges, community colleges
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The main difference between an Assistant Professor Political Science and a Lecturer Political Science lies in their credentials, job responsibilities, and employment status. Assistant Professors typically hold a PhD, engage in research alongside teaching, and have a tenure-track position. Lecturers usually focus primarily on teaching, often with a master's degree, and may work on contract or part-time. Both roles are common in academic settings, but Assistant Professors are more involved in research and long-term academic career development.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Professor Political Science jobs in Michigan?

For Assistant Professor Political Science jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Assistant Professor Political Science jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Assistant Professor Political Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Political Science job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,777 per year, or $33.5 per hour.

Adjunct Instructor - Political Science (Part-time, Temporary)

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI • On-site

$1.4K/wk

Temporary

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


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Job description

Adjunct Instructor - Political Science (Part-time, Temporary)
Job no: 497941
Work type: Faculty - Temporary & Continuing
Location: Big Rapids, MI 49307
Categories: Faculty
Position Title: Adjunct Instructor - Political Science (Part-time, Temporary)
Location: Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Department:
33600 - Social Sciences
Advertised Salary: $1,458 per credit hour; Salary commensurate with qualifications pursuant to the FSU and FNTFO/AFT Agreement.
Benefits:
Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.
Adjunct Faculty
FLSA: Exempt
Temporary/Continuing: Temporary
Part-Time/Full-Time: Part-Time
Union Group: Ferris Nontenure-Track Faculty Organization (FNTFO) (AFT)
Term of Position: As Needed
At Will/Just Cause: Just Cause
Summary of Position:
The Social and Behavioral Sciences Department in the College of Arts, Sciences and Education seeks applicants to provide instruction for a variety of face-to-face and online Political Sciences courses on the Big Rapids, MI campus. Needs vary from semester to semester and may include introductory courses on American Government and other Political Science courses as determined by instructor qualification and departmental needs.
This is a pooled position. One or more applicants may be hired as needed to teach classes on a semester-by-semester basis.
Courses are to be taught in person on one of Ferris State's sites. The candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan by the first day of employment and will perform duties at a Ferris site.
The anticipated start dates for these positions are August 2026 or January 2027, depending on departmental needs.
The selected candidate for this position must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire without employer assistance or sponsorship now or in the future. The university will not assist with any F1 EAD's, OPT, H1B, etc.
Position Type: Faculty - Temporary & Continuing
Required Education: Master's degree in Political Science
Required Work Experience: Higher education teaching experience
Required Licenses and Certifications:
Physical Demands:
  • Office Environment
  • Bending
  • Carrying
  • Moving
  • Reaching
  • Sitting
  • Repetitive movement
  • Standing

Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: Ph.D. in Political Science.
At least two years of higher education teaching experience and some on-line teaching experience.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities: Teaching a variety of Political Science courses as determined by instructor specialty and department needs.
Provide up-to-date coursework and course-related materials.
Maintain a safe and engaging learning environment.
Keep office hours at times convenient for students.
Meet with classes at their scheduled times.
Effective teaching by way of good communication, assessment of student learning, and adaptation to various levels of student preparation.
Carry out teaching and professional development responsibilities under the supervision of the Social Sciences Department Chair and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (or their designee).
Responsibilities include maintaining the confidentiality of designated information and performing duties in compliance with applicable laws, policies and procedures.
Faculty members also have professional responsibilities which may include but are limited to: keeping regularly scheduled office hours (at times convenient for students), and participation in traditional functions (e.g., reporting initial student participation data and submitting final grades on time). Faculty may be required to teach off-campus or online.
Carries out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws.
Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically.
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:
Skills and Abilities: Ability to travel to teaching assignments and events during both day and evening hours.
Ability to provide structured learning experiences utilizing official course learning outcomes.
Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team setting.
Ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
Effective interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, and socioeconomic, and life experiences.
Required Documents:
  • Cover Letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Unofficial Transcript 1
  • Teaching Philosophy

Optional Documents: 2nd transcript of Ph.D. coursework and/or degree, if applicable
Special Instructions to Applicants: Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of Master's Degree.
Unofficial Transcript 2 (OPTIONAL): Applicants should attach a copy of unofficial transcript of Ph.D., if applicable.
Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.
Initial Application Review Date:
August 3, 2026
Open Until Position is Filled?: No
Posting Close Date:
January 30, 2027
EEO Statement: Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD.
Advertised: 17 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 30 Jan 2027 Eastern Standard Time
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