Associate Professor Psychology Jobs in Decatur, GA

About Us
Dalton State College delivers a transformational education experience in a community serving more than 5,000 students through its two campuses and online programs. A member of the University System of Georgia , we provide access to high-quality bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and career and teaching certificate programs that are responsive to regional and state needs.
Located about 90 minutes from Atlanta and 30 minutes from Chattanooga, Dalton State is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in northwest Georgia and is surrounded by abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. We attract students from 35 countries and 26 states. Approximately half of our students are first-generation college students. Dalton State is Georgia's first federally-designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI); through this designation, we administer a Title V and a Title III HSI STEM Grant program that benefit all students.
Our mission and values undergird our commitment to creating a sense of belonging for all students and to ensuring their success. Dalton State was ranked #1 in the nation for Student Experience in The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2024 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings and the #2 most recommended institution in the country in 2025. In addition, we are proud to have been recognized in 2024 as one of 75 "Great Colleges to Work For" by ModernThink, along with an Honor Roll distinction.
Job Summary
Dalton State College invites applications for a full-time, 10-month faculty position in Psychology, beginning on August 1, 2026. Depending on experience and qualifications, the appointment will be made at either the tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor or Lecturer level.
Teach. Engage. Inspire.
Dalton State is seeking a student-focused educator who is passionate about teaching and mentoring undergraduate students in a supportive, collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellence, or potential for excellence, in:

1. Teaching and student learning
2. Supporting student success through active engagement and mentoring
3. Research, scholarship, or creative activity, especially projects that involve students
4. Service to the institution and community
5. Professional growth and continued learning

Teaching responsibilities are 24 credit hours per academic year for a tenure-track faculty or 27 credit hours per academic year for a Lecturer. Courses may be offered during the day, evening, online, or at off-campus locations. Faculty also participate in curriculum development, student advising, assessment of learning outcomes, and campus or community service.
Preference may be given to candidates with experience or expertise in social psychology, developmental psychology, or industrial/organizational psychology.
Exceptional Facilities for Teaching and Research
The School of Arts and Sciences provides excellent facilities for teaching and undergraduate research in Psychology. Faculty and students have access to:

• A small mammal lab
• A fish lab
• An interview and observation room.

These resources allow for authentic, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for graduate programs and careers in psychology, education, health, and human services.
Application Process
Priority consideration will be afforded to those applicants who submit a completed application by Friday, January 30, 2026 . The search will continue until the position is filled. Applications must include these documents:

1. Letter of application that directly responds to the position description, highlights your relevant qualifications, and demonstrates how your professional experience aligns with the mission, values, and academic environment of Dalton State College.
2. A resume or curriculum vitae.
3. List of three professional references: please include full name, job title, organization, phone number and email address, a brief description of relationship with reference. Include current and/or past employers.
4. S tatement of teaching philosophy and transcripts of all college work. Unofficial transcripts will suffice for initial screening; however, official transcripts will be required upon employment.

Minimum Starting Salary:

• $53,000/$58,000 with a doctorate in a tenure track position; $44,000 for Lecturer.
• Salary commensurate with education level and experience.

Individuals with a masters degree as the highest level of education will have a 10% decrease in starting pay in a tenure track position.
Benefits include:
Healthcare options
Retirement option: Teachers Retirement Systems (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
Tuition assistance
$100 annually in well-being rewards
Paid sick leave
Paid parental leave
Winter break (December Holidays)
USG Benefits
Responsibilities
Major Duties - 100%
-Teach courses at the undergraduate level.
-Academic advising and mentoring students.
-Participate in service activities in the department, college, community, and other appropriate activities related to the field of expertise.
-Engage students in undergraduate research projects.
Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements
Applicants must hold an earned masters degree from an accredited institution with a minimum of 18 graduate credits in the teaching discipline, or closely related field.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Educational Qualifications
Earned doctorate
Preferred Experience
-College classroom teaching experience.
-Experience or interest in supervising undergraduate research
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
SKILLS
-Evidence of effective teaching or potential for teaching excellence.
-Strong oral and written communication skills.
-Ability to teach effectively in face-to-face, hybrid, and online learning environments.
-Commitment to engaging students, accommodating a variety of learning styles, and incorporating applied and experiential learning strategies.
-Commitment to educating, mentoring, and empowering students, particularly those who are first-generation college students, to achieve academic and personal success.
-Dedication to supporting the vision, mission, and values of Dalton State College.
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Conditions of Employment
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Dalton State College, as determined by Dalton State College in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of Dalton State College (DSC). As a member of the University System of Georgia, we follow the Board of Regents' policy, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any DSC program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.
All employment processes and decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and tenure, shall be free of ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements. The basis and determining factor for all such decisions should be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role, and is believed to have the ability to successfully perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position for which the individual is being considered. At the core of any such decision is ensuring the institution's ability to achieve its mission and strategic priorities in support of student success.
Dalton State College is an Equal Opportunity Institution. For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy, please contact Dalton State College's Office of Human Resources at 706-272-2034. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 706-272-2034.
Other Information
This is not a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is not considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position will not travel
This position does not require security clearance.