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Communication Studies Instructor Jobs in Denver, CO

Develop and prepare course outlines, study materials, and instructional procedures for student ... communicate and coordinate vehicle or aircraft movement. This position also requires a person to ...

Develop and prepare course outlines, study materials, and instructional procedures for student ... communicate and coordinate vehicle or aircraft movement. This position also requires a person to ...

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Communication Studies Instructor information

See Denver, CO salary details

$46.3K

$72K

$102.9K

How much do communication studies instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for communication studies instructor in Denver, CO is $71,953.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,100.00 and $82,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a communication studies instructor?

Communication Studies Instructors are educators who teach courses related to communication, such as public speaking, interpersonal communication, media studies, and communication theory. They work in colleges, universities, and sometimes high schools, helping students develop effective communication skills for personal, academic, and professional contexts. In addition to lecturing, they may design curricula, lead discussions, assess student performance, and conduct research within the communication field.

What are some common challenges communication studies instructors face when engaging diverse student groups?

Communication Studies Instructors often teach students from a wide range of backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels. A common challenge is adapting teaching methods to engage all learners, fostering inclusive discussions, and ensuring that everyone feels comfortable participating. Instructors also need to stay updated on current communication trends and technologies to keep the curriculum relevant. Building rapport and creating a supportive classroom environment are key to overcoming these challenges, and successful instructors regularly seek student feedback and adjust their approaches accordingly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a communication studies instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Communication Studies Instructor, you need a strong background in communication theory, public speaking, and pedagogy, usually supported by at least a master's degree in communication or a related field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), presentation software, and digital collaboration tools is typically required. Outstanding verbal and written communication, adaptability, and interpersonal skills help you engage diverse student populations and foster a dynamic classroom environment. These skills ensure effective teaching, student engagement, and the development of essential communication abilities in learners.

What is the difference between Communication Studies Instructor vs Communication Coordinator?

AspectCommunication Studies InstructorCommunication Coordinator
Required CredentialsTypically a master's degree or higher in Communication or related fieldBachelor's degree often required; master's preferred
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, classrooms, lecture hallsCorporate, nonprofit, or agency settings, offices, event spaces
Primary ResponsibilitiesTeaching, curriculum development, student assessmentPlanning, executing communication strategies, media relations
Industry UsageHigher education institutionsBusinesses, nonprofits, government agencies

While both roles involve communication skills, a Communication Studies Instructor focuses on teaching and academic research, whereas a Communication Coordinator handles strategic communication and media relations in organizational settings. The choice depends on whether you prefer an educational or corporate environment.

Infographic showing various Communication Studies Instructor job openings in Denver, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,953 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Communication Studies Affiliate Instructor

Denver, CO โ€ข On-site

Metropolitan State University of Denver
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schoolsย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Department
Speech Communication
By applying to this posting, you are entering an applicant pool for affiliate faculty. Screening of applicants will take place when positions come available. The number of these temporary, part-time, non-tenure track academic positions varies from semester to semester, depending on the needs of the program. As such, not everyone in the applicant pool for this position will be contacted and/or selected to teach.
About the University
Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado's extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today's college students.
Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.
At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.
Position Summary
The Department of Communication Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) invites applications for part-time affiliate faculty teaching positions. Faculty in the Department of Communication Studies cultivate student skill in understanding, evaluating, and producing communication. The persons added to our affiliate instructor pool are part-time faculty who work on a contracted basis dependent on department needs. Individuals may apply to teach in these emphasis areas with the defined academic qualifications: Public Speaking, Communication Theory, Organizational Communication, Gender and Communication, Culture and Communication, Rhetoric, and Interpersonal Communication.
Responsibilities
An affiliate faculty member's duties may include but are not limited to: teaching assigned classes in person or online by delivering course content to students, preparing course materials and lesson plans, grading student work, providing students with robust feedback in a timely manner, addressing student questions consistent with university, college/school, and department policies, and providing online or in person academic support to students as needed and appropriate for the teaching assignment; providing instruction in assigned classes consistent with the content and learning objectives of the regular course syllabus and, if required, with department course coordination policies; and complying with university-wide student evaluation of instruction policies and peer observation policies. The ability to adapt and learn new modes of instruction is highly encouraged. Candidates need to be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse student population.
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in Communication Studies or relevant discipline
Preferred Qualifications
  • Doctorate in Communication Studies or relevant discipline
  • Experience working with and sensitivity to the needs of a diverse urban student population including (but not limited to) students of color, LBGTQIA students, students from low-income backgrounds, first-generation students, students with disabilities, undocumented students, non-traditional students, student veterans, and English language learners

Terms of Employment
Affiliate faculty are part-time, at-will employees hired to teach on a per credit hour basis for specific classes, usually on a semester-by-semester basis. Affiliate faculty are not eligible for benefit coverage under the University's benefit program. All such teaching assignments are dependent on budget and enrollment.
Qualified candidates will be expected to teach in person/on campus upon hire.
Salary for Announcement
The final salary is based on the number of credit hours assigned at a rate determined by university policy.
Rate of pay per credit hour assignment can be between $1233 - $1512.
For more information, you may view pay rates here: Affiliate Rates.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online through MSU Denver's career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers, and submit the following required materials:
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Cover letter
  • Copies of all unofficial transcripts
  • Teaching philosophy

Applicants will notice on the application portal there is one location (the resume/cover letter submission field) to upload all required materials. Multiple documents can be submitted into this one field; alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF and upload. Once submitted, you will not be able to edit your application.
Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Posting Representative
Tanya Rogowsky
Posting Representative Email
trogowsk@msudenver.edu
Benefits
The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver's benefits website to learn more.
For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.
Background Checks
Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.
Diversity Statement
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.
We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.