1

Geography Professor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Geography Professor information

What does a geography professor do?

A Geography Professor teaches courses related to physical and human geography at the college or university level. They develop curricula, deliver lectures, guide student research, and often conduct their own academic research in various areas of geography. In addition to teaching, they may publish scholarly articles, attend conferences, and contribute to their academic community through service roles. Geography Professors help students understand topics like climate, landforms, population, and the relationship between humans and their environment. Their work often combines classroom instruction with practical fieldwork and analysis.

What does a geography professor do?

As a geography professor, your job is to teach geography classes at a college or university. In this role, you may help students learn more about the different types of geography within the country, help write a curriculum, and adjust lesson plans based on the unique learning needs of each student. Geography professors often participate in school activities and events, and you may personally oversee the education of graduate students or the daily work of assistant professors. You may also perform research when not teaching classes. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of this job sometimes involves writing books, recording videos, or providing input for news companies looking for expert explanations of recent geographic events.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a geography professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Geography Professor, you need an advanced degree in geography or a related field, a strong research background, and expertise in both physical and human geography. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), statistical software, and academic publishing platforms is typically required. Excellent communication, mentorship, and critical thinking skills help engage students and foster a collaborative learning environment. These competencies ensure effective teaching, impactful research, and meaningful contributions to the academic community.

What are some common challenges geography professors face when balancing research and teaching responsibilities?

Geography Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including designing and delivering engaging lectures, mentoring students, and conducting original research. One common challenge is finding time to pursue research projects and secure funding while meeting teaching obligations and departmental service commitments. Effective time management and collaboration with colleagues can help, but it’s important to set realistic goals and communicate openly with department leadership about workload. Universities typically offer support through research grants, teaching assistants, and sabbaticals to help manage these demands.

What is the difference between Geography Professor vs Geography Teacher?

AspectGeography ProfessorGeography Teacher
Required CredentialsDoctorate or Master’s degree in Geography or related fieldBachelor’s degree or teaching certification in Geography
Work EnvironmentColleges and universities, research settingsHigh schools, middle schools, or community education programs
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, academic researchSecondary education institutions, public or private schools
Common Search & Comparison IntentAcademic career, research opportunitiesClassroom teaching, student engagement

While both Geography Professors and Geography Teachers work in educational settings related to geography, Professors typically hold advanced degrees and teach at the college level, focusing on research and higher education. Teachers usually have a bachelor's degree and teaching certification, working in primary or secondary schools to instruct students directly. The roles differ mainly in educational level, credentials, and work environment, but both contribute to geography education.

Infographic showing various Geography Professor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Professor of Criminology

Newport News, VA • On-site


Christopher Newport University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 501 - 1,000 employees

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 627 rated colleges and universities

Good employer


$78 - $88/hr

Other

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Position InformationWorking Title

Assistant Professor of Criminology

Appointment Type

Full Time

Purpose of Position

The Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Anthropology at Christopher Newport University invites applications for a tenure-track position in Criminology, effective August 2027.
The successful candidate will join a vibrant department of 17 full‑time faculty and 400 students dedicated to interdisciplinarity, collegiality, and community‑engaged scholarship and education. We offer undergraduate majors in Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, and Social Work and we are currently developing a Master’s of Science in Criminology (pending approval to begin in August 2027).

We seek a broadly trained criminologist who will expand the ranks of our faculty and who will contribute to our rapidly growing criminology major and new Master’s program. The area of specialization for this position is open, but preference is given to candidates who could expand our current curriculum and/or contribute to areas of teaching need, including critical approaches to criminal justice systems and policy, and race and inequality. In addition to teaching courses in their area(s) of specialization, the successful candidate will also have teaching responsibilities in core criminology courses at the undergraduate and/or graduate level, which could include introduction to criminology, criminological theory, research methods, policy analysis and/or capstone courses. The nominal teaching load for tenure track appointments is 3‑3. We seek a teacher‑scholar who is committed to undergraduate education, who will engage with a diverse group of students in and out of the classroom, and who will pursue a robust research agenda in their area of expertise.

A Ph.D. in Criminology, Sociology, or a closely related field is required for appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor. A J.D. alone is not sufficient for consideration. In some cases, exceptionally well‑qualified candidates may be considered for appointment at a higher rank and ABD candidates who will not hold the Ph.D. by the time of appointment may be considered for appointment at the rank of Instructor.

Salary Information:
The salary for this position ranges from $78,000 to $88,000 commensurate with Education and Experience.

Departmental Information

The Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Anthropology at Christopher Newport University is composed of 17 faculty and offers majors in Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, and Social Work, minors in Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, and Geography, and an undergraduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems ( GIS ). SSWA also houses two research centers: The Center for Crime, Equity, and Justice ( CCEJ ) and the Center for Education Research and Policy ( CERP ), each with robust public‑facing and policy‑oriented research agendas and extensive local and state‑level relationships.

Our goal is to develop students into critical thinkers, readers and writers who go on to become global citizens with compassion, communicative skills, and knowledge to help others. In new faculty we seek excellence in teaching, promising scholarship, supportive collegiality, and the ability to inspire passion for research in our students. Candidates wishing to know more about the department and its academic programs are invited to visit https://cnu.edu/academics/css/sswa/.

CNU Information

Christopher Newport University is a public liberal arts institution dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship, research and student success. Our efforts are guided by our vision: “Anchored in excellence and focused on students, Christopher Newport University aspires to be the nation’s premier regional public university, offering an innovative education embedded in the liberal arts that advances the values of honor, service, scholarship, and leadership to empower graduates to lead lives of significance.

Located in Newport News, Virginia, CNU enrolls approximately 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students in more than 90 areas of study. Our modern, walkable campus features world‑class arts facilities, advanced technology, and a close‑knit community that fosters collaboration and discovery. Just minutes from family neighborhoods, locally‑owned businesses, historic sites, unique cultural attractions, and beautiful parks – and a short drive to beaches, Colonial Williamsburg, and Norfolk – CNU offers an exceptional place to advance your career, contribute to a community of scholars, and inspire the next generation.

Christopher Newport University is committed to ensuring that all people are welcomed, honored, and fully engaged in the life of our academic community. We recruit exceptional and diverse faculty and encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in their profession. For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit http://www.cnu.edu .

Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Graduate Transcripts
  • Statement of Research Interests
  • Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness
  • Contact Information for at Least Three References
  • Letter of Interest
Optional Documents
  • Letter of Recommendation #1
  • Letter of Recommendation #2
  • Letter of Recommendation #3

1 Avenue of the Arts
Newport News, VA 23606
P: (757) 594-7000
F: (757) 594-7230
hr@cnu.edu

#J-18808-Ljbffr


What Christopher Newport University employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom