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Mass Communication Professor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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$51.6K

$65.1K

$87.7K

How much do mass communication professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for mass communication professor in Virginia is $65,062.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $71,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mass communication professor?

Mass Communication Professors are educators and researchers who specialize in teaching and studying the theories, practices, and effects of mass media, including journalism, broadcasting, public relations, and digital communication. They typically work at colleges and universities, where they design curriculum, deliver lectures, mentor students, and conduct academic research. In addition to teaching, they often publish scholarly articles, participate in conferences, and contribute to the advancement of media studies. Their work helps prepare students for careers in media and communication industries, as well as fosters a deeper understanding of the role of media in society.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mass communication professor?

To thrive as a Mass Communication Professor, you need advanced academic credentials (typically a PhD), expertise in communication theories, research methods, and media studies. Proficiency with digital media platforms, learning management systems (such as Canvas or Blackboard), and research analysis tools is essential. Strong public speaking, mentorship, and curriculum development skills set outstanding professors apart. These abilities ensure effective teaching, relevant scholarship, and meaningful student engagement in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

What are some common challenges faced by mass communication professors when balancing teaching, research, and industry engagement?

Mass Communication Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including teaching diverse courses, conducting research, and staying connected with industry trends. Balancing these can be challenging, as each area demands significant time and energy. Professors must keep course content current with the rapidly changing media landscape, maintain active research agendas for publication and tenure, and cultivate industry partnerships for student opportunities and their own professional development. Effective time management and strong organizational skills are essential to succeed in this dynamic role.

What is the difference between Mass Communication Professor vs Journalism Instructor?

AspectMass Communication ProfessorJournalism Instructor
Required CredentialsMaster's or Ph.D. in Communication or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Journalism or Communication
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, academic settingsColleges, vocational schools, training programs
Employer & IndustryHigher education institutions, universitiesEducational institutions, media training centers
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for academic roles in communicationRelated to teaching journalism skills

Both roles involve teaching communication-related subjects, but a Mass Communication Professor typically holds advanced degrees and teaches at universities, focusing on media theories, communication research, and broader media studies. A Journalism Instructor often has practical journalism experience and teaches journalism skills at colleges or vocational schools. While both work in educational settings, their focus areas and required credentials differ slightly.

How to become a mass communication professor?

To become a mass communication professor, you typically need a master's degree or higher in mass communication, journalism, or a related field, along with teaching experience or research credentials. Earning a Ph.D. is often required for full-time university positions, and developing expertise in media theory, communication technologies, and research methods is essential. Academic positions may also require publishing scholarly work and participating in conferences.

What type of jobs can you get with a mass communication professor degree?

A degree in mass communication can lead to careers such as mass communication professor, media analyst, public relations specialist, advertising executive, journalist, or media coordinator. These roles often require strong communication, writing, and media production skills, and may involve working in educational institutions, media organizations, or corporate settings.

What are popular job titles related to Mass Communication Professor jobs in Virginia?

For Mass Communication Professor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mass Communication Professor jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Mass Communication Professor jobs in Virginia are:

Mass Communication Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mass Communication Professor job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,062 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Assistant Professor (Journalism) - SCRIPPS HOWARD SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATIONS

Hampton, VA • On-site

Hampton University Faculty
See more jobs at Hampton University Facultyexternal

$70K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Description
The Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications invites nominations and applications for a qualified full-time position of assistant professor in journalism with a start date of August 2026.
Founded in 1868, Hampton University is a leading historically black university (HBCU) located on the Virginia Peninsula in the City of Hampton. It is a privately endowed, co-educational, nonsectarian institution.
The Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications is the result of more than 50 years of mass media-related instruction at Hampton University. Founded in 2002, the Scripps Howard School offers program services to more than 250 students who major in journalism and strategic communication. It emphasizes excellence and innovation in teaching while adhering to the core standards and ethical principles of the industry. The journalism curriculum encompasses the professional values and essential competencies enumerated by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.
Responsibilities
The assistant professor is a full-time faculty member in the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications and will concentrate on teaching classes to meet requirements in the journalism major. The Scripps Howard School desires candidates who can merge theoretic instruction with hands-on opportunities for students that illuminate industry trends and/or show industry needs. Duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Teaching classes geared toward the journalism major.
  • Teaching a 4/4 load including classes such as Reporting and Newswriting Across Platforms, Investigative Reporting, and Content Editing.
  • Mentoring students in the journalism major.
  • Providing writing support for students.
  • Participating in school-wide and university-wide committees.
  • Participating in the development and assessment of student learning.
  • Advising students.

Minimum Qualification/Requirements
Master's degree or higher in journalism, communications, or related field from an accredited institution of higher learning, preferably from an R1 institution. Three (3) years of professional experience in journalism, content editing, reporting, and newswriting.
Recommended Competencies
The successful candidate must possess the following skill set:
  • Demonstrated record of experience in teaching at the tertiary level that resulted in students winning recognition at the local, regional, national, or international level.
  • Demonstrated experience working with faculty, staff and students from diverse ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Outstanding interpersonal, spoken and written communication skills.
  • High energy level and initiative.
  • Member of professional journalism or related organizations.
  • Demonstrated teamwork and effective communication skills with colleagues.
  • Demonstrated best practices in developing and maintaining student relations, decision-making and leadership skills.
  • Classroom leader, colleague and student mentor who helps to advance the success and achievement of students towards the #1 experience in America.
  • Understands, develops, and provides an inclusive learning environment that supports diversity and incorporates sensitivity to diversity within the school and broader university community.
  • Professional network of industry contacts to recommend opportunities for student internships and job placement.
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work in a participatory and collegial setting, managing multiple projects effectively.
  • A collaborative and congenial spirit.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office with the capability to adapt to new media technologies.

Salary is based on qualifications $70,700-$83,596
How to Apply
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a Hampton University Application for Employment for faculty form, a letter outlining the candidate's commitment to teaching, professional and scholarly work, a curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation on company letterhead. Applications may be submitted electronically to Dean Julia Wilson - julia.wilson@hamptonu.edu or mailed to:
Dean Julia A. Wilson
Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications
200 William R. Harvey Way
Scripps Howard Building, Room 110
HAMPTON VA 23669
Phone: (757) 727-5405

Apply