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Political Science Instructor Jobs in Grand Rapids, MI

Political Science Instructor information

See Grand Rapids, MI salary details

$64K

$81.6K

$97.5K

How much do political science instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for political science instructor in Grand Rapids, MI is $81,637.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,900.00 and $90,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a political science instructor do?

As a political science instructor, your job is to teach students about topics like political systems, political decision-making, and political ideology. This position is almost always limited to college and university campuses. Aside from each course you teach in person, you may also need to prepare and instruct an online class. Your school may ask you to perform research and decide when to incorporate recent events into the curriculum. In some cases, you may be asked to provide commentary on recent events. This could take place on television, in a local newspaper, over a podcast, or through any other news outlet. Teaching a night class is also a possibility with this position.

What does a political science instructor do?

A Political Science Instructor teaches students about government systems, political theories, international relations, and public policies. They design and deliver lectures, lead classroom discussions, and create assignments to help students understand complex political concepts. Instructors also assess student progress, provide feedback, and may conduct research or participate in academic conferences. Their goal is to foster critical thinking and a deeper understanding of political processes among their students.

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

To thrive as a Political Science Instructor, you need a strong academic background in political science, often requiring at least a master's degree or Ph.D. in the field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), digital research databases, and curriculum development tools is typically expected. Outstanding communication, critical thinking, and the ability to engage and inspire students are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure effective teaching, foster student understanding, and contribute to a stimulating academic environment.

How do political science instructors typically balance teaching responsibilities with research and curriculum development?

Political Science Instructors often split their time between classroom teaching, grading, and developing course materials, while also staying updated on current events and political theories to enrich their curriculum. Many instructors are also involved in ongoing research or publishing, which can be both a challenge and a growth opportunity. Collaboration with colleagues for interdisciplinary projects or curriculum planning is common, and instructors may participate in faculty meetings or student advising. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong time management skills and a passion for mentoring students and advancing the field.

What is the difference between Political Science Instructor vs Political Science Professor?

AspectPolitical Science InstructorPolitical Science Professor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree or master's in political science or related field; teaching certification often preferredDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) in political science or related field; extensive research experience
Work EnvironmentCommunity colleges, technical schools, or adult education programsUniversities and research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions offering undergraduate coursesHigher education institutions with research and teaching roles
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding teaching roles at different education levelsAcademic career progression and qualifications

In summary, a Political Science Instructor typically holds a bachelor's or master's degree and teaches at community colleges or technical schools, focusing on undergraduate education. A Political Science Professor usually has a Ph.D. and works at universities, engaging in both teaching and research. The main difference lies in educational requirements, work environment, and career level.

What can I teach with a political science instructor degree?

A political science instructor degree qualifies individuals to teach political science at high school, college, or university levels. It also provides a foundation for careers in public policy, government, or research, often requiring additional certifications or advanced degrees for certain teaching positions.
Infographic showing various Political Science Instructor job openings in Grand Rapids, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,637 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Adjunct Pool Political Science Instructor

Muskegon Community College

Muskegon, MI

Part-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Muskegon Community College, an associate degree-granting institution of higher education, is a center for lifelong learning which provides a person the opportunity to attain their educational goals by offering programs that respond to individual, community, and global needs. We are seeking qualified candidates for Adjunct Instructors.

The Adjunct Instructor Pools are for applicants who are interested in teaching in the future as an (part-time) adjunct instructor for one of our departments. The Instructor Pools are always open for applications. However, this does not mean that we have an immediate opening in the division.  The Adjunct Instructor Pools function as a way for department chairs to view applicant materials in advance of a need, and determine if the applicant will be approved or not approved to be added to their pool of eligible applicants. Should a part-time instructional need arise in a given department, the department chair will look first at the approved applicants to see if anyone matches our needs, in which case they may make contact to schedule an interview


Required Skills

Master's Degree in discipline or 18 credits in the specific discipline. Prefer teaching experience at the college level. Demonstrated ability to work with various populations representing a wide range of abilities, ages, nationalities and cultures. Experience with instructional technology preferred.

Responsible for instruction and facilitating student learning; committed to student recruitment, retention and success; assessment of learning, development of curriculum and use of instructional delivery modes utilizing both traditional and non-traditional methodology.

  1. Teach assigned course which may include day, night, and online courses, as well as at the main campus and extension centers. Classes are to meet on time for the full allotted time.
  2. Establish and promote an effective learning environment that maximize documented student learning.
  3. Prepare, submit and maintain reports related to student learning.
  4. Grading assignments in a meaningful way to promote continued student growth, returning graded assignments to students in a timely manner, and assigning final grades for all students, meeting or beating all institutional deadlines for completion.
  5. Provide educational assistance to students during regularly scheduled and posted times (i.e., office hours) or by appointment.
  6. Encourage student opinion survey completion for each class and then reviewed after summary information available to assist with increasing student success.
  7. Maintain levels of professional knowledge and expertise, including compliance training or hour.
  8. Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical, Mental, and Environment Requirements Include:

Mental Demands:

 

Detailed Work                                           ☒ Student Contact

☒ Deadline oriented                                       ☒ Problem Situations  

☒ Multiple Priorities & Demands                     ☒ Emergency Situations

☒ Confidentiality                                            ☐ On-call Availability

☒ Continual Interruptions                              ☒ Working Alone

☒ Faculty Contact                                          ☒ Working with Others

 

Physical Demands:

☐ Standing & Walking                                                ☒ Sitting

☒ Carrying                

☐ Lifting up to 10 lbs.            ☒ Up to 25 lbs.           ☐ Up to 50 lbs.            ☐ 80 + lbs.

☐   Pushing, Pulling, Twisting, Bending            ☐ Climb or Balance

☐   Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, or Crawl                ☐ Squatting     

☐   Handle or Feel                                          ☐ Reach with Hands and Arms

☒   Talking or hearing                                      ☐ Tasting/Smelling

☐   Working Overhead                                   ☒ Speak in English via Phone or In Person

☒   Close, Distance, Peripheral, and Color Vision along with Depth Perceptions

☒   Ability to Adjust and Focus

 

Work Environment:

☐ Exposure to wet, humid conditions (non-weather), fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme heat/cold; and moderate to loud noise levels.

☒ Normal Office environment with little, if, any, discomfort due to heat, dust, noise and the like. Ability to travel to all campus locations required.

Muskegon Community College is an equal opportunity employer. MCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, political persuasion, disability, height, weight, veteran status, age or any other protected class in any of its educational programs, activities or employment.  Minorities, women, veterans, and the physically challenged are encouraged to apply.  To the extent required by applicable law, anyone with a disability will be reasonably accommodated by the College.  If you have a disability and need an accommodation or assistance in applying for this position, please contact the Human Resources Office.


Required Experience