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Religious Studies Professor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Religious Studies Professor information

What is a religious studies professor?

Religious Studies Professors are educators and researchers who specialize in the academic study of religion. They teach courses on various religions, belief systems, and their historical, cultural, and philosophical contexts at colleges or universities. In addition to teaching, they often conduct scholarly research, publish academic papers, and participate in conferences. They may also advise students and contribute to curriculum development within their department. Their expertise helps students understand the diverse ways in which religion shapes societies and individual lives.

What does a religious studies professor do?

Religious studies is the academic discipline of studying one or several religious traditions or their adherents’ behaviors in a critical light. A religious studies professor may specialize in specific beliefs, institutions, texts, a religious language, such as Hebrew, Greek, Arabic, or Sanskrit, a historical period, or a more abstract field, such as theories or philosophies of religion. Your main duties include a mix of teaching, research, and advising students. Depending on the University, you may serve as an advisor to a graduate student writing their thesis or dissertation. You also have administrative responsibilities, such as professional development, faculty meetings, and departmental administration.

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

To thrive as a Religious Studies Professor, you need advanced academic credentials (usually a Ph.D.) in religious studies or a related field, along with strong research and teaching experience. Familiarity with learning management systems (such as Canvas or Blackboard) and research databases is typically required. Excellent communication, cultural sensitivity, and critical thinking skills help professors engage diverse student audiences and facilitate open dialogue. These skills are vital for fostering an inclusive learning environment and advancing scholarly understanding of complex religious topics.

What are some common challenges religious studies professors face when balancing teaching, research, and service responsibilities?

Religious Studies Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including designing and delivering engaging courses, conducting original research, and participating in departmental or university committees. Balancing these duties can be challenging, especially during peak times like grading periods or research deadlines. Professors must also stay current with developments in their field and foster an inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds. Effective time management and clear communication with colleagues are key to managing these demands successfully.

What is the difference between Religious Studies Professor vs Theology Professor?

AspectReligious Studies ProfessorTheology Professor
Required CredentialsDoctorate in Religious Studies or related fieldDoctorate in Theology or related field
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, research institutionsReligious institutions, seminaries, universities
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, research organizationsReligious organizations, seminaries, academic settings
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Religious Studies Professors focus on the academic study of religion, including history, culture, and societal impacts, often in secular or academic settings. Theology Professors typically specialize in religious doctrine, faith, and spiritual interpretation, often within religious institutions or seminaries. While both roles require advanced degrees, their focus and work environments differ, making this comparison useful for those exploring careers in religious academia.

What can you do with a PhD in religious studies?

A PhD in religious studies prepares individuals for academic careers as university professors, researchers, or scholars specializing in religious history, theology, or cultural studies. Graduates can also work in areas such as religious organizations, interfaith dialogue, or cultural analysis, often requiring strong research, writing, and critical thinking skills.

What kind of job can I get with a religious studies professor degree?

A religious studies professor can pursue careers in higher education as faculty members, teaching courses on religion, theology, and related topics. Graduates can also work in religious organizations, non-profits, interfaith dialogue, or cultural institutions, often utilizing research, writing, and public speaking skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Religious Studies Professor jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Religious Studies Professor jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Religious Studies Professor jobs in Michigan?

For Religious Studies Professor jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Religious Studies Professor jobs in MI?

For Religious Studies Professor jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Religious Studies Professor job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Tenure Track, Assistant Professor in Medical Humanities and Clinical Bioethics

Oakland University

Rochester, MI • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


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Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Job Title
Tenure Track, Assistant Professor in Medical Humanities and Clinical Bioethics
Department
0100 - School of Medicine
Requisition No.
0000813
Job Description Summary
The Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine is seeking applicants for an Assistant Professor (Full Time, 12-month, Tenure Track) in Medical Humanities and Clinical Bioethics. Medical Humanities and Clinical Bioethics is central to the mission of Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine and extends throughout the medical school curriculum. The School of Medicine recognizes outstanding and innovative teaching, scholarship/research, and service as a basis for promotion and tenure. The successful candidate will be expected to work with an interdisciplinary team of master educators from other basic science disciplines and clinical faculty to implement educational content for medical humanities and clinical bioethics in an innovative and integrated curriculum. The successful candidate is also expected to support the activities of the Center for Moral Values in Health and Medicine at Oakland University, as well as serve as a part-time clinical ethics consultant for Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital.
General Responsibilities:
1. Provide instruction in the Medical Humanities and Clinical Bioethics course sequence and in other courses as appropriate.
2. Coordinate and integrate curricular content with other MHCB faculty and clinical and non-clinical faculty.
3. Develop and implement clear learning objectives for medical education, utilize best instructional practices to support student learning, and ensure all teaching materials use inclusive language and reflect diverse perspectives.
4. Demonstrate the ability to produce and disseminate scholarly work on topics in clinical bioethics and medical humanities.
5. Perform administrative duties such as serving as course director, as negotiated and assigned.
6. Participate in service activities to the Department, University, Medical School, and wider community, including serving on committees and participating in community initiatives.
7. Maintain and improve competence in subject content and instructional methodology through various professional development activities within and outside of the medical school.
8. Support activities of the Center for Moral Values in Health and Medicine.
9. Perform consultation, policy, and education for the ethics service at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital.
Minimum Qualifications
A. A PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. bioethics, philosophy, anthropology, sociology, or religious studies).
B. Experience in course development and effective teaching of clinical bioethics or medical humanities.
C. Potential for scholarly activity that would merit appointment in a biomedical department with a focus on clinical bioethics or medical humanities.
D. Commitment to an institutional culture that promotes belonging and respects all differences.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please upload a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae, copy of your transcripts, concise statement of teaching philosophy, a sample syllabus and course evaluations (upload under "Other Document"), and the names and contact information for three professional references. Letters of recommendation will be requested from candidates who are being seriously considered. Review of applications will begin April 10th and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries should be addressed to Abram Brummett, Ph.D. (abrummett@oakland.edu), Search Committee Chair.
School/College & Department/Program Summary
The Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine is a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and technologically advanced learning community, dedicated to enabling students to become skillful, ethical, and compassionate physicians, inquisitive scientists who are invested in the scholarship of discovery, and dynamic and effective medical educators. Please visit our website to learn more: https://www.oakland.edu/medicine/
More About Oakland University
The University is located on 1,443 acres of scenic land in the cities of Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills in Oakland County, Michigan. The University offers 142 bachelor's degree programs and 138 graduate degree and certificate programs. Academics include programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration, School of Education and Human Services, School of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Nursing. As an anchor institution in southeastern Michigan that is dedicated to building ongoing, collaborative relationships, Oakland University embraces community and civic engagement to enhance the lives of its students and positively impact the broader community. Learn more about Oakland University's Mission & Vision and Strategic Plan.
Pay Basis
Open Date
03/10/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Job Category
Full-time Faculty
EEO Statement
Oakland University is an Equal Opportunity institution.

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